Honolulu, HI – December 2023 Jobs Report – Sun and Stability, Hints of Slowdown

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While December 2023 brought sunshine and warmth to Honolulu, the jobs report presented a mixed picture. Unemployment held steady, offering opportunities for job seekers, but job growth slowed compared to previous months. Certain sectors showcased resilience, potentially offering avenues for employment, but broader economic concerns necessitate a watchful eye.

Highlights:

  • Low unemployment persists: At 2.5%, the unemployment rate remained unchanged, signifying a tight labor market with readily available job options.
  • Job growth eases: Nonfarm jobs added only 30 positions, reaching 464,200, reflecting a slowdown from previous months’ robust gains.
  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities lead the way: This sector gained 20 jobs, potentially tied to tourism and shipping activities. Truck drivers, logistics specialists, and warehouse workers could see opportunities.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: This industry added 20 jobs, encompassing areas like transportation, warehousing, and retail. Truck drivers, logistics specialists, and warehouse workers might benefit.
  • Financial Activities: This sector also saw minor growth with 10 additional positions, potentially reflecting activity in banking, insurance, or real estate. Financial analysts, loan officers, and insurance agents could be in demand.
  • Professional and Business Services: This industry held steady, maintaining its existing job count. Occupations like accountants, marketing specialists, and IT professionals could offer stable options.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Construction: This sector lost 10 jobs, potentially due to project completion cycles or industry-specific fluctuations. Specific impacted occupations are unclear.
  • Leisure and Hospitality: This industry shed 10 jobs, likely reflecting seasonal adjustments after the holiday rush. Restaurant workers, hotel staff, and tourism professionals could be affected.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Unemployment rate: Down from 2.8% in December 2022, marking a minor improvement in the labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Slightly lower than the 50 jobs added in December 2022, highlighting a modest deceleration in hiring.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Unemployment rate: Unchanged from November 2023, indicating stability in the labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Significantly lower than the 820 jobs added in November 2023, showcasing a dramatic slowdown in hiring.

Future Outlook:

Experts offer cautiously optimistic predictions for Honolulu’s job market in 2024. The low unemployment rate, despite sluggish job growth, suggests potential resilience. However, national economic concerns and inflation could create uncertainty. Trade, transportation, and financial services might offer opportunities, while broader factors could impact the overall trajectory.

10 Growing Occupations in Honolulu, HI:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Customer Service Representatives
  3. Sales Representatives
  4. Software Developers and Applications Developers
  5. Marketing Specialists
  6. Accountants and Auditors
  7. Construction Laborers
  8. Teachers
  9. Truck Drivers
  10. Financial Analysts

10 Companies Hiring Now in Honolulu, HI:

  1. City and County of Honolulu
  2. Kaiser Permanente
  3. HMSHost Corporation
  4. The Queen’s Health Systems
  5. Safeway
  6. Marriott International
  7. Hilton Worldwide Holdings
  8. Hawaiian Airlines
  9. Bank of Hawaii
  10. First Hawaiian Bank

Sources: