San Jose, CA – January 2024 Job Market Report – A Tale of Two Surveys

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San Jose’s January 2024 job market report painted a complex picture, depending on the data source. A surface-level analysis based on employer surveys presented a robust job market, while a deeper dive revealed underlying nuances.

Overview

Headlines lauded the January national report boasting a staggering 353,000 new jobs – nearly double what economists predicted. San Jose, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, wasn’t exempt from this wave. However, a closer look at household surveys suggested a more tempered reality.

Highlights

  • Employer surveys indicated significant job growth in San Jose.
  • The national unemployment rate remained low at 3.7%.

What Industries and Occupations Grew

Specific data for San Jose on industry growth is not yet available, but nationwide trends suggest growth in professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, and construction.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank

While the national report didn’t show significant job losses, some sectors, particularly technology, continued to experience layoffs announced in mid-2023. This trend may be reflected in San Jose data when it becomes available.

Compare to Same Month Last Year

San Jose’s December 2023 report indicated robust job growth, suggesting a continuation of that trend into January.

Compare to Previous Month

No month-over-month data is available for San Jose yet.

Future Outlook

The future outlook for San Jose’s job market hinges on a few factors. Continued strength in non-tech sectors could offset potential tech industry contraction. Additionally, how quickly those laid off from tech find new employment will play a significant role.

10 Growing Occupations (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics [bls.gov])

  1. Wind Turbine Service Technicians
  2. Solar Photovoltaic Installers
  3. Home Health Aides
  4. Personal Care Aides
  5. Software Developers, Applications
  6. Database Administrators
  7. Medical Assistants
  8. Registered Nurses
  9. Physician Assistants
  10. Marketing Specialists

10 Companies Hiring Now

  1. Amazon
  2. CVS Health
  3. Starbucks
  4. Walmart
  5. The Home Depot
  6. Lowe’s
  7. FedEx
  8. UPS
  9. McDonald’s
  10. Target

Sources: