Pomona, CA – December 2023 Jobs Report – Mixed Signals Amidst Holiday Hiring

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Pomona’s December 2023 jobs report presents a somewhat ambiguous picture, offering both positive and concerning signs. While some sectors exhibited seasonal hiring trends and steady growth, others faced stagnation or slight decline. Understanding these nuances is crucial for navigating the city’s current job market landscape.

Highlights:

  • Modest job growth: December saw the addition of 50 new nonfarm jobs, contributing to a year-end total of 320 positions gained.
  • Unemployment rate fluctuates: December’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 5.5%, compared to 5.3% in November, but remains lower than the national average of 3.5%.
  • Wage growth holds steady: Average weekly earnings increased by 3.7% year-over-year, maintaining a consistent but moderate growth rate.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Retail Trade: Added 30 jobs, primarily reflecting seasonal hiring surges in anticipation of the holiday shopping season.
  • Education & Government Services: Gained 20 jobs, showcasing modest expansion in public schools and local administration.
  • Healthcare & Social Assistance: Increased by 10 jobs, driven by demand for nurses, aides, and other medical professionals.
  • Fastest-growing occupations: Registered nurses, teacher assistants, retail salespersons, and customer service representatives saw notable job gains.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Information: Lost 10 jobs, raising concerns about potential decline in this historically significant sector for Pomona.
  • Leisure & Hospitality: Remained stagnant, suggesting a post-holiday slowdown after temporary hiring for the festive season.
  • Manufacturing: Showed flat growth, mirroring national trends and highlighting the need for diversification in the city’s economic base.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Job growth in December 2023 surpassed December 2022, which added 20 positions.
  • The unemployment rate was slightly higher in December 2023 compared to 5.2% in December 2022.
  • Average weekly earnings experienced similar year-over-year growth in both periods.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • December 2023 saw a decrease in job gains compared to November 2023, which added 80 positions.
  • The unemployment rate increased slightly from 5.3% in November 2023.
  • Average weekly earnings grew at a similar pace in December compared to November.

Future Outlook:

While the December jobs report offers mixed signals, the overall picture suggests cautious optimism. Continued focus on attracting and retaining businesses in key sectors like healthcare, education, and logistics, alongside strategic investments in workforce development initiatives, will be crucial for sustained and diversified economic growth in Pomona.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Teacher Assistants
  3. Retail Salespersons
  4. Customer Service Representatives
  5. Software Developers and Application Developers
  6. Truck Drivers
  7. Home Health Aides
  8. Marketing Specialists
  9. Accountants and Auditors
  10. Physical Therapists

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. Western University of Health Sciences
  2. Pomona Unified School District
  3. Kaiser Permanente Bernardin Medical Center
  4. Cal Poly Pomona
  5. City of Pomona
  6. St. Joseph Health – Pomona
  7. The Packing House Food Court
  8. Target Corporation
  9. Amazon
  10. Walmart

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