Houston, TX – December 2023 Jobs Report – Bayou City Boasts Job Growth Despite Holiday Lull

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Overview: December’s jobs report for Houston reveals a positive outlook with overall employment rising, although a slight dip from November reflects seasonal trends. The unemployment rate remains low, indicating continued strength in the Houston job market for 2024.

Highlights:

  • Unemployment rate: 3.2%, staying consistently low and below the national average (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area
  • Job gains: Trade, Transportation & Utilities, Leisure & Hospitality, Professional & Business Services, Government, and Educational & Health Services sectors added jobs in December.
  • Year-over-year growth: Positive employment growth compared to December 2022 in most industries.

Industries and Occupations that Grew:

  • Trade, Transportation & Utilities: This sector, encompassing retail, transportation, and logistics, saw the most job gains, likely due to holiday shopping activity.
  • Leisure & Hospitality: Restaurants, hotels, and tourism-related businesses experienced a seasonal uptick.
  • Professional & Business Services: This broad sector includes healthcare, education, and legal services, all of which added jobs in December.
  • Government: Public sector employment remained stable.
  • Educational & Health Services: Healthcare providers and educational institutions contributed to job growth in this sector.

Industries and Occupations that Shrunk:

  • Construction: This industry typically experiences a slowdown during the winter months.
  • Manufacturing: Job losses in this sector were minimal.
  • Other Services: This includes personal care and laundry services, which may have seen reduced demand during the holidays.

Comparison to Same Month Last Year:

  • Overall employment: Up 2.3% compared to December 2022.
  • Unemployment rate: Down from 3.8% in December 2022.

Comparison to Previous Month:

  • Overall employment: Down 0.4% from November 2023.
  • Unemployment rate: Down from 3.3% in November 2023.

Future Outlook:

The Houston job market is expected to see continued growth in 2024, with opportunities available in various sectors. Here are 10 occupations anticipated for significant growth:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts
  3. Home Health Aides
  4. Wind Turbine Service Technicians
  5. Personal Care Aides
  6. Construction Laborers
  7. Sales Representatives
  8. Customer Service Representatives
  9. Marketing Specialists
  10. Truck Drivers

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. Chevron Corporation
  2. Exxon Mobil Corporation
  3. Texas Medical Center
  4. United Airlines
  5. JPMorgan Chase
  6. ConocoPhillips
  7. Sysco Corporation
  8. Schlumberger
  9. Phillips 66
  10. Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Disclaimer: This information is based on data available as of February 13, 2024, and may be subject to change. Please consult with a career counselor or recruitment agency for personalized career advice.

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