Overview: The Manteca job market started 2024 with cautious optimism, experiencing modest job growth despite concerns in the national economy. While the January report shows a slower pace compared to the previous year, it suggests a generally stable and improving job market for the year ahead.
Highlights:
- Job growth: Manteca added 0.7% new jobs compared to December 2023, translating to roughly 80 positions.
- Strongest sectors: The Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+1.1%) and Leisure & Hospitality (+1.0%) sectors led the job gains, reflecting the ongoing importance of these industries to the local economy.
- Manufacturing on the mend: Manufacturing witnessed a welcome 0.8% increase, indicating potential recovery after previous declines.
Industries and Occupations on the Rise:
- Manufacturing: Production Workers and Assemblers saw job increases, suggesting a potential rebound in the manufacturing sector, particularly in areas like food processing and machinery.
Industries and Occupations Facing Challenges:
- Information: This sector witnessed a slight decline (-0.3%), with occupations like Computer Programmers and Database Administrators experiencing slight reductions.
- Financial Activities: The Financial Activities sector saw a minor decrease (-0.2%), primarily due to national trends and automation in certain areas.
- Retail Trade: While experiencing a slight decline (-0.1%), the impact is minimal and likely due to seasonal adjustments.
Year-over-Year Comparison:
Compared to January 2023, the Manteca job market has grown by 1.8%, adding approximately 200 new jobs. This indicates a positive and consistent growth trajectory despite national economic uncertainties.
Month-over-Month Comparison:
While job growth slowed down slightly compared to December 2023, the overall trend remains positive. The January report suggests a stable and improving job market in Manteca, especially with the approaching tourist season.
Future Outlook:
The Manteca job market is expected to see continued growth in 2024, with key areas of expansion including:
- Logistics & Transportation: The growing e-commerce industry and regional development projects are expected to drive further demand in this sector.
- Healthcare: The aging population and increasing healthcare needs will continue to create opportunities for nurses, therapists, and home healthcare workers.
- Agriculture: Manteca’s agricultural sector is expected to remain stable, with potential growth in food processing and biotechnology.
Top 10 Growing Occupations in Manteca, CA (January 2024):
- Logistics Coordinators
- Transportation Security Specialists
- Food Preparation
- Production Workers
- Warehouse Workers
- Registered Nurses
- Nursing Assistants
- Retail Salespersons
- Personal Care Aides
- Customer Service Representatives
Top 10 Companies Hiring Now in Manteca, CA (February 2024):
- City of Manteca
- Manteca Unified School District
- Doctors Medical Center
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Costco Wholesale
- Safeway Inc.
- Target
- FedEx
- McDonald’s
Sources: