Missouri City, TX – December 2023 Jobs Report – Holding Steady Amidst National Fluctuations

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Missouri City’s job market held steady in December 2023, defying national trends that saw a slight decline in employment. The unemployment rate dipped to 4.0%, down from 4.3% in November and marking a six-month low. While job growth wasn’t robust, it offered stability in a period of economic uncertainty.

Highlights:

  • Unemployment rate at 4.0%: The lowest level since June 2023, showcasing continued resilience in the local job market.
  • Job growth remained flat: Missouri City added a modest 100 jobs in December, following a similar pattern in the previous months.
  • Healthcare and professional services continue to lead: These sectors saw consistent hiring throughout the year, reflecting national trends.
  • Retail and leisure sectors showed mixed results: Some restaurants and stores added positions, while others saw slight declines.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare agencies continued to expand, adding nurses, therapists, and administrative staff.
  • Professional services: Accounting, legal, and engineering firms maintained steady hiring, particularly for entry-level and mid-career positions.
  • Education: Public schools and universities added teachers, counselors, and support staff to accommodate growing student populations.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Manufacturing: Some factories reduced production due to supply chain disruptions, leading to job losses in assembly and production lines.
  • Construction: Residential and commercial construction projects slowed down slightly, resulting in fewer positions for carpenters, electricians, and laborers.
  • Energy: The oil and gas industry continued to experience volatility, with some companies implementing hiring freezes or layoffs.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Missouri City’s unemployment rate was lower: 4.0% in December 2023 compared to 4.2% in December 2022, indicating sustained job market recovery.
  • Job growth slightly faster: The city added 100 jobs in December 2023 compared to 75 in December 2022, suggesting a modest upward trend.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Unemployment rate decreased: Down from 4.3% in November 2023, reflecting a positive development for job seekers.
  • Job growth remained flat: Similar to the previous months, highlighting a stable but slow-moving job market.

Future Outlook:

  • The Missouri City job market is expected to maintain stability in the coming months, with gradual growth in healthcare, professional services, and education sectors.
  • Uncertainty surrounding national economic conditions could impact local manufacturing and energy industries, potentially leading to slower hiring or even job losses.
  • Continued investments in infrastructure and technology projects could create new opportunities in construction and related fields.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts
  3. Physicians and Surgeons
  4. General and Operations Managers
  5. Marketing Specialists
  6. Human Resources Specialists
  7. Teachers, Secondary School
  8. Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer
  9. Accountants and Auditors
  10. Customer Service Representatives

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. HCA Healthcare
  2. Schlumberger
  3. MD Anderson Cancer Center
  4. ExxonMobil
  5. Kroger
  6. Texas Instruments
  7. Fluor
  8. Baker Hughes
  9. Hewlett Packard Enterprise
  10. Missouri City Independent School District

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