Overview: The Mission job market started 2024 with cautious optimism, experiencing modest job growth despite national economic headwinds. 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: Mission added 1.5% new jobs compared to December 2023, translating to roughly 80 positions.
- Strongest sectors: The Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+2.8%) and Leisure & Hospitality (+2.2%) sectors led the job gains, reflecting the ongoing importance of these industries to the local economy.
- Healthcare stable: The Healthcare sector maintained its presence with a minor 0.2% job increase, highlighting the consistent demand for medical professionals.
Industries and Occupations on the Rise:
- Leisure & Hospitality: With the peak season approaching, jobs in Food Preparation & Serving, Lodging, and Travel & Tourism experienced positive growth.
- Education & Government: Public education (1.8%) and local government administration (1.3%) saw modest job increases, indicating stability in these sectors.
Industries and Occupations Facing Challenges:
- Manufacturing: While not experiencing major declines, the Manufacturing sector saw a slight decrease (-0.5%) in January, potentially due to seasonal adjustments.
- Information: The Information sector saw a small decline (-0.3%), with occupations like Computer Programmers and Database Administrators experiencing slight reductions.
Year-over-Year Comparison:
Compared to January 2023, the Mission job market has grown by 2.3%, adding approximately 120 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 Mission, especially with the approaching tourist season.
Future Outlook:
The Mission job market is expected to see continued growth in 2024, with key areas of expansion including:
- Trade & Logistics: 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.
- Tourism: As travel resumes, the Leisure & Hospitality sector is expected to see a rebound, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Top 10 Growing Occupations in Mission, TX (January 2024):
- Logistics Coordinators
- Serving Related Workers
- Food Preparation
- Warehouse Workers
- Registered Nurses
- Nursing Assistants
- Retail Salespersons
- Personal Care Aides
- Laborers
- Customer Service Representatives
Top 10 Companies Hiring Now in Mission, TX (February 2024):
- Mission Consolidated Independent School District
- HEB
- Walmart
- City of Mission
- DHR Health
- Mission Regional Medical Center
- Mission Parks & Recreation Department
- Dollar General
- Taco Bell
- McDonald’s
Sources:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS)
- Texas Workforce Commission