The December 2023 jobs report for Kansas City, MO presents a picture of stability with cautious optimism for the future. While year-end momentum dipped slightly, key industries continued to expand, offering opportunities for qualified job seekers.
Highlights:
- Unemployment rate steadies: Remaining at 2.5%, the rate suggests a tight labor market, potentially favoring qualified candidates.
- Job growth slows, but remains positive: Nonfarm jobs added only 100 positions, reaching 643,400, marking a decrease compared to previous months.
- Healthcare shines bright: This sector added 200 jobs, highlighting growth in hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities. Registered nurses, healthcare assistants, and medical professionals might see opportunities.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: This sector added 200 jobs, encompassing areas like hospitals, clinics, and social services. Registered nurses, healthcare assistants, and medical professionals could benefit.
- Education and Public Administration: This sector added 40 jobs, showcasing potential growth in government services and educational institutions. Teachers, social workers, and administrative professionals might find opportunities.
- Leisure and Hospitality: This sector added 30 jobs, reflecting a slight uptick in hiring for seasonal positions, potentially due to holiday spending. Cashiers, servers, and customer service representatives in restaurants and hotels could find opportunities.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- No industries reported significant job losses in December 2023. Some seasonal positions in leisure and hospitality might have ended with the holiday season.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Unemployment rate: Lower than 2.7% in December 2022, highlighting a slight improvement in the labor market.
- Nonfarm job growth: Lower than the 500 jobs added in December 2022, showcasing a deceleration in hiring compared to the previous year.
Compare to Previous Month:
- Unemployment rate: Unchanged from November 2023, indicating stability in the labor market.
- Nonfarm job growth: Significantly lower than the 800 jobs added in November 2023, marking a slowdown in hiring.
Future Outlook:
Experts offer guarded optimism for Kansas City’s job market in 2024. The low unemployment rate, despite slower growth, suggests potential resilience. However, monitoring national economic trends and their impact on specific industries, especially manufacturing and agriculture, is crucial. Healthcare, education, and leisure and hospitality could offer opportunities, while adaptability will be key in navigating potential shifts.
10 Growing Occupations in Kansas City, MO:
- Registered Nurses
- Nursing Assistants
- Truck Drivers
- Customer Service Representatives
- Software Developers and Applications Developers
- Marketing Specialists
- Accountants and Auditors
- Sales Representatives
- Construction Laborers
- Teachers
10 Companies Hiring Now in Kansas City, MO:
- Cerner Corporation
- CVS Health
- Sprint (T-Mobile)
- Walmart
- Hallmark Cards
- Kansas City Public Schools
- University of Kansas Health System
- Saint Luke’s Health System
- Evergy
- Burns & McDonnell
Sources:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Kansas City, MO-KS MSA
- Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations – December 2023 Labor Market Review
- Indeed Hiring in Kansas City, MO
- Glassdoor Jobs in Kansas City, MO