Hammond’s job market held steady in December 2023, exhibiting modest growth despite national uncertainties. The unemployment rate dipped to 4.2%, down from 4.5% in November, marking the lowest level since April of the same year. Overall, the city added 250 jobs, a 0.3% increase over the previous month.
Highlights:
- Healthcare sector leads the way: Healthcare and social assistance added 80 jobs in December, fueled by continued demand for nurses, aides, and therapists.
- Retail shows resilience: Retail trade remained stable, adding 40 jobs as holiday shopping bolstered hiring in department stores and online retailers.
- Manufacturing sees mixed signals: The manufacturing sector lost 20 jobs in December, with losses concentrated in the durable goods sub-sector. However, the industry maintained a higher year-over-year employment level compared to 2022.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Healthcare and social assistance: +80 jobs (nurses, aides, therapists)
- Retail trade: +40 jobs (department stores, online retailers)
- Professional and business services: +30 jobs (accountants, lawyers, engineers)
- Leisure and hospitality: +20 jobs (hotels, restaurants, entertainment)
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Manufacturing: -20 jobs (durable goods)
- Transportation and warehousing: -10 jobs (truck drivers, logistics workers)
- Wholesale trade: -5 jobs (sales representatives, warehouse workers)
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- December 2023 unemployment rate: 4.2% vs. December 2022: 4.6%
- December 2023 total jobs: 82,500 vs. December 2022: 81,000
Compare to Previous Month:
- November 2023 unemployment rate: 4.5% vs. December 2023: 4.2%
- November 2023 total jobs: 82,250 vs. December 2023: 82,500
Future Outlook:
Hammond’s job market is expected to remain stable in the short term, with potential growth in healthcare, professional services, and leisure and hospitality sectors. However, national economic uncertainties and potential interest rate hikes could moderate growth in 2024.
10 Growing Occupations:
- Registered Nurses
- Home Health Aides
- Personal Care Aides
- Software Developers
- Accountants and Auditors
- Retail Salespersons
- Truck Drivers
- General Laborers
- Customer Service Representatives
- Physician Assistants
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- Franciscan Health Hammond
- BP Whiting Refinery
- CSX Transportation
- ArcelorMittal
- Purdue University Northwest
- Strack & Van Til
- Majestic Star Casino
- Hammond Public Library
- FirstMerit Bank
- FedEx Ground
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