Norwalk, CA – December 2023 Jobs Report – Employment Growth Stabilizes, Healthcare and Logistics Lead the Way

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The December 2023 jobs report for Norwalk, CA paints a picture of a stable labor market, with modest growth across several industries. While the pace of job creation slowed compared to previous months, key sectors like healthcare and logistics continued to add positions, offering opportunities for job seekers.

Highlights:

  • Total nonfarm jobs increased by 0.5% in December, adding around 150 positions.
  • The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2%, indicating a balanced labor market.
  • Healthcare and social assistance added the most jobs, followed by transportation, warehousing, and utilities.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Healthcare and social assistance: This sector saw the strongest growth, adding 80 new jobs in December. Demand for nurses, therapists, and home healthcare aides remained high.
  • Transportation, warehousing, and utilities: This sector added 50 jobs, driven by continued expansion in e-commerce and logistics. Positions for truck drivers, warehouse workers, and logistics coordinators were in demand.
  • Professional and business services: This sector added 25 jobs, with growth concentrated in areas like accounting, marketing, and information technology.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Retail trade: This sector lost 30 jobs in December, continuing a trend seen throughout 2023. Brick-and-mortar stores faced challenges from online competition.
  • Leisure and hospitality: This sector lost 20 jobs, as the post-holiday period typically brings a slowdown in hiring for restaurants and hotels.
  • Manufacturing: This sector lost 10 jobs, reflecting ongoing shifts in the global manufacturing landscape.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Job growth in December 2023 was slower than in December 2022, when Norwalk added 2.1% more jobs.
  • However, the unemployment rate was lower in December 2023 compared to December 2022, indicating a tighter labor market.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Job growth in December was slightly higher than in November 2023, when Norwalk added 0.3% more jobs.
  • The unemployment rate remained unchanged from November to December.

Future Outlook:

  • The future outlook for the Norwalk job market is cautiously optimistic. Continued growth in healthcare, logistics, and professional services is expected, while other sectors may face headwinds.
  • Rising interest rates and potential economic slowdown could dampen hiring in some industries.

10 Growing Occupations in Norwalk, CA (December 2023):

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Home Health Aides
  3. Logistics Coordinators
  4. Truck Drivers
  5. Software Developers
  6. Accountants
  7. Marketing Specialists
  8. Customer Service Representatives
  9. Janitors and Cleaners
  10. Physical Therapists

10 Companies Hiring Now in Norwalk, CA (as of February 1, 2024):

  1. Amazon
  2. Kaiser Permanente
  3. FedEx
  4. St. Jude Medical Center
  5. City of Norwalk
  6. Target
  7. The Home Depot
  8. Costco Wholesale
  9. Walmart
  10. CVS Health

Resources:

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics – Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS)
  • City of Norwalk – Economic Development Department