Gastonia, NC – December 2023 Jobs Report – Steady Growth Amidst National Slowdown

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Gastonia’s job market maintained its positive momentum in December 2023, adding jobs for the seventh consecutive month despite signs of a broader national slowdown. The unemployment rate remained stable, indicating continued resilience in the local economy.

Highlights:

  • Non-farm payroll employment increased by 58 jobs, bringing the total to 137,070. This represents a 0.4% increase from November 2023 and a 2.2% gain compared to December 2022.
  • The unemployment rate held steady at 3.2%, matching the national average.
  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities led job gains, adding 50 positions.
  • Manufacturing remained stable, while Mining, Logging, and Construction saw a slight decline.

Industries and Occupations:

  • Growing Industries: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+50 jobs), Education and Health Services (+30 jobs), Professional and Business Services (+18 jobs).
  • Shrinking Industries: Mining, Logging, and Construction (-10 jobs), Leisure and Hospitality (-8 jobs).
  • Growing Occupations: Truck Drivers, Retail Salespersons, Registered Nurses, Teachers, Customer Service Representatives.
  • Shrinking Occupations: Construction Laborers, Cashiers, Food Preparation and Serving Workers.

Comparison to Previous Periods:

  • Compared to December 2022, Gastonia’s job market added 3,067 jobs, representing a 2.3% increase. This outpaced the national job growth rate of 1.5% over the same period.
  • Compared to November 2023, the December jobs report showed a slight slowdown in job creation. However, the unemployment rate remained unchanged, suggesting continued stability in the labor market.

Future Outlook:

The Gastonia job market is expected to remain stable in the coming months, with potential growth in healthcare, logistics, and professional services sectors. However, national economic uncertainties could dampen hiring in the later part of 2024.

10 Growing Occupations in Gastonia (December 2023):

  1. Truck Drivers
  2. Retail Salespersons
  3. Registered Nurses
  4. Teachers
  5. Customer Service Representatives
  6. Software Developers
  7. Accountants and Auditors
  8. General and Operations Managers
  9. Electrical and Electronics Engineers
  10. Physician Assistants

10 Companies Hiring Now in Gastonia (as of January 29, 2024):

  1. Amazon
  2. Lowe’s
  3. CaroMont Health
  4. Gaston College
  5. Parkdale Mills
  6. Confluent Networks
  7. Sealed Air Corporation
  8. Duke Energy
  9. Republic Services
  10. Gaston County Government

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