The January 2024 jobs report for Lafayette, LA, reveals a mixed bag of economic indicators. While the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.3%, job growth slowed considerably compared to the previous month.
Highlights
- The unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%, unchanged from December 2023.
- Job growth, however, showed significant deceleration, adding only 100 positions compared to 800 added in December 2023.
- Professional and business services led job gains, adding 70 positions, followed by leisure and hospitality (+20).
- Construction and trade, transportation, and warehousing both experienced job losses in January.
Industry and Occupational Trends
Job growth:
- Professional and business services (+70)
- Leisure and hospitality (+20)
- Information (+10)
Job losses:
- Construction (-50)
- Trade, transportation, and warehousing (-30)
Comparison to previous periods
- Lafayette’s unemployment rate in January 2024 is 0.8 percentage points lower than January 2023.
- Job growth in January 2024 was significantly slower than January 2023, which saw an increase of 1,200 jobs.
Future outlook
The Lafayette economy is expected to see continued job growth in 2024, but at a more moderate pace compared to recent years. The healthcare and social assistance sector is projected to be a major driver of job creation, followed by professional and business services.
10 Growing occupations in Lafayette, LA (according to bls.gov):
- Registered nurses
- Home health aides and personal care aides
- Customer service representatives
- Petroleum engineers
- Software developers, applications
- Medical and health services managers
- Licensed practical nurses
- Elementary school teachers, except special education
- Management analysts
- Marketing specialists
10 Companies hiring now in Lafayette, LA:
- Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center
- LHC Group
- Lafayette Consolidated Government
- Walmart
- Schlumberger
- LHC Group Homecare
- Acadian Ambulance
- Rouses Supermarkets
- Smoothie King
- Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
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