The Pittsburg job market navigated a stable but mixed bag in December 2023, experiencing slight job growth alongside sector-specific fluctuations. The overall unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, mirroring the national average. While some industries like healthcare and utilities continued their upward trajectory, others like manufacturing and retail saw modest declines. Overall, the December report paints a picture of a resilient local economy adjusting to broader economic forces.
Highlights:
- Job growth of 0.3%: Adding 150 jobs, Pittsburg’s December performance surpassed the national average job growth rate of 0.2%.
- Healthcare leads the way: The healthcare sector continued its robust expansion, adding 80 new jobs in December, driven by the growing demand for medical professionals.
- Utilities sector shines: Utility companies added 45 new jobs, solidifying their position as a reliable source of employment in the Pittsburg area.
- Mixed fortunes for manufacturing and retail: The manufacturing sector shed 30 jobs, likely influenced by national supply chain disruptions. Retail also saw a slight decline, losing 25 jobs.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Healthcare: Registered nurses, physician assistants, and home health aides were among the fastest-growing occupations in December.
- Utilities: Lineworkers, meter readers, and maintenance technicians saw increased demand in the utilities sector.
- Education: Preschool teachers and special education instructors experienced job growth as the education sector expands.
What Industries and Occupations Shrunk:
- Manufacturing: Production workers, machine operators, and assemblers were disproportionately affected by the decline in the manufacturing sector.
- Retail: Cashiers, retail salespersons, and customer service representatives faced job losses in the retail sector.
- Administrative: Secretarial and data entry positions saw a slight decline, potentially reflecting automation trends.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
Compared to December 2022, Pittsburg’s job market has displayed remarkable stability. The unemployment rate remains unchanged at 4.2%, and overall job growth remains consistent. This stability stands in contrast to the national trends, which have seen a slight uptick in the unemployment rate and slower job growth.
Compare to Previous Month:
Pittsburg’s December job report marks a slight improvement compared to November 2023, which saw flat job growth. The addition of 150 jobs in December indicates a possible upward trend in the coming months.
Future Outlook:
The Pittsburg job market is expected to remain stable in the near future. With continued growth in healthcare and utilities, Pittsburg is well-positioned to weather potential economic downturns. However, uncertainty surrounding national supply chain issues and broader economic trends could impact Pittsburg’s manufacturing and retail sectors in the long run.
10 Growing Occupations:
- Registered Nurse
- Physician Assistant
- Home Health Aide
- Lineworker
- Meter Reader
- Preschool Teacher
- Special Education Instructor
- Software Developer
- Web Developer
- Truck Driver
10 Companies Hiring Now:
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