Longview’s job market closed out 2023 with continued positive momentum, adding jobs for the seventh consecutive month. The unemployment rate dipped to a new low, reflecting a healthy balance between labor supply and demand.
Highlights:
- Nonfarm payroll employment: Increased by 400 jobs in December, bringing the total to 101,800, a 1.9% increase year-over-year.
- Unemployment rate: Declined to 3.8%, the lowest level since the data series began in 1990 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Average hourly earnings: Remained steady at $27.83, reflecting consistent wage growth across sectors.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: Added 400 jobs, driven by growth in trucking, warehousing, and retail trade.
- Healthcare: Gained 100 jobs, with continued demand for nurses, aides, and medical technicians.
- Professional and Business Services: Increased by 50 jobs, fueled by hiring in accounting, engineering, and legal fields.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Mining, Logging, and Construction: Shed 200 jobs, primarily due to seasonal fluctuations in construction activity.
- Manufacturing: Remained flat, with no significant changes in employment levels.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Longview’s job market outperformed the national average, adding 1.9% jobs compared to the national increase of 1.4%.
- The unemployment rate declined by 1.0 percentage point compared to December 2022.
Compare to Previous Month:
- Job growth accelerated slightly from November’s increase of 200 jobs, indicating a strengthening labor market.
- The unemployment rate remained unchanged from the previous month.
Future Outlook:
Longview’s economic outlook remains positive for 2024. Continued investment in the healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing sectors is expected to drive job growth. However, potential headwinds such as rising interest rates and global economic uncertainty could moderate the pace of expansion.
10 Growing Occupations:
- Registered Nurses
- Truck Drivers
- Software Developers
- Retail Salespersons
- Nursing Assistants
- Accountants and Auditors
- General Laborers
- Warehouse Workers
- Physician Assistants
- Customer Service Representatives
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- Longview Regional Medical Center
- Eastman Chemical Company
- International Paper
- Walmart
- Amazon
- FedEx
- Christus Trinity Mother Frances
- Tyler Junior College
- City of Longview
- Eastman Credit Union
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