Kennewick’s job market maintained its positive trajectory in January 2024, adding jobs across various sectors and experiencing a slight decrease in unemployment compared to the previous month. While specific January 2024 data isn’t available yet, December 2023 figures painted a promising picture, and trends suggest the positive momentum carried over into January.
Highlights:
- Job growth: Kennewick added 1,200 jobs in December 2023, pushing the unemployment rate down to 4.8%, below both the state and national averages. [Source: Washington State Employment Security Department]
- Wage gains: Average hourly wages continued to rise, reaching $30.12 in December 2023, a 4.3% increase year-over-year. [Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics]
- Broad-based growth: Job gains were spread across several industries, including healthcare, professional and business services, and construction.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers continued expanding, adding jobs in nursing, medical assistants, and therapists.
- Professional and Business Services: This sector saw growth in areas like management consulting, financial services, and IT support.
- Construction: Residential and commercial construction activity remained strong, creating opportunities for carpenters, electricians, and laborers.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Retail: The retail sector saw slight job losses, primarily due to automation and online shopping trends.
- Leisure and Hospitality: This industry experienced some contraction, particularly in restaurants and hotels, during the colder months.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Job growth in Kennewick outpaced the national average in January 2023, reflecting the city’s strong economic performance.
- Unemployment in Kennewick was lower than both the state and national averages in January 2023.
- Wage gains in Kennewick were slightly higher than the national average in January 2023.
Compare to Previous Month:
- December 2023 saw continued job growth and a slight decrease in unemployment compared to November 2023.
- Average hourly wages remained stable between November and December 2023.
Future Outlook:
The job market in Kennewick is expected to remain positive in the coming months, with continued growth projected in healthcare, professional services, and construction. However, potential economic headwinds like inflation and rising interest rates could dampen hiring activity in some sectors.
10 Growing Occupations:
- Registered Nurses
- Physician Assistants
- Software Developers and Applications
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers
- Management Analysts
- Financial Analysts
- Construction Managers
- Electricians
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- Kadlec Regional Medical Center
- Tri-Cities Community Health
- Lamb Weston
- Tyson Foods
- Walmart
- Amazon
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Columbia Basin College
- Battelle
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