Greeley, CO – December 2023 Jobs Report – Mixed signals amid slow growth

Greeley’s December 2023 jobs report paints a picture of a slowly growing economy with mixed signals across different sectors. While overall job growth remained positive, the private sector shed positions for the fourth consecutive month, raising concerns about the city’s economic momentum.

Highlights:

• Total nonfarm jobs: Up 0.4% from November 2023, adding 40 positions (preliminary data).
• Private sector: Lost 100 jobs in December, following a decline of 200 in November.
• Government sector: Added 140 jobs in December, continuing an upward trend.
• Unemployment rate: 3.5% in December, slightly above the November rate of 3.4%.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

• Government: Educational services and state government added jobs in December.
• Healthcare: Ambulatory healthcare services and hospitals saw job growth.
• Retail trade: General merchandise stores and building material and garden equipment stores added positions.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

• Manufacturing: Durable goods manufacturing lost jobs in December, extending a year-long decline.
• Transportation, warehousing, and utilities: The transportation and warehousing sector shed positions in December.
• Finance and insurance: The finance and insurance industry saw job losses in December.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

• Total nonfarm jobs: Up 1.5% from December 2022.
• Private sector: Up 0.3% year-over-year.
• Government sector: Up 4.3% year-over-year.

Compare to Previous Month:

• Total nonfarm jobs: Up slightly from November 2023.
• Private sector: Down from November 2023.
• Government sector: Up from November 2023.

Future Outlook:

The future outlook for Greeley’s job market remains uncertain. While the overall economy is growing, the private sector’s sluggish performance raises concerns. Experts anticipate continued growth in government jobs and some healthcare sectors. However, the manufacturing and transportation industries might face headwinds.

10 Growing Occupations in Greeley (December 2023):

1. Registered Nurses
2. Home Health and Personal Care Aides
3. Retail Salespersons
4. Elementary and Middle School Teachers
5. Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
6. Truck Drivers and Tractor-Trailer Drivers
7. Customer Service Representatives
8. General Laborers and Construction Workers
9. Fast Food Cooks
10. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

10 Companies Hiring Now in Greeley (as of February 2, 2024):

1. Banner Health
2. Greeley-Evans School District 6
3. JBS USA
4. Monteil Corporation
5. Kraft Heinz
6. Weld County Government
7. Greeley Police Department
8. Weld County Sheriff’s Office
9. University of Northern Colorado
10. City of Greeley

Resources:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics – Greeley, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area
• Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
• Greeley Tribune