Lakewood, CO – December 2023 Jobs Report – Stability Under the Snowfall

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While December can typically bring hiring slowdowns in many locations, Lakewood, Colorado maintained steady employment figures in the final month of 2023. This stability offers a positive outlook for job seekers heading into the new year.

Overview:

  • Nonfarm payroll employment remained consistent at around 159,000 individuals, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
  • The unemployment rate held steady at 3.3%, slightly higher than the national average of 3.2%.
  • Despite December’s typical seasonal hiring decrease, some sectors continued adding jobs, demonstrating the area’s economic resilience.

Highlights:

  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities saw the most significant growth, adding 333 jobs month-over-month.
  • The Information sector remained solid, gaining 27 jobs from November.
  • Healthcare and Social Assistance continued its steady expansion, adding 22 positions.

Industries and Occupations that Grew:

  • Retail Trade added 190 jobs, indicating continued holiday season hiring.
  • Transportation and Warehousing gained 102 positions, highlighting the growing importance of logistics in the region.
  • Software Development, Computer Systems Design, and Management Support showed consistent growth, reflecting the area’s tech industry strength.

Industries and Occupations that Shrank:

  • Mining, Logging, and Construction lost 7 jobs, likely due to seasonal fluctuations.
  • Manufacturing shed 8 positions, continuing a slow decline seen throughout 2023.
  • Leisure and Hospitality experienced a minor decrease of 9 jobs, which could be attributed to post-holiday season adjustments.

Comparison to Same Month Last Year:

  • Overall employment in Lakewood increased by 0.8% compared to December 2022.
  • The unemployment rate dropped 0.1 percentage points year-over-year.
  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added significantly more jobs year-over-year, with an increase of 2.5%.

Comparison to Previous Month:

  • Nonfarm payroll employment remained largely unchanged from November 2023.
  • The unemployment rate also held steady month-over-month.
  • Healthcare and Social Assistance saw the biggest monthly job gain, adding 22 positions.

Future Outlook:

  • The Lakewood economy is projected to experience moderate growth in 2024, with job creation expected across various sectors.
  • Healthcare, Technology, and Professional & Business Services are anticipated to be among the leading industries for job growth.
  • The unemployment rate is forecast to remain low, potentially dipping below 3%.

10 Growing Occupations (Lakewood, CO – December 2023):

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Software Developers and Applications Developers
  3. Retail Salespersons
  4. General and Operations Managers
  5. Customer Service Representatives
  6. Marketing Specialists
  7. Truck Drivers
  8. Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides
  9. Physical Therapists
  10. Accountants and Auditors

10 Companies Hiring Now in Lakewood, CO (as of February 12, 2024):

  1. DaVita Kidney Care
  2. Jefferson County Public Schools
  3. St. Anthony Hospital
  4. King Soopers/City Market
  5. Xcel Energy
  6. Lockheed Martin
  7. Comcast
  8. US Bank
  9. DISH Network
  10. Centura Health

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