Omaha, NE – December 2023 Jobs Report: Steady Ground, Cautious Steps Forward

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The December 2023 jobs report for Omaha paints a picture of a stable labor market with hints of slower growth compared to past months. While unemployment dipped to a three-year low, job creation cooled down, highlighting a need for careful monitoring in the coming months.

Highlights:

  • Unemployment rate falls: Hitting 2.4%, this represents the lowest unemployment rate in Omaha since December 2020, indicating a tight job market for qualified candidates.
  • Job growth slows: Nonfarm jobs added only 100 positions, reaching 472,400, marking a significant slowdown from previous months’ momentum.
  • Healthcare emerges as a bright spot: This sector added 200 jobs, showcasing growth potential in hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities. Registered nurses, healthcare assistants, and medical professionals could see opportunities.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Healthcare and Social Assistance: This sector added 200 jobs, encompassing areas like hospitals, clinics, and social services. Registered nurses, healthcare assistants, and medical professionals might benefit.
  • Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities: This sector added 50 jobs, potentially tied to growth in logistics and distribution hubs. Truck drivers, warehouse associates, and logistics coordinators could be in demand.
  • Leisure and Hospitality: This sector added 40 jobs, reflecting a slight uptick in hiring for seasonal positions, potentially due to holiday spending. Cashiers, servers, and customer service representatives in restaurants and hotels could find opportunities.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • No industries reported significant job losses in December 2023. However, some seasonal positions in leisure and hospitality might have ended with the holiday season.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Unemployment rate: Lower than 2.5% in December 2022, showcasing a slight improvement in the labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Lower than the 400 jobs added in December 2022, highlighting a deceleration in hiring compared to the previous year.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Unemployment rate: Down from 2.6% in November 2023, marking a further decrease in unemployment.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Significantly lower than the 1,800 jobs added in November 2023, showcasing a dramatic slowdown in hiring.

Future Outlook:

Experts cautiously predict continued stability for Omaha’s job market in 2024. The low unemployment rate, despite slower growth, suggests potential resilience. However, monitoring national economic trends and their impact on specific industries, especially manufacturing and agriculture, is crucial. Healthcare, transportation, and logistics could offer opportunities, while adaptability will be key in navigating potential shifts.

10 Growing Occupations in Omaha, NE:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Nursing Assistants
  3. Truck Drivers
  4. Customer Service Representatives
  5. Software Developers and Applications Developers
  6. Marketing Specialists
  7. Accountants and Auditors
  8. Sales Representatives
  9. Construction Laborers
  10. Teachers

10 Companies Hiring Now in Omaha, NE:

  1. Conagra Brands
  2. Union Pacific Railroad
  3. TD Ameritrade
  4. Kiewit Corporation
  5. Omaha Public Schools
  6. CHI Health
  7. Nebraska Methodist Health System
  8. Valmont Industries
  9. HDR
  10. First National Bank of Omaha

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