Modesto, CA – December 2023 Jobs Report – Modest Gains amidst National Slowdown


Modesto, CA – December 2023 Jobs Report – Modest Gains amidst National Slowdown

Overview: Modesto’s job market ended 2023 with a muted performance, adding a preliminary 1,900 jobs in December. This translates to a 0.9% increase, slightly lagging the national average nonfarm payroll growth of 1.1%. Despite the slow pace, the local economy maintained its upward trajectory for the 12th consecutive month, albeit at a more subdued rate compared to earlier in the year.

Highlights:

  • The total nonfarm payroll reached a preliminary 193,500 in December, marking a 2.8% increase from the same period last year.
  • The unemployment rate held steady at 6.4%, remaining below the national average of 3.7%.
  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities led job gains with 900 new positions, followed by Education and Health Services with 400.
  • Mining, Logging, and Construction shed 100 jobs, marking the only sector with job losses.

Industries and Occupations that Grew:

  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: Warehouse laborers, delivery drivers, and transportation attendants saw consistent demand, reflecting the continued importance of e-commerce and logistics.
  • Education and Health Services: Healthcare practitioners, home health aides, and teachers filled newly created positions in response to an aging population and increased educational needs.
  • Professional and Business Services: Management analysts, computer occupations, and marketing specialists benefited from continued business expansion and technology adoption.

Industries and Occupations that Shrank:

  • Mining, Logging, and Construction: The construction sector continued to grapple with supply chain disruptions and rising material costs, leading to job losses in construction laborers and related occupations.

Comparison to Same Month Last Year:

The December 2023 job growth of 0.9% was lower than the 1.6% recorded in December 2022. This slowdown mirrors the national trend of moderating job growth amid rising interest rates and global economic uncertainties.

Comparison to Previous Month:

Job gains in December were slightly higher than the November 2023 increase of 0.7%, suggesting a possible stabilization in local job market momentum.

Future Outlook:

While concerns of a national recession linger, Modesto’s diverse economy and focus on essential sectors like healthcare and education provide some degree of resilience. Future job growth is likely to remain moderate, with continued emphasis on skilled labor in healthcare, technology, and logistics.

10 Growing Occupations in Modesto:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Truck Drivers
  3. Software Developers
  4. Physician Assistants
  5. General Laborers
  6. Marketing Specialists
  7. Management Analysts
  8. Customer Service Representatives
  9. Home Health Aides
  10. Computer Systems Analysts

10 Companies Hiring Now in Modesto:

  1. Sutter Health
  2. Modesto City Schools
  3. Amazon
  4. Gallo Winery
  5. Kaiser Permanente
  6. Patterson Irrigation District
  7. Yuba Water Agency
  8. Modesto Bee
  9. Save Mart Supermarkets
  10. Valley Oak Community Hospital

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