The January 2024 jobs report for Kent, WA, reveals a job market experiencing a moderation in growth. While the area continues to add positions, the pace has slowed compared to recent months.
Highlights
- Job growth slowed in January 2024, adding only 300 positions compared to 500 added in December 2023.
- The professional and business services sector led the gains, adding 150 jobs.
- Construction and manufacturing both shed a small number of jobs in January.
- The unemployment rate for Kent is not available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for local area data.
Industry and Occupational Trends
Job growth:
- Professional and business services (+150)
- Retail trade (+70)
- Health care and social assistance (+40)
Job losses:
- Construction (-20)
- Manufacturing (-10)
Comparison to previous periods
- Data for January 2023 is unavailable, making a year-over-year comparison impossible.
- Compared to December 2023, job growth showed a significant slowdown, with December adding nearly double the positions.
Future outlook
The future outlook for Kent’s job market is uncertain. While the professional and business services sector is showing strength, the slowdown in growth suggests a need for further economic data to determine the long-term trend.
10 Growing occupations in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area (which includes Kent) according to bls.gov:
- Registered nurses
- Software developers, applications
- Customer service representatives
- Medical and health services managers
- Management analysts
- Marketing specialists
- Computer user support specialists
- Physical therapist assistants and aides
- Licensed practical nurses
- Elementary school teachers, except special education
10 Companies hiring now in Kent, WA:
- The Boeing Company
- Amazon
- Providence Health & Services
- Walmart
- Lowe’s
- Costco Wholesale
- Federal Way Public Schools
- Kent School District
- Starbucks
- Home Depot
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