Macon, GA – December 2023 Jobs Report – Positive Signs Amidst Slow Growth

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The Macon, GA job market showed cautious optimism in December 2023, adding 100 jobs according to the CES survey. This modest gain follows a similar trend of slow but steady growth observed throughout the year. While not at pre-recession levels, the December report indicates a stabilizing labor market with opportunities in various sectors.

Highlights:

  • Total employment: 103,700 jobs (CES survey), marking a new high for the year.
  • Unemployment rate: Data for December 2023 unavailable, but November’s rate held steady at 3.5%.
  • Job growth: Up 0.1% from November and 1.2% year-over-year.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Professional and Business Services: Added 200 jobs, primarily in management, information technology, and administrative support roles.
  • Education and Health Services: Gained 100 positions, driven by healthcare support occupations and educational services.
  • Leisure and Hospitality: Increased by 50 jobs, reflecting growth in accommodation and food services.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Retail Trade: Lost 50 jobs, mainly in sales and related occupations.
  • Manufacturing: Declined by 25 positions, concentrated in production and transportation occupations.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Total employment in December 2023 is 1.2% higher than December 2022.
  • Unemployment rate in December 2022 was 3.8%, slightly higher than the current rate (assuming no significant change).

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Job growth in December was nearly identical to November’s 0.1% increase.
  • Unemployment rate remained unchanged from November.

Future Outlook:

The Macon job market is expected to see continued moderate growth in 2024. Key factors influencing the outlook include national economic trends, state-level initiatives, and the performance of major local industries. Continued investment in healthcare, education, and technology could provide further job opportunities.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Home Health and Personal Care Aides
  3. Physician Assistants
  4. Software Developers and Quality Assurance Analysts
  5. Customer Service Representatives
  6. Delivery Drivers
  7. Elementary School Teachers
  8. Marketing Specialists
  9. Sales Representatives
  10. Accountants and Auditors

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. GEICO
  2. Walmart
  3. Kroger
  4. Mercer University
  5. Medical Center of Central Georgia
  6. Tractor Supply
  7. Bibb County School District
  8. Macon-Bibb County
  9. Atrium Health Navicent
  10. Central Georgia Technical College

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