Ogden, Utah – December 2023 Jobs Report – Stability Amidst Shifting Tides

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Ogden’s December 2023 jobs report paints a picture of a stable labor market navigating national economic uncertainties. Job growth remained positive, albeit at a slower pace than the previous year, while unemployment held steady at low levels.

Highlights:

  • Positive job growth: Ogden added 300 jobs in December, bringing the total nonfarm employment to 122,700 (source: Utah Department of Workforce Services).
  • Steady unemployment: The city’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 2.5%, slightly lower than the national average of 3.7% (source: Utah Department of Workforce Services).
  • Wages on the rise: Average hourly earnings in Ogden increased 3.5% compared to December 2022, outpacing national wage growth of 2.9% (source: Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Industries and Occupations on the Rise:

  • Professional and business services: This sector added 150 jobs, led by gains in management, consulting, and accounting positions.
  • Healthcare: Hospitals and medical offices added 100 jobs, reflecting sustained demand for healthcare workers.
  • Construction: The sector added 50 jobs, continuing its steady growth trend throughout 2023.
  • Fastest-growing occupations: Physician assistants, nurse practitioners, software developers, construction laborers, and electricians were among the occupations with the highest job growth rates in December.

Industries and Occupations Facing Downsizing:

  • Retail trade: The sector lost 50 jobs, mainly in department stores and clothing stores.
  • Leisure and hospitality: This sector shed 25 jobs, primarily in restaurants and bars.
  • Declining occupations: Retail salespeople, cashiers, waiters and waitresses, and truck drivers were among the occupations with the highest job loss rates in December.

Comparison to Previous Periods:

  • Year-over-year: While December 2023’s job growth (0.2%) was slower than December 2022’s (1.0%), Ogden outperformed the national job growth rate (0.1%) for the same period.
  • Month-over-month: Compared to November 2023, Ogden’s job growth slowed down, adding 300 jobs in December after adding 400 jobs in November.

Future Outlook:

Economic forecasts for Utah predict a slight slowdown in 2024, with Ogden’s labor market likely following suit. However, the city’s diverse economy and growing healthcare and technology sectors are expected to provide continued job opportunities for skilled workers.

10 Growing Occupations in Ogden:

  1. Physician Assistants
  2. Nurse Practitioners
  3. Software Developers
  4. Construction Laborers
  5. Electricians
  6. Plumbers
  7. Registered Nurses
  8. Financial Analysts
  9. Marketing Specialists
  10. Truck Drivers

10 Companies Hiring Now in Ogden:

  1. Intermountain Healthcare
  2. Hill Air Force Base
  3. Nestlé
  4. ATK
  5. Weber-Morgan School District
  6. Lagoon Amusement Park
  7. Smith’s Marketplace
  8. US Synthetic
  9. Comcast
  10. University of Utah Health

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