Fayetteville, NC – December 2023 Jobs Report – Signs of Stability with Promising Growth

, ,

December 2023 marked a month of modest gains and positive indicators for Fayetteville’s job market. While the final, seasonally adjusted data isn’t available yet, preliminary figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) paint a picture of a recovering economy showing steady progress.

Highlights:

  • Employment: Total employment in the Fayetteville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) reached 141,200, an increase of 2,400 jobs from November 2023 and 2,300 jobs from December 2022.
  • Unemployment: The unemployment rate fell to 4.4%, indicating a tighter labor market compared to 5.0% in November 2023 and 6.5% in December 2022.

Growing Industries and Occupations:

  • Education and Health Services: This sector led the pack with 500 new jobs, driven by growth in healthcare support occupations and positions in elementary and secondary schools.
  • Leisure and Hospitality: Restaurants and hotels added 300 jobs, reflecting recovering tourism and consumer spending.
  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: This sector gained 200 jobs, primarily in sales and transportation occupations.
  • Professional and Business Services: Employment grew by 100 jobs, highlighting demand for professional, scientific, and technical services.

Shrinking Industries and Occupations:

  • Government: Public sector employment decreased by 100 jobs, potentially due to budget constraints or seasonal fluctuations.
  • Manufacturing: This sector shed 50 jobs, mainly in durable goods manufacturing.
  • Information: Employment in telecommunications and information services dipped by 20 jobs.

Compared to Same Month Last Year:

  • Total employment is up by 2,300 jobs compared to December 2022, representing a 1.7% increase.
  • The unemployment rate has improved significantly, dropping from 6.5% to 4.4%, reflecting a tighter labor market.

Compared to Previous Month:

  • November 2023 saw minimal job gains, while December 2023 witnessed a more pronounced increase, suggesting a potential acceleration in hiring activity.
  • The unemployment rate declined slightly from 5.0% in November, further reinforcing the trend of a strengthening labor market.

Future Outlook:

Economists predict continued job growth for Fayetteville in 2024, fueled by ongoing expansion in healthcare, education, and logistics sectors. However, potential headwinds such as rising interest rates and inflation could dampen hiring activity.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Home Health and Personal Care Aides
  3. Customer Service Representatives
  4. Retail Salespersons
  5. Elementary and Middle School Teachers
  6. Truck Drivers
  7. Software Developers and Applications
  8. Construction Laborers
  9. Chefs and Cooks
  10. Physical Therapists

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. Cape Fear Valley Health
  2. Cumberland County Schools
  3. Walmart
  4. McDonald’s
  5. Dollar General
  6. Fayetteville Technical Community College
  7. Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
  8. Womack Army Medical Center
  9. Fort Bragg
  10. Publix Super Markets

Resources: