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:
- Registered Nurse
- Warehouse Associate
- Truck Driver
- Software Developer
- Marketing Specialist
- Customer Service Representative
- Accountant
- Physical Therapist
- Elementary School Teacher
- Construction Laborer
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- HCA Midwest Health System
- Amazon
- FedEx Ground
- Walmart
- Cerner Corporation
- Saint Luke’s Health System
- Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
- Home Depot
- Dollar General
- City of Lee’s Summit
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