Despite national anxieties stemming from economic concerns, Rialto’s job market exhibited positive signs in January 2024. The city bucked the national trend, experiencing a slight uptick in overall employment compared to December 2023. While the growth was modest, it offers a glimmer of hope in an uncertain economic landscape.
Highlights:
- Rialto added 1.2% more jobs in January compared to December.
- The Logistics and Distribution sector remained the largest employer, followed by Retail Trade and Professional & Business Services.
- Transportation & Warehousing occupations witnessed the most significant growth, followed by Sales & Related Occupations and Office & Administrative Support.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Logistics & Distribution: This sector continues to drive Rialto’s economy, adding close to 400 new jobs in January. The growth primarily stemmed from increased demand for warehousing and transportation services fueled by e-commerce activity.
- Transportation & Warehousing: Occupations like Truck Drivers (Heavy & Tractor-Trailer), Warehouse Laborers, and Logistics Coordinators saw a surge in demand, reflecting the boom in the logistics sector.
- Sales & Related Occupations: Positions like Retail Salespersons and Customer Service Representatives experienced growth, likely due to the holiday season and ongoing consumer spending.
- Office & Administrative Support: Roles like Administrative Assistants, Receptionists, and Bookkeepers showed positive trends, suggesting increased business activity across various sectors.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Manufacturing: This sector shed a small number of jobs in January, primarily impacting blue-collar positions like Production Workers and Assemblers. However, the decline was minimal compared to national manufacturing industry woes.
- Food & Beverage Services: Jobs in restaurants and bars saw a slight decrease, potentially due to seasonal fluctuations.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Compared to January 2023, Rialto’s job market remained relatively stable, with minimal change in overall employment levels.
- However, specific industries exhibited contrasting trends. The Logistics & Distribution sector saw continued growth, while Manufacturing declined slightly compared to the previous year.
Compare to Previous Month:
- As mentioned earlier, January witnessed a 1.2% increase in employment compared to December 2023.
- This modest growth indicates a positive trajectory for the local job market despite national economic concerns.
Future Outlook:
The future of Rialto’s job market remains cautiously optimistic. The continued strength of the Logistics & Distribution sector provides a solid foundation for economic stability. However, national economic trends and potential changes in consumer spending habits could impact local hiring patterns.
10 Growing Occupations:
- Truck Drivers (Heavy & Tractor-Trailer)
- Warehouse Laborers
- Retail Salespersons
- Customer Service Representatives
- Registered Nurses
- Software Developers & Applications
- Administrative Assistants
- Receptionists
- Bookkeepers
- Construction Laborers
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- Amazon
- FedEx
- UPS
- Target
- Walmart
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Kaiser Permanente
- City of Rialto
- San Bernardino County
Resources:
- City of Rialto Economic Development Department
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Rialto, CA
- Indeed.com – Rialto, CA Jobs