While the national January 2024 jobs report showed signs of slowing growth, Racine, Wisconsin, bucked the trend with continued expansion. This analysis dives into the details of the local job market, offering insights for job seekers and employers alike.
Racine’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.1% in January, remaining below the national average of 3.4%. Job growth reached 1.2%, adding over 800 new positions compared to December 2023. This translates to a positive year-over-year increase of 2.5%.
Highlights:
- Stronger than national trends: Racine’s job growth outpaced the national average, indicating a resilient local economy.
- Low unemployment: The low unemployment rate suggests a tight labor market, potentially presenting challenges for employers seeking talent.
- Positive year-over-year growth: Job gains compared to January 2023 showcase sustained economic momentum.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Professional and Business Services: This sector added the most jobs, driven by growth in areas like management, consulting, and administrative support.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing industry saw moderate job gains, fueled by continued strength in durable goods production.
- Healthcare: Healthcare occupations experienced steady growth, reflecting an aging population and rising demand for medical services.
- Top Growing Occupations: Software Developers, Registered Nurses, Marketing Specialists, Customer Service Representatives, and Truck Drivers.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Retail Trade: The retail sector shed a small number of jobs, potentially reflecting ongoing shifts in consumer behavior towards online shopping.
- Leisure and Hospitality: This industry saw minimal job losses, suggesting some stabilization after pandemic-related fluctuations.
- Declining Occupations: Cashiers, Retail Salespersons, Food Preparation Workers, Laborers, and Telemarketers.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Racine’s unemployment rate was 0.2% lower than January 2023, indicating continued improvement in the labor market.
- Job growth surpassed the 1.1% increase seen in January 2023, demonstrating stronger momentum.
- Several industries, including professional and business services, healthcare, and manufacturing, added more jobs compared to the previous year.
Compare to Previous Month:
- The unemployment rate remained unchanged from December 2023.
- Job growth slowed slightly compared to the 1.4% increase in December, but still remained positive.
- The manufacturing industry saw a notable slowdown in job gains compared to the previous month.
Future Outlook:
While national economic forecasts are somewhat uncertain, Racine’s ongoing job growth suggests continued optimism for the local market. However, potential challenges include a tight labor market and rising inflationary pressures.
10 Growing Occupations:
- Software Developers
- Registered Nurses
- Marketing Specialists
- Customer Service Representatives
- Truck Drivers
- Physician Assistants
- Financial Analysts
- Home Health Aides
- Physical Therapists
- Web Developers
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- Ascension All Saints Hospital
- SC Johnson
- Racine Unified School District
- Sealed Air
- InSinkErator
- Twin Disc, Inc.
- CNH Industrial
- Dana Incorporated
- Andis Company
- Racine County
Resources:
- Racine County Workforce Development
- State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics