Santa Ana, CA – December 2023 Jobs Report – Employment Steady Despite Holiday Slowdown

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Santa Ana’s December 2023 jobs report paints a picture of stability amidst the usual holiday season fluctuations. The unemployment rate remained steady at 3.8%, mirroring the November figure and marking a slight increase from December 2022’s 3.1%. Overall job growth held steady month-to-month, with slight gains in some sectors offset by losses in others.

Highlights:

  • Unemployment rate: Stable at 3.8%, remaining below the pre-pandemic average of 7.12%.
  • Job growth: Minimal change compared to November 2023, with slight gains in trade, transportation, and utilities alongside minor losses in construction and manufacturing.
  • Key growth sectors: Trade, transportation, and utilities maintained their upward trajectory, adding 1,900 jobs year-over-year. This reflects continued expansion in e-commerce and logistics activity.
  • Declining sectors: Manufacturing shed 200 jobs year-over-year, but remains stable compared to November 2023.

Industry and Occupation Performance:

  • Growing industries: Trade, transportation, and utilities (+1.9%), professional and business services (+1.2%), leisure and hospitality (+0.8%).
  • Shrinking industries: Manufacturing (-1.3%), construction (-0.4%).
  • Growing occupations: Registered nurses, software developers, customer service representatives, truck drivers, teachers.
  • Shrinking occupations: Production workers, construction laborers, retail salespersons, administrative assistants, cashiers.

Year-over-Year Comparison:

  • Unemployment rate improved significantly compared to December 2022 (3.8% vs. 3.1%).
  • Job growth remained positive year-over-year, with an increase of 4,300 jobs.
  • Trade, transportation, and utilities showed the strongest year-over-year gains, adding 1,900 jobs.

Month-over-Month Comparison:

  • Unemployment rate held steady compared to November 2023.
  • Overall job growth was minimal, with slight gains in some sectors offset by losses in others.
  • Trade, transportation, and utilities continued their upward trend, adding 100 jobs month-over-month.

Future Outlook:

The future of Santa Ana’s job market remains cautiously optimistic. While the holiday season typically brings temporary hiring slowdowns, the overall economic outlook in the region suggests continued stability and potential growth in 2024. Sectors like trade, transportation, and utilities, healthcare, and professional services are expected to see continued job creation.

10 Growing Occupations in Santa Ana, CA:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Software Developers and Applications Developers
  3. Customer Service Representatives
  4. Truck Drivers and Heavy Vehicle Drivers
  5. Teachers
  6. Personal Care Aides
  7. Sales Representatives
  8. Marketing Specialists
  9. Home Health Aides
  10. Janitors and Cleaners

10 Companies Hiring Now in Santa Ana, CA:

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