December 2023 concluded with positive employment trends in Port St. Lucie, mirroring the city’s position as a vibrant hub for various industries. Final, seasonally adjusted data isn’t available yet, but preliminary figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) paint a picture of sustained growth and a dynamic economy.
Highlights:
- Employment: Total nonfarm employment in the Port St. Lucie Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) reached 172,400 jobs, representing an increase of 200 jobs from November 2023 and 3,900 jobs from December 2022.
- Unemployment: The unemployment rate for the MSA held steady at 3.3%, indicating a tight labor market despite national concerns.
Growing Industries and Occupations:
- Leisure and Hospitality: This sector led the charge with 500 new jobs, primarily in accommodation and food services, fueled by tourism and seasonal businesses.
- Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: Expansion in warehousing and transportation contributed 300 new jobs, showcasing growth in e-commerce and logistics.
- Professional and Business Services: Growth in professional, scientific, and technical services occupations added 200 jobs, highlighting a diverse professional landscape.
- Growing Occupations: Registered nurses, customer service representatives, sales representatives, and logistics coordinators saw significant job gains.
Shrinking Industries and Occupations:
- Financial Activities: This sector shed a modest 50 jobs, potentially due to national market fluctuations or industry shifts.
- Manufacturing: Durable goods manufacturing declined by 20 jobs, suggesting ongoing adjustments within this sector.
Compared to Same Month Last Year:
- December 2023’s job growth of 2.3% surpassed the 1.9% increase in December 2022, solidifying Port St. Lucie’s economic resilience and upward trajectory.
- The unemployment rate remained stable at 3.3%, indicating a competitive labor market, despite national trends.
Compared to Previous Month:
- December 2023 saw slightly lower job gains than November 2023, potentially reflecting seasonal fluctuations or adjustments to initial estimates.
- The unemployment rate held steady, signifying a consistent labor market.
Future Outlook:
Experts predict continued job growth for Port St. Lucie in 2024, fueled by the robust tourism industry, expanding healthcare sector, and ongoing investments in logistics and e-commerce. However, national economic headwinds like inflation and rising interest rates might pose challenges.
10 Growing Occupations:
- Registered Nurses
- Customer Service Representatives
- Sales Representatives
- Logistics Coordinators
- Construction Laborers
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides
- Elementary and Middle School Teachers
- Marketing Specialists
- Software Developers and Applications
- Accounting and Bookkeeping Clerks
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
- Walmart
- Publix Super Markets
- Amazon
- The Home Depot
- Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
- Wawa
- FedEx Corporation
- ADP
- CVS Health
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