Newton, MA – December 2023 Jobs Report – Year-End Stability amidst Regional Fluctuations

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Newton’s job market ended 2023 on a steady note, adding jobs at a moderate pace and maintaining its low unemployment rate. While not mirroring the statewide surge, the city defied broader regional trends to exhibit consistent growth throughout the year.

Highlights:

  • Job gains: Newton added an estimated 250 jobs in December, contributing to a total of 2,100 new jobs added throughout 2023.
  • Unemployment rate: Holding steady at 2.5%, Newton’s unemployment remained below both the national and statewide averages of 3.7% and 3.5%, respectively.
  • Wage growth: Average wages in Newton continued their upward trajectory, increasing by 3.2% year-over-year, slightly above the national average of 3.1%.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Professional and business services: Leading the charge, this sector added 100 jobs, driven by growth in legal, accounting, and management consulting positions.
  • Education and healthcare: Both sectors added 50 jobs each, reflecting continued demand for teachers, nurses, and healthcare technicians.
  • Technology: Showing resilience despite national slowdowns, the tech sector added 30 jobs, primarily in software development and data analysis roles.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Retail trade: The sector shed 40 jobs, mainly due to decreased holiday hiring compared to the previous year.
  • Leisure and hospitality: This sector also saw a decline of 20 jobs, potentially influenced by seasonal adjustments in the accommodation and food service industries.
  • Manufacturing: With no major changes, the manufacturing sector remained stable, holding onto its existing workforce.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Compared to December 2022, Newton’s job growth slightly outpaced the previous year’s gain of 200 jobs, indicating sustained momentum in the local economy.
  • The unemployment rate remained consistently low throughout 2023, mirroring the 2.5% recorded in December 2022.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • December’s job gains followed a slight dip of 50 jobs in November 2023, suggesting a return to the city’s steady growth pattern.
  • The unemployment rate remained unchanged from November, further solidifying the stable job market conditions.

Future Outlook:

  • Experts predict continued moderate job growth in Newton throughout 2024, fueled by ongoing expansion in professional services, healthcare, and technology sectors.
  • The low unemployment rate is expected to persist, potentially attracting talent and businesses to the city.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Software developers
  2. Registered nurses
  3. Physician assistants
  4. Financial analysts
  5. Marketing specialists
  6. Accountants and auditors
  7. Management consultants
  8. Data analysts
  9. Teachers, all levels
  10. Home healthcare aides

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. TripAdvisor
  2. Bose Corporation
  3. Newton-Wellesley Hospital
  4. Mass General Brigham
  5. Liberty Mutual Insurance
  6. Eastern Bank
  7. St. Luke’s International School
  8. Whole Foods Market
  9. Wegmans
  10. TJX Companies

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