Paterson, NJ – December 2023 Jobs Report – Mixed Signals in Manufacturing Hub

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The December 2023 jobs report for Paterson, NJ paints a picture of a complex and evolving labor market. While the overall job picture remained stable, with a net gain of 25 positions, specific industries and occupations witnessed contrasting trends, highlighting the city’s ongoing economic adjustments.

Highlights:

  • Total employment: 57,925 jobs (CES survey), maintaining December 2022 levels.
  • Unemployment rate: Data for December 2023 unavailable, but November rate held steady at 5.2%.
  • Job growth: Up 0.04% from November, but down 0.7% year-over-year.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Professional and Business Services: Added 50 jobs, primarily in management, information technology, and administrative support roles.
  • Educational and Health Services: Gained 25 positions, driven by healthcare support occupations and educational services.
  • Leisure and Hospitality: Increased by 30 jobs, reflecting growth in accommodation and food services.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Manufacturing: Lost 75 jobs, concentrated in production and transportation occupations. This decline continues a multi-year trend in the industry.
  • Retail Trade: Declined by 25 positions, mainly in sales and related occupations.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Total employment in December 2023 is 0.7% lower than December 2022.
  • Unemployment rate in December 2022 was 5.5%, slightly higher than the current rate (assuming no significant change).

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Job growth in December was minimal compared to November’s 0.1% increase.
  • Unemployment rate remained unchanged from November.

Future Outlook:

The Paterson job market’s future is uncertain. While sectors like professional services and healthcare show promise, the ongoing decline in manufacturing raises concerns. The outlook hinges on factors like national economic trends, state-level policies, and the ability of local businesses to adapt and innovate.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Home Health and Personal Care Aides
  3. Physician Assistants
  4. Software Developers and Quality Assurance Analysts
  5. Customer Service Representatives
  6. Delivery Drivers
  7. Elementary School Teachers
  8. Marketing Specialists
  9. Sales Representatives
  10. Accountants and Auditors

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center
  2. Valley Health System
  3. Passaic County Public Schools
  4. The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P)
  5. City of Paterson
  6. Amazon
  7. UPS
  8. FedEx
  9. Quest Diagnostics
  10. ADP

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