Little Rock’s job market showcased stability and modest growth in December 2023. The unemployment rate held steady, indicating sustained job availability, while key industries continued to add positions. While national economic concerns loom, the overall picture suggests cautious optimism for potential job seekers.
Highlights:
- Stable unemployment rate: At 3.5%, the unemployment rate remained unchanged, signifying a balanced labor market with neither widespread joblessness nor an abundance of unfilled positions.
- Modest job growth: The nonfarm job count added 100 positions, pushing the total to 260,100, reflecting consistent job creation.
- Healthcare and Professional Services lead the way: These sectors added 50 and 20 jobs respectively, potentially mirroring expansion in medical facilities and diverse professional fields.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: This sector gained 50 jobs, encompassing areas like hospitals, clinics, and social services. Registered nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides were among the growing occupations.
- Professional and Business Services: This industry also saw minor growth with 20 additional positions, potentially tied to expansion in finance, consulting, and technology. Accountants, marketing specialists, and customer service representatives might see opportunities.
- Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: This sector held steady, maintaining its existing job count. Occupations like truck drivers, logistics specialists, and warehouse workers could offer stable options.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Leisure and Hospitality: This sector lost 20 jobs, likely due to seasonal fluctuations in tourism and hospitality. Positions in restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues might be impacted.
- Retail Trade: This industry shed 10 jobs, potentially reflecting ongoing challenges in brick-and-mortar retail or post-holiday adjustments. Sales associates and retail workers could be affected.
- Government: This sector also lost 10 jobs, which could be attributed to various factors within the public sector. Specific affected occupations are unclear.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Unemployment rate: Down slightly from 3.6% in December 2022, marking a minor improvement in the labor market.
- Nonfarm job growth: Lower than the 150 jobs added in December 2022, highlighting a slight deceleration in hiring.
Compare to Previous Month:
- Unemployment rate: Unchanged from November 2023, indicating stability in the labor market.
- Nonfarm job growth: Slightly higher than the revised November gain of 80 jobs, showcasing continued, albeit modest, job creation.
Future Outlook:
Experts predict cautious optimism for Little Rock’s job market in 2024. The stable unemployment rate and consistent job growth, though moderate, suggest potential resilience. However, national economic concerns and inflation could create uncertainty. Healthcare, professional services, and trade/transportation might offer opportunities, while broader factors could impact the overall trajectory.
10 Growing Occupations in Little Rock, AR:
- Registered Nurses
- Nursing Assistants
- Customer Service Representatives
- Sales Representatives
- Truck Drivers
- Software Developers and Applications Developers
- Marketing Specialists
- Accountants and Auditors
- Construction Laborers
- Teachers
10 Companies Hiring Now in Little Rock, AR:
- Baptist Health
- CHI St. Vincent
- Walmart
- Dassault Falcon Jet
- Acxiom Corporation
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Amazon
- Tyson Foods
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Sources:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Little Rock, AR MSA
- Arkansas Department of Workforce Services – Little Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area
- Indeed Hiring in Little Rock, AR
- Glassdoor Jobs in Little Rock, AR