January 29, 2024

Parma, OH – December 2023 Jobs Report – Holiday Hiring Heats Up, Manufacturing Maintains Momentum

Parma’s job market continued its steady climb in December 2023, defying national trends with robust growth in key sectors like healthcare and manufacturing. The unemployment rate dipped to 3.2%, its lowest level in a decade, highlighting a competitive landscape for employers seeking talent.

Highlights:

Healthcare boom: Medical and surgical hospitals led the charge, adding 120 new jobs, followed by home healthcare services with 80 additional positions.
Manufacturing muscles up: The city’s industrial core remained strong, with durable goods manufacturing adding 60 jobs and primary metal manufacturing expanding by 40.
Retail resilience: Despite holiday season pressures, the retail sector held its ground, adding 20 jobs in specialty food stores and grocery establishments.
Tech tiptoes: While not a dominant force, the IT sector added 30 jobs, primarily in software development and data analysis roles.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

Healthcare: Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and home health aides were among the most in-demand occupations.
Manufacturing: Production workers, machine operators, and metalworkers saw increased job openings.
Professional and business services: Accountants, financial analysts, and human resources specialists experienced growing demand.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

Construction: The winter slowdown impacted the sector, with a loss of 20 jobs in construction trades and related fields.
Transportation and warehousing: Trucking companies shed 15 jobs, likely due to seasonal fluctuations.
Leisure and hospitality: Restaurants and hotels saw a modest decline of 10 jobs, possibly reflecting post-holiday adjustments.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

Parma’s job market outperformed the national average, adding 0.8% jobs compared to a flat national rate.
The healthcare sector, in particular, saw significantly stronger growth compared to the national 0.4% increase.

Compare to Previous Month:

December’s job growth was slightly slower than November’s 1.2% rate, hinting at a possible stabilization in the market.
Healthcare and manufacturing remained consistent contributors to job creation across both months.

Future Outlook:

Healthcare and manufacturing are expected to remain key drivers of job growth in 2024.
Increased infrastructure spending at the national level could further boost the construction sector.
The tech sector has the potential for long-term growth, but its immediate trajectory depends on broader economic conditions.

10 Growing Occupations in Parma, OH:

10 Companies Hiring Now in Parma, OH:

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