San Angelo, TX – January 2024 Jobs Report – Steady Growth Amidst National Turmoil

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The San Angelo job market continued its positive trajectory in January 2024, defying national trends of economic slowdown. The unemployment rate dipped to 2.9%, marking the lowest level since data collection began. This robust performance reflected continued strength in key sectors like healthcare, education, and professional services.

Highlights:

  • Unemployment rate at 2.9%, the lowest on record (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Nonfarm job growth of 1.0% year-over-year (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Strongest job gains in Education & Health Services (+2.4%) and Professional & Business Services (+1.7%) (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Growing Industries and Occupations:

  • Education & Health Services: Growth driven by demand for nurses, teachers, and healthcare support staff (Indeed Hiring Lab)
  • Professional & Business Services: Expansion in fields like computer & mathematical occupations, management, and administrative support 
  • Leisure & Hospitality: Continued recovery in tourism and entertainment industries, boosting jobs in restaurants, hotels, and attractions (Texas Workforce Commission)

Shrinking Industries and Occupations:

  • Mining & Logging: Continued decline in oil & gas extraction, leading to job losses in related fields (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Retail Trade: E-commerce competition and changing consumer habits impacting brick-and-mortar stores.

Compared to Last Year:

  • Overall job growth of 1.0%, outpacing the national average of 0.5% (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Unemployment rate down from 3.4% in January 2023 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Compared to Previous Month:

  • Nonfarm job gains of 0.2%, indicating steady but slower growth than December 2023 

Future Outlook:

While San Angelo’s economy remains resilient, the national slowdown and potential recession could pose challenges. However, the city’s diverse economy and focus on growing sectors like healthcare and technology provide some optimism.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Software Developers and Applications
  3. Marketing Specialists
  4. Physicians and Surgeons
  5. Elementary and Middle School Teachers
  6. Truck Drivers
  7. Financial Analysts
  8. Customer Service Representatives
  9. Physician Assistants
  10. General and Operations Managers

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. Shannon Medical Center
  2. San Angelo ISD
  3. Schlumberger
  4. HEB
  5. Lowe’s
  6. City of San Angelo
  7. Angelo State University
  8. Whataburger
  9. Walmart
  10. Wells Fargo

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