The Fort Myers job market continued its positive trajectory in December 2023, adding jobs at a healthy clip and maintaining a low unemployment rate. The city outpaced the national average in job growth and boasted the strongest financial activities sector expansion in the entire state.
Highlights:
- Unemployment rate: Stable at 3.0%, unchanged from the previous year and below the national average.
- Job growth: Added 5,137 jobs over the year, a 1.3% increase, exceeding the national rate.
- Fastest-growing sectors: Professional and business services (+2,800 jobs), government (+2,200 jobs), and financial activities (+4.5% growth rate).
- Private sector: Expanded by 2,200 jobs (+0.8%).
Industries and Occupations that Grew:
- Professional and business services: Added a significant 2,800 jobs, driven by roles in management, consulting, and accounting.
- Government: Increased by 2,200 jobs, likely due to seasonal hiring in public administration and education.
- Financial activities: Boasted the fastest growth rate in the state at 4.5%, with gains in banking, insurance, and real estate.
- Healthcare: Added a steady 1,000 jobs, fueled by demand for nurses, therapists, and home health aides.
- Leisure and hospitality: Showed modest growth (500 jobs), potentially indicating continued tourism recovery.
Industries and Occupations that Shrunk:
- Construction: Shed 200 jobs, possibly due to seasonal slowdowns.
- Retail trade: Lost 100 jobs, reflecting ongoing challenges in the brick-and-mortar sector.
Comparison to Same Month Last Year:
- Job growth surpassed December 2022 levels, adding 5,137 jobs compared to 4,600 the previous year.
- Unemployment rate remained steady at 3.0%, reflecting continued labor market stability.
Comparison to Previous Month:
- Job growth accelerated slightly compared to November 2023, which saw an increase of 4,200 jobs.
- Unemployment rate held steady at 3.0% for the second consecutive month.
Future Outlook:
The Fort Myers job market is expected to remain strong in 2024, driven by continued population growth, a diversified economy, and investments in tourism and healthcare. However, potential national economic headwinds could moderate growth in the later part of the year.
10 Growing Occupations in Fort Myers:
- Registered Nurses
- Software Developers and Programmers
- Personal Care Aides
- Customer Service Representatives
- Marketing Specialists
- Financial Analysts
- Construction Laborers
- Truck Drivers
- Physical Therapists
- Accountants and Auditors
10 Companies Hiring Now in Fort Myers:
- Lee Health
- Hertz
- Publix
- Arthrex
- Marriott International
- Chico’s FAS
- Sykes
- City of Fort Myers
- Lee County Schools
- Alico Inc.
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