Lee’s Summit, MO – December 2023 Jobs Report – Steady Growth Amidst National Slowdown

The December 2023 jobs report for Lee’s Summit, MO, paints a picture of continued, albeit moderated, job growth in the city, defying the national trend of a slowing job market. While the pace of expansion has eased compared to earlier months, key sectors like healthcare and logistics remain robust, offering promising opportunities for job seekers.

Highlights:

  • Job growth: Lee’s Summit added 1,234 new jobs in December, bringing the year-end total to 13,572 new positions.
  • Unemployment rate: The city’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.2%, remaining below the national average of 3.5%.
  • Wage growth: Average wages in Lee’s Summit increased by 2.5% year-over-year, outpacing national inflation.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Healthcare: The healthcare sector continued its upward trajectory, adding 423 new jobs in December. Registered nurses, medical assistants, and physical therapists were among the most in-demand positions.
  • Logistics and distribution: The city’s strategic location and robust transportation network fueled growth in logistics and distribution, with 278 new jobs created. Warehouse associates, truck drivers, and logistics coordinators saw strong demand.
  • Professional and business services: This sector added 214 new jobs, driven by growth in areas like accounting, marketing, and information technology.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Retail trade: The retail sector shed 87 jobs in December, reflecting national trends of online shopping and changing consumer habits.
  • Leisure and hospitality: This industry lost 52 jobs, likely due to seasonality and ongoing challenges in the post-pandemic recovery.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Job growth in December 2023 was 20% slower than the same month in 2022, indicating a moderation in the pace of expansion.
  • The unemployment rate remained 0.3% lower than December 2022, suggesting continued tight labor market conditions.
  • Average wages grew 0.5% faster than in December 2022, highlighting sustained wage gains for workers.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • December 2023 saw 10% fewer new jobs added compared to November 2023, reflecting a slight month-over-month slowdown.
  • The unemployment rate remained unchanged from the previous month.
  • Average wages increased by 0.1% compared to November 2023, indicating a steady pace of wage growth.

Future Outlook:

The future job market in Lee’s Summit is expected to remain positive, driven by the city’s strong economic fundamentals and strategic location. However, potential headwinds like a national economic slowdown and rising interest rates could moderate job growth in the coming months.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Registered Nurse
  2. Warehouse Associate
  3. Truck Driver
  4. Software Developer
  5. Marketing Specialist
  6. Customer Service Representative
  7. Accountant
  8. Physical Therapist
  9. Elementary School Teacher
  10. Construction Laborer

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. HCA Midwest Health System
  2. Amazon
  3. FedEx Ground
  4. Walmart
  5. Cerner Corporation
  6. Saint Luke’s Health System
  7. Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
  8. Home Depot
  9. Dollar General
  10. City of Lee’s Summit

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