While the national job market showed signs of slowdown in January 2024, Odessa remained resilient, exhibiting continued hiring activity and stable unemployment rates. This stability reflects the city’s strong ties to the oil and gas industry, which experienced a resurgence in recent months. However, data limitations prevent direct comparisons to January 2023.
Highlights:
- Unemployment rate: Stable at 3.5%, maintaining its record low since data collection began.
- Job postings: Increased compared to December 2023, indicating sustained employer confidence.
- Key sectors: Continued strength in healthcare, education, and professional services.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Healthcare: Registered nurses, medical assistants, home health aides.
- Education: Teachers, teacher assistants, special education specialists.
- Professional & Business Services: Marketing specialists, customer service representatives, accountants.
- Energy: Field service technicians, engineers, geologists.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
Data limitations prevent identifying specific industries or occupations with job losses in January 2024.
Compare to Previous Month:
- Job postings increased compared to December 2023.
- Unemployment rate remained stable.
Future Outlook:
The Odessa job market is expected to remain stable in the coming months, driven by continued activity in the oil and gas industry and ongoing hiring in healthcare and education. However, broader economic uncertainties could impact future trends.
10 Growing Occupations:
- Registered Nurse
- Medical Assistant
- Home Health Aide
- Teacher
- Teacher Assistant
- Special Education Specialist
- Marketing Specialist
- Customer Service Representative
- Accountant
- Field Service Technician
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- Medical Center Hospital
- Ector County Independent School District
- University of Texas Permian Basin
- Schlumberger
- Halliburton
- Cigna
- H-E-B
- Lowe’s
- Whataburger
- Odessa College
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