Newport Beach’s December 2023 jobs report painted a picture of resilience, defying national trends of job market contraction. The city’s unemployment rate remained steady at 3.2%, holding fast against the national uptick to 3.9%. This stability reflects the city’s diverse and dynamic economy, less susceptible to broader economic fluctuations.
Highlights:
- Job growth: While modest, Newport Beach added 150 jobs in December, continuing a positive trend of consistent job creation throughout 2023.
- Unemployment rate: Holding steady at 3.2%, Newport Beach boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, showcasing a robust and thriving labor market.
- Wage growth: Average wages in Newport Beach continued to climb, outpacing national averages. This trend indicates a competitive job market attracting and retaining skilled talent.
Industries and Occupations:
- Growth: Professional and business services, healthcare, and leisure and hospitality sectors led the charge in job creation, highlighting the city’s focus on knowledge-based industries and thriving tourism.
- Stability: Construction and manufacturing sectors remained steady, showcasing the city’s economic diversification.
- Shrinking: Retail and transportation sectors experienced slight job losses, reflecting national trends in these sectors.
Comparison:
- Year-over-year: Compared to December 2022, Newport Beach’s job market grew by 1.8%, outpacing the national average of 1.3% growth.
- Month-over-month: December’s job growth was slightly lower than November’s 200 jobs added, but the overall trend remains positive.
Future Outlook:
Economists predict continued job growth in Newport Beach throughout 2024, albeit at a slightly slower pace. The city’s strong fundamentals, coupled with its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, bode well for future job market stability.
10 Growing Occupations:
- Software developers
- Registered nurses
- Physician assistants
- Marketing specialists
- Financial advisors
- Accountants and auditors
- Construction managers
- Customer service representatives
- Chefs and head cooks
- Physical therapists
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- Pacific Life
- Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian
- PIMCO
- Blizzard Entertainment
- Edwards Lifesciences
- PIMCO
- Robert Half
- Deloitte
- Marriott International
- Taco Bell
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