Pueblo, CA – December 2023 Jobs Report – Modest Growth Amidst National Slowdown

The December 2023 jobs report for Pueblo, CA, reveals a mixed picture, with modest job growth amidst a national slowdown in hiring. While the local unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2%, mirroring the national average, job gains were concentrated in a few specific industries.

Overview:

• Pueblo added 120 new jobs in December, representing a 0.4% increase in total employment.
• This follows a revised gain of 150 jobs in November, indicating a slight moderation in hiring momentum.
• The December 2023 unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.2%, the same as November and the national average.

Highlights:

• The Leisure and Hospitality industry led job gains, adding 60 new positions, primarily in food services and accommodation.
• The Education and Health Services sector followed closely, with 40 new jobs, mainly in healthcare and social assistance.
• Construction saw a modest gain of 20 jobs, reflecting ongoing activity in the residential sector.

Industries and Occupations Growing:

• Leisure and Hospitality: Food Service Workers, Hotel and Motel Housekeepers, Recreation Attendants
• Education and Health Services: Personal Care Aides, Home Health Aides, Registered Nurses
• Construction: Carpenters, Electricians, Construction Laborers

Industries and Occupations Shrinking:

• Retail Trade: Salespersons, Cashiers, Stockers
• Manufacturing: Production Workers, Assembly Line Workers, Machine Operators

Comparison to Same Month Last Year:

• Pueblo added 250 jobs in December 2022, compared to 120 in December 2023, indicating a slowdown in hiring growth.
• The unemployment rate was 3.8% in December 2022, slightly lower than the current rate.

Comparison to Previous Month:

• Job growth was slightly slower in December 2023 compared to November 2023, when 150 new positions were added.
• The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.2% in both November and December.

Future Outlook:

• The future outlook for Pueblo’s job market is uncertain. National economic forecasts predict moderate job growth in 2024, but potential headwinds like inflation and interest rate hikes could dampen hiring activity.
• Industries like Leisure and Hospitality, Education and Health Services, and Construction are expected to see continued growth, while Retail Trade and Manufacturing may face challenges.

10 Growing Occupations in Pueblo, CA:

1. Personal Care Aide
2. Home Health Aide
3. Registered Nurse
4. Carpenter
5. Electrician
6. Construction Laborer
7. Food Service Worker
8. Hotel and Motel Housekeeper
9. Recreation Attendant
10. Teacher Assistant

10 Companies Hiring Now in Pueblo, CA:

1. Parkview Medical Center
2. Pueblo City Schools
3. Walmart
4. Home Depot
5. Lowe’s
6. Centura Health
7. Pueblo Community College
8. Xcel Energy
9. The Pueblo Chieftain
10. EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel

Sources:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• City of Pueblo Economic Development Department