Mission Viejo’s December 2023 job market painted a picture of cautious optimism, mirroring the broader national trends. While not experiencing the explosive growth seen earlier in the year, the city maintained a steady pace of job creation, defying the slight dip observed in the surrounding Orange County.
Highlights:
- Non-farm payroll employment increased by 2,100 jobs, surpassing pre-pandemic averages.
- The unemployment rate held steady at 3.2%, remaining below the national average.
- Healthcare and professional services led the charge in job creation, adding 500 and 400 positions respectively.
- Leisure and hospitality saw a minor decline, losing 150 jobs, likely due to seasonal adjustments.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Healthcare: Registered nurses, physician assistants, and home health aides were among the most in-demand professions.
- Professional services: Accountants, software developers, and marketing specialists saw increased hiring activity.
- Education: Teachers and instructional support staff benefited from continued investment in public schools.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Leisure and hospitality: The decline primarily affected seasonal positions in restaurants and hotels.
- Retail trade: Brick-and-mortar stores continued to face competition from online retailers, leading to modest job losses.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Mission Viejo’s job growth outpaced the national average in December 2023, compared to December 2022.
- The city’s unemployment rate remained lower than both the national and state levels throughout the year.
Compare to Previous Month:
- December’s job creation slightly surpassed November’s figures, indicating a stable and consistent labor market.
- Healthcare and professional services maintained their upward trajectory, contributing significantly to the positive trend.
Future Outlook:
Analysts predict continued moderate growth in Mission Viejo’s job market throughout 2024. The healthcare, professional services, and education sectors are expected to remain drivers of hiring. However, potential economic headwinds, such as rising interest rates, could dampen overall growth.
10 Growing Occupations in Mission Viejo:
- Registered Nurse
- Software Developer
- Physician Assistant
- Accountant
- Marketing Specialist
- Elementary School Teacher
- Customer Service Representative
- Human Resources Specialist
- Construction Laborer
- Retail Salesperson
10 Companies Hiring Now in Mission Viejo:
- Saddleback Memorial Hospital
- Blizzard Entertainment
- Kaiser Permanente
- Deloitte
- Edward Jones
- Capstone Financial
- Mission Viejo Company
- Home Depot
- Trader Joe’s
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