December 2023 brought a sense of stability to Fort Collins’ job market, characterized by a record-low unemployment rate but minimal job growth. While this indicates a tight labor market with strong worker demand, the lack of significant new positions paints a cautious picture for immediate expansion.
Highlights:
- Record-low unemployment rate: At 2.8%, the unemployment rate reached its lowest point on record, showcasing a highly competitive job market.
- Flat job growth: The total nonfarm job count remained unchanged compared to November, signifying a stagnant job market in the short term.
- Professional and Business Services see slight gains: This sector added 20 jobs, potentially reflecting growth in areas like healthcare and technology.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Professional and Business Services: As mentioned above, this sector gained 20 jobs, hinting at expansion in healthcare, technology, and other professional fields.
- Education and health services: This industry saw stable employment with no significant changes, but experts anticipate future growth based on recent investments.
- Leisure and hospitality: This sector also saw stable employment, potentially due to holiday season hiring that balanced out post-season adjustments.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Government: This sector shed 10 jobs, which could be attributed to budgetary constraints or seasonal fluctuations.
- Retail trade: This industry lost 5 jobs, possibly reflecting ongoing challenges in brick-and-mortar retail or post-holiday adjustments.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Unemployment rate: Down from 3.1% in December 2022, indicating a significantly tighter labor market compared to last year.
- Nonfarm job growth: Slightly lower than the 40 jobs added in December 2022, showcasing marginally slower job creation.
Compare to Previous Month:
- Unemployment rate: Remained unchanged compared to November 2023, suggesting a stable labor market.
- Nonfarm job growth: Flat compared to November 2023, signifying continued stagnation in job creation.
Future Outlook:
Economists predict cautious optimism for Fort Collins’ job market in the first half of 2024. The low unemployment rate suggests strong demand for workers, but concerns remain about sustained job growth. Potential opportunities might lie in professional services, healthcare, and education, but broader economic factors could impact the overall outlook.
10 Growing Occupations in Fort Collins, CO:
- Registered Nurses
- Software Developers and Applications Developers
- Customer Service Representatives
- Sales Representatives
- Marketing Specialists
- Construction Laborers
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides
- Physicians and Surgeons
- Financial Analysts
- Teachers
10 Companies Hiring Now in Fort Collins, CO:
- Poudre School District
- Colorado State University
- Banner Health
- McKesson Corporation
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise
- Anheuser-Busch InBev
- Walmart
- Amazon
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
Sources:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Fort Collins-Loveland, CO
- Indeed Hiring in Fort Collins, CO
- Glassdoor Jobs in Fort Collins, CO