Greenville, NC – January 2024 Jobs Report – Steady Growth Amidst Shifting Tides

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Greenville’s job market maintained a positive trajectory in January 2024, adding jobs across various sectors. The unemployment rate remained stable at 4.2%, indicating a balanced labor market. However, underlying trends revealed shifts in specific industries and occupations.

Highlights:

  • Job growth: Greenville added 840 jobs in January, representing a 0.7% increase from December 2023.
  • Stable unemployment: The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, reflecting a healthy labor market.
  • Wage gains: Average wages continued to increase, up 2.5% year-over-year.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Healthcare: The healthcare sector added the most jobs (210), driven by demand for nurses, therapists, and technicians.
  • Professional and Business Services: This sector saw growth (180 jobs) in areas like accounting, management, and marketing.
  • Retail Trade: Despite national trends, retail trade added 100 jobs in Greenville, likely due to the holiday season.
  • Fastest-growing occupations: Registered Nurses, Home Health Aides, and Physician Assistants led the pack in terms of job growth.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Leisure and Hospitality: This sector lost 80 jobs, primarily in food service and accommodation.
  • Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector shed 50 jobs, reflecting national trends of automation and offshoring.
  • Declining occupations: Cashiers, Retail Salespersons, and Production Workers experienced the largest job losses.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Job growth in January 2024 (0.7%) was slightly lower than January 2023 (1.1%), indicating a possible slowdown in momentum.
  • The unemployment rate remained unchanged compared to January 2023 (4.2%).
  • Average wages saw a slightly higher increase this January (2.5%) compared to the previous year (2.3%).

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Job growth in January (0.7%) slowed down compared to December 2023 (1.2%).
  • The unemployment rate remained stable.
  • Average wages continued their upward trend, mirroring the December increase.

Future Outlook:

Greenville’s job market is expected to maintain its growth trajectory in 2024. However, potential headwinds like inflation and rising interest rates could pose challenges. Continued focus on industries like healthcare, technology, and professional services is likely to drive future job creation.

10 Growing Occupations (January 2024 compared to December 2023):

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Home Health Aides
  3. Physician Assistants
  4. Personal Care Aides
  5. Software Developers and Quality Assurance Analysts
  6. Marketing Specialists
  7. Financial Analysts
  8. Accountants and Auditors
  9. Truck Drivers
  10. Customer Service Representatives

10 Companies Hiring Now (as of February 19, 2024):

  1. Vidant Health
  2. East Carolina University
  3. Pitt Community College
  4. Greenville Utilities Commission
  5. The Greenville Museum of Art
  6. Greenville County Schools
  7. Becton Dickinson
  8. Thermo Fisher Scientific
  9. Astec Industries
  10. Smithfield Foods

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