Knoxville, TN – December 2023 Jobs Report – Holding Steady, Seeking a Brighter Horizon

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December 2023 presented a nuanced picture for Knoxville’s job market. The unemployment rate stayed stable, while job growth witnessed a slight deceleration compared to November. Although some sectors experienced contraction, others offered potential bright spots, suggesting cautious optimism for the coming year.

Highlights:

  • Unchanged unemployment rate: At 3.5%, the unemployment rate maintained its level, indicating neither widespread joblessness nor an abundance of unfilled positions.
  • Modest job growth: The nonfarm job count added only 5 positions compared to November, showcasing a slower pace of job creation.
  • Healthcare and professional services show positive signs: These sectors added 15 and 10 jobs respectively, potentially reflecting expansion opportunities.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Healthcare and Social Assistance: This sector gained 15 jobs, potentially tied to growth in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers.
  • Professional and Business Services: This industry added 10 jobs, encompassing areas like finance, consulting, and information technology.
  • Education and Government Services: These sectors also saw minor job growth, suggesting stability in essential public services.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Retail Trade: This sector lost 20 jobs, potentially due to ongoing challenges in brick-and-mortar retail or post-holiday adjustments.
  • Leisure and Hospitality: This industry shed 10 jobs, likely reflecting seasonal fluctuations in tourism and hospitality.
  • Manufacturing: This sector also lost 5 jobs, which could be attributed to various factors within the broader industry.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Unemployment rate: Down slightly from 3.8% in December 2022, signifying a minor improvement in the labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Lower than the 25 jobs added in December 2022, showcasing a slower pace of job creation.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Unemployment rate: Remained unchanged compared to November 2023, indicating a stable labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Decreased from the 70 jobs added in November 2023, reflecting a downward trend.

Future Outlook:

Economists predict cautious optimism for Knoxville’s job market in 2024. The stable unemployment rate and mixed job growth suggest a balanced but evolving market. Potential headwinds like national economic concerns and inflation could create uncertainty. Healthcare, professional services, and other sectors may offer opportunities, while broader factors could impact the overall outlook.

10 Growing Occupations in Knoxville, TN:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Nursing Assistants
  3. Customer Service Representatives
  4. Software Developers and Applications Developers
  5. Truck Drivers
  6. Sales Representatives
  7. Marketing Specialists
  8. Accountants and Auditors
  9. Construction Laborers
  10. Teachers

10 Companies Hiring Now in Knoxville, TN:

  1. Covenant Health
  2. University of Tennessee
  3. Pilot Flying J
  4. Denso Manufacturing Tennessee
  5. Knox County Schools
  6. City of Knoxville
  7. Walmart
  8. Lowe’s
  9. The Home Depot
  10. Amazon

Sources:

  • Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development – Knoxville Metropolitan Statistical Area
  • Indeed Hiring in Knoxville, TN 
  • Glassdoor Jobs in Knoxville, TN