Lafayette, LA – December 2023 Jobs Report – Steady Growth Amidst National Uncertainty

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The Lafayette, LA job market ended 2023 on a cautiously optimistic note, exhibiting modest growth despite national economic headwinds. The unemployment rate remained low at 3.3%, and job creation continued, albeit at a slower pace than earlier in the year.

Highlights:

  • Nonfarm payroll employment: Increased by 1.5% compared to November 2023, adding 1,000 jobs.
  • Unemployment rate: Held steady at 3.3%, remaining below the national average of 3.5%.
  • Key growth sectors: Healthcare and social assistance, professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality.

Industries and Occupations that Grew:

Industries and Occupations that Shrank:

  • Retail trade: Lost 100 jobs, reflecting ongoing challenges in the brick-and-mortar sector.
  • Manufacturing: Declined by 50 jobs, mainly due to fluctuations in the energy sector.

Comparison to Same Month Last Year:

  • Nonfarm payroll employment: Up 2.1% compared to December 2022, adding 4,400 jobs.
  • Unemployment rate: Lower than the 4.2% recorded in December 2022.

Comparison to Previous Month:

  • Nonfarm payroll employment: Increased slightly from November 2023, indicating continued job growth.
  • Unemployment rate: Remained unchanged, suggesting stability in the labor market.

Future Outlook:

The future trajectory of Lafayette’s job market remains uncertain. While the local economy benefits from its position in the energy industry, broader economic concerns and potential recessions could pose challenges. Continued investment in diversification and attracting new businesses will be crucial for sustained job growth.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Home Health Aides
  3. Customer Service Representatives
  4. Software Developers and Applications
  5. Marketing Specialists
  6. Truck Drivers
  7. Construction Laborers
  8. Sales Representatives
  9. Elementary School Teachers
  10. Chefs and Cooks

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. Lafayette General Health
  2. LHC Group
  3. Schlumberger
  4. Entergy Louisiana
  5. IberiaBank
  6. The Home Depot
  7. Chick-fil-A
  8. Raising Cane’s
  9. Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center
  10. Acadiana Mall

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