Pleasanton’s job market maintained its steady pace in December 2023, even as national employment figures hinted at a potential slowdown. The city added 250 new jobs last month, a 0.2% increase, bringing the total employment to 125,750. While this growth rate is slightly slower compared to previous months, it reflects continued resilience in the face of broader economic uncertainties.
Highlights:
- Healthcare and Professional Services lead the way: The healthcare sector added 80 new jobs in December, followed by professional, scientific, and technical services with 75 job gains. These sectors continue to be major drivers of Pleasanton’s economic growth.
- Tech slowdown muted: Despite national concerns about tech industry layoffs, Pleasanton’s technology sector remained stable, adding 20 new jobs in December. This suggests the city’s tech scene, focused on established companies and research institutions, may be less vulnerable to national trends.
- Retail shows resilience: Bucking national trends, retail trade in Pleasanton added 35 new jobs in December, indicating continued consumer confidence in the local economy.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Healthcare: Registered nurses, medical assistants, and home health aides were among the fastest-growing occupations in December, reflecting the sector’s ongoing demand for qualified workers.
- Professional Services: Software developers, engineers, and marketing specialists saw job gains, highlighting the continued importance of these roles in Pleasanton’s professional landscape.
- Retail: Cashiers, sales associates, and customer service representatives added to the retail sector’s workforce, suggesting sustained consumer activity in the city.
What Industries and Occupations Shrunk:
- Construction: The construction sector shed 20 jobs in December, possibly due to seasonal fluctuations or completion of major projects.
- Accommodation and Food Services: This sector lost 15 jobs last month, potentially reflecting adjustments after the holiday season rush.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
Pleasanton’s job growth surpassed the national average in December 2023. While the U.S. added jobs at a rate of 0.1%, Pleasanton’s 0.2% increase indicates relative stability in the local market. Compared to December 2022, Pleasanton’s job growth has slowed slightly, but remains positive overall.
Compare to Previous Month:
December’s job gains followed a slightly stronger performance in November, when Pleasanton added 300 new jobs. This suggests a possible slowdown in the pace of growth, but the overall trend remains positive.
Future Outlook:
While national economic forecasts suggest potential challenges in the coming months, Pleasanton’s diversified economy and strong local fundamentals position it well to weather potential headwinds. The healthcare, professional services, and technology sectors are expected to remain key drivers of job growth in the near future.
10 Growing Occupations in Pleasanton (December 2023):
- Software Developer
- Registered Nurse
- Engineer
- Marketing Specialist
- Customer Service Representative
- Cashier
- Accountant
- Sales Associate
- Physician Assistant
- Medical Assistant
10 Companies Hiring Now in Pleasanton (December 2023):
- Roche
- Oracle
- Tesla
- Siemens
- AbbVie
- Kaiser Permanente
- Lam Research
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Workday
- SAP
Resources: