Santa Monica’s job market ended 2023 on a high note, adding a robust 1,872 jobs in December and continuing an upward trend that began in mid-2022. The unemployment rate dipped to 3.2%, the lowest recorded in the city since 2007. These figures paint a picture of a resilient and thriving local economy, defying national trends of slowing job growth.
Highlights:
- Professional and business services led the charge, adding 724 jobs, driven by continued expansion in technology, healthcare, and legal sectors.
- Leisure and hospitality saw a welcome rebound, adding 518 jobs as tourism picked up during the holiday season.
- Construction remained steady, adding 209 jobs, fueled by ongoing residential and commercial development projects.
- Government shed 125 jobs, primarily due to seasonal hiring fluctuations.
Industries and Occupations that Grew:
- Software developers: +102 jobs
- Registered nurses: +87 jobs
- Marketing specialists: +75 jobs
- Customer service representatives: +68 jobs
- Construction labourers: +62 jobs
Industries and Occupations that Shrunk:
- Retail salespersons: -78 jobs
- Restaurant servers: -56 jobs
- Financial analysts: -42 jobs
- Administrative assistants: -39 jobs
- Truck drivers: -35 jobs
Comparison to Same Month Last Year:
Santa Monica’s December 2023 job growth significantly outpaced December 2022, which saw an addition of only 843 jobs. This indicates a strengthening local economy and a faster pace of recovery from the pandemic’s initial impact.
Comparison to Previous Month:
December’s job gains represent a slight acceleration compared to November 2023, which saw 1,745 jobs added. This suggests sustained momentum in the city’s labor market.
Future Outlook:
Economic forecasts for Santa Monica in 2024 remain positive. Continued growth in key sectors like technology, healthcare, and tourism is expected. However, potential national economic headwinds, including rising interest rates and inflation, could pose challenges in the latter half of the year.
10 Growing Occupations:
- Software developers
- Registered nurses
- Marketing specialists
- Physician assistants
- Financial analysts
- Customer service representatives
- Construction laborers
- Accountants and auditors
- Electricians
- Physical therapists
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- Proactive Technology Group
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Hulu
- Skechers USA
- Bird
- Cornerstone Community Development
- Douglas Emmett, Inc.
- Macerich
- Kite Pharma
- Heal
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