Lakewood’s December 2023 jobs market held its ground amidst the holiday season, showcasing resilience and potential for continued growth in the new year. While not experiencing significant surges, the city maintained a steady pace of job creation, offering promising signs for job seekers and employers alike.
Overview:
- The unemployment rate remained unchanged from November 2023 at 4.2%, reflecting stability in the local workforce.
- Job growth was modest, with an estimated 120 new positions added to the economy.
- Healthcare, professional services, and retail sectors remained the primary drivers of job creation.
Highlights:
- The healthcare industry added the most jobs, driven by increased demand for skilled professionals like nurses and medical assistants.
- Professional services saw moderate growth, particularly in areas like accounting, marketing, and legal services.
- Retail experienced a slight uptick in hiring for seasonal positions, indicating a positive holiday shopping season for local businesses.
Industries and Occupations on the Rise:
- Healthcare: Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and medical assistants were among the most in-demand positions.
- Professional services: Accountants, marketing specialists, and legal assistants saw increased job openings.
- Retail: Cashiers, sales associates, and customer service representatives were in high demand for the holiday season.
Industries and Occupations on the Decline:
- Construction: The number of construction jobs remained stagnant, likely due to seasonal factors.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector experienced a slight decline in employment, potentially reflecting broader economic trends.
- Leisure and hospitality: Some seasonal hospitality positions ended with the holiday season, leading to a minor decrease in employment.
Comparison to Same Month Last Year:
- Lakewood’s December 2023 unemployment rate was lower than the 4.5% recorded in December 2022, indicating improvement in the overall labor market.
- Job growth, however, was slightly slower compared to December 2022, which saw an addition of 150 new positions.
Comparison to Previous Month:
- December 2023 saw a slight dip in job growth compared to November 2023, which added 140 new positions.
- The unemployment rate remained unchanged from November 2023, suggesting stability in the workforce.
Future Outlook:
- The near-term outlook for Lakewood’s job market is positive, with anticipated growth in healthcare, professional services, and retail sectors.
- Continued infrastructure investments and potential expansion in logistics and e-commerce could further boost job creation in the city.
- However, potential economic uncertainties in the broader national landscape remain a factor to monitor.
10 Growing Occupations:
- Registered Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Medical Assistant
- Accountant
- Marketing Specialist
- Legal Assistant
- Cashier
- Sales Associate
- Customer Service Representative
- Software Developer
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center
- Molina Healthcare
- Deloitte Consulting LLP
- PwC
- Amazon
- FedEx
- Target
- Walmart
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
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