Kissimmee, FL – December 2023 Jobs Report – Tourism Takes a Dip, Service Sector Holds Steady

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The Kissimmee job market ended 2023 on a mixed note, with job losses in the tourism sector offset by continued growth in service industries. While the unemployment rate remained low, the decline in tourism jobs raises concerns about the region’s economic resilience in the face of broader economic headwinds.

Highlights:

  • Job losses: The Kissimmee-Orlando-Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) lost 1,200 jobs in December, with the leisure and hospitality sector accounting for the majority of the decline.
  • Unemployment rate: Despite the job losses, the unemployment rate held steady at 3.2%, reflecting a tight labor market.
  • Industries: Service industries like healthcare and professional services continued to add jobs, while tourism-related sectors like leisure and hospitality experienced significant losses.
  • Wages: Average hourly earnings increased slightly (0.3%) compared to November, but overall wage growth remained modest in 2023.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Healthcare: Healthcare added 200 jobs in December, driven by ongoing demand for nurses, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals.
  • Professional services: Professional services added 150 jobs, primarily in administrative, technical, and management roles.
  • Education: Educational services remained stable, adding 50 jobs, likely due to seasonal hiring in support roles.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Leisure and hospitality: The leisure and hospitality sector bore the brunt of the job losses, shedding 1,000 jobs, primarily in food service, accommodation, and entertainment.
  • Retail trade: Retail trade lost 200 jobs, with department stores and specialty stores experiencing the most significant declines.
  • Manufacturing: Manufacturing firms shed 100 jobs, with furniture and machinery manufacturers facing the most losses.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Compared to December 2022, the Kissimmee job market added 2,500 jobs, reflecting a more robust pace of growth last year.
  • The unemployment rate was slightly higher in December 2023 (3.2%) compared to December 2022 (3.1%).

Compare to Previous Month:

  • December’s job losses followed declines in both November (-800) and October (-700), indicating a downward trend in employment growth.
  • The unemployment rate remained unchanged compared to November (3.2%).

Future Outlook:

  • The near-term job outlook for Kissimmee remains uncertain. The tourism sector’s dependence on consumer confidence and global travel trends makes it vulnerable to economic fluctuations.
  • However, the continued growth in service industries and ongoing investments in healthcare and education offer some grounds for optimism.

10 Growing Occupations in Kissimmee (projected 2023-2033):

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Physician Assistants
  3. General and Operations Managers
  4. Computer and Information Systems Managers
  5. Software Developers and Programmers
  6. Customer Service Representatives
  7. Physical Therapist Assistants
  8. Dental Hygienists
  9. Medical and Health Services Managers
  10. Personal Care Aides

10 Companies Hiring Now in Kissimmee:

  1. AdventHealth Orlando
  2. Walt Disney World Resort
  3. SeaWorld Orlando
  4. Lockheed Martin
  5. Universal Orlando Resort
  6. Orlando International Airport
  7. Marriott Vacation Club International
  8. Legoland Florida Resort
  9. Amazon
  10. Nemours Children’s Hospital

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