Fort Lauderdale, FL – December 2023 Jobs Report – Sunshine and Steady Growth

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December 2023 delivered positive news for Fort Lauderdale’s job market, continuing a trend of solid gains. The unemployment rate held steady, while job growth exceeded the national average. Professional and business services emerged as a key driver, showcasing the city’s growing diversity beyond tourism.

Highlights:

  • Stable unemployment rate: At 2.8%, the unemployment rate remained unchanged, indicating a tight labor market with strong demand for workers.
  • Robust job growth: The nonfarm job count added 3,370 positions compared to November, significantly surpassing the national average.
  • Professional and business services boom: This sector added 1,400 jobs, highlighting its increasing prominence in the local economy.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Professional and Business Services: As mentioned above, this sector saw significant expansion, encompassing areas like consulting, finance, and advertising.
  • Leisure: This industry added 600 jobs, likely reflecting the holiday season and ongoing tourism appeal.
  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: This sector gained 500 jobs, potentially tied to growth in logistics and transportation.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Government: This sector lost 100 jobs, which could be attributed to various factors within the public sector.
  • Manufacturing: This industry shed 50 jobs, potentially reflecting national trends in manufacturing.
  • Information: This sector also lost 50 jobs, which could be attributed to various factors within the broader industry.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Unemployment rate: Down from 3.1% in December 2022, signifying a minor improvement in the labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Higher than the 2,900 jobs added in December 2022, showcasing accelerated growth.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Unemployment rate: Remained unchanged compared to November 2023, indicating a stable labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Increased from the 2,250 jobs added in November 2023, reflecting a positive upward trend.

Future Outlook:

Economists predict continued growth for Fort Lauderdale’s job market in 2024. The stable unemployment rate and robust job creation suggest a healthy market, but potential headwinds like national economic concerns and inflation could create uncertainty. Professional and business services are expected to remain a major driver, while tourism, healthcare, and other sectors might offer additional opportunities.

10 Growing Occupations in Fort Lauderdale, FL:

  1. Customer Service Representatives
  2. Registered Nurses
  3. Sales Representatives
  4. Marketing Specialists
  5. Software Developers and Applications Developers
  6. Accounting and Bookkeeping Clerks
  7. Construction Laborers
  8. Truck Drivers
  9. Teachers
  10. Chefs and Head Cooks

10 Companies Hiring Now in Fort Lauderdale, FL:

  1. AutoNation
  2. Publix Super Markets
  3. Broward Health
  4. Spirit Airlines
  5. Bank of America
  6. Baptist Health South Florida
  7. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
  8. Hilton
  9. Marriott International
  10. City of Fort Lauderdale

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