The December 2023 jobs report for Jacksonville paints a picture of steady, year-end job growth, mirroring the national trend of a cooling labor market. While hiring slowed compared to previous months, key industries continued to add positions, offering opportunities for qualified job seekers. Staying informed about future economic developments remains crucial for both employers and potential hires.
Key Points:
- Unemployment down slightly: At 2.9%, the unemployment rate indicates a competitive job market for qualified applicants.
- Job growth slows, but remains positive: Adding 500 net new positions, nonfarm employment reached 1,191,400, reflecting a slower pace of growth compared to earlier months.
- Education & Health Services takes the lead: This sector added 9,200 jobs, potentially indicating continued expansion in healthcare, education, and social services. Registered nurses, teachers, and customer service representatives could find opportunities.
Industry and Occupation Insights:
- Growth: Education & Health Services (+9,200), Leisure & Hospitality (+4,800), Manufacturing (+2,300). Potential opportunities exist in: registered nurses, teachers, customer service representatives, cooks, waiters and waitresses, construction laborers, truck drivers.
- No significant declines: No industries reported large-scale job losses in December 2023.
Historical Comparisons:
- Improvement over December 2022: Lower unemployment rate (2.9% vs. 3.2%) signifies a slight improvement in the labor market.
- Slower pace than December 2022: Lower job growth (500 jobs vs. 1,200 jobs) compared to the previous year, reflecting a nationwide trend of moderation.
Future Outlook:
Experts offer a generally optimistic view. The stable unemployment rate and growth in key sectors suggest potential resilience for Jacksonville’s economy. However, monitoring national economic trends and their impact on specific industries, like manufacturing and healthcare, remains important. Adaptability and upskilling will be key in navigating potential shifts.
10 Growing Occupations in Jacksonville, FL:
- Registered Nurses
- Software Developers and Applications Developers
- Sales Representatives
- Marketing Specialists
- Accountants and Auditors
- Customer Service Representatives
- Physicians and Surgeons
- Construction Laborers
- Truck Drivers
- Teachers
10 Companies Hiring Now in Jacksonville, FL:
- Florida Blue
- Mayo Clinic
- Baptist Health
- CSX
- Publix Super Markets
- Wells Fargo
- Bank of America
- JEA
- City of Jacksonville
- St. Johns River State College
Sources:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Jacksonville, FL MSA
- Florida’s December 2023 Economic Data Continues to Outperform the Nation
- Indeed Hiring in Jacksonville, FL
- Glassdoor Jobs in Jacksonville, FL