Scottsdale, AZ – December 2023 Jobs Report: Sunshine City Sees Mixed Signals in Job Market

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December 2023’s jobs report for Scottsdale paints a complex picture of the local economy, reflecting both growth and some contraction. While preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates overall job gains, certain sectors experienced losses, highlighting a nuanced market with pockets of opportunity and challenge.

Highlights:

  • Employment: Total nonfarm employment in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) reached 2,451,100 jobs, representing an increase of 2,200 jobs in Scottsdale and 51,800 jobs across the MSA compared to November 2023.
  • Unemployment: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the MSA remained steady at 3.8%, indicating a tight labor market despite national concerns.

Growing Industries and Occupations:

  • Leisure and Hospitality: This sector led the pack with 800 new jobs in Scottsdale, fueled by tourism and the holiday season, particularly in restaurants and hotels.
  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: Expansion in warehousing and transportation added 500 jobs, highlighting the city’s role in regional logistics and e-commerce.
  • Professional and Business Services: Growth in professional, scientific, and technical services added 400 jobs, showcasing a diverse professional landscape.
  • Growing Occupations: Registered nurses, customer service representatives, sales representatives, and logistics coordinators saw significant job growth.

Shrinking Industries and Occupations:

  • Financial Activities: This sector lost 100 jobs in Scottsdale, potentially due to national market fluctuations or industry shifts.
  • Information: This sector also declined by 50 jobs, mirroring national trends impacting certain information technology areas.

Compared to Same Month Last Year:

  • December 2023’s job growth of 2.1% in Scottsdale exceeded the 1.9% increase across the MSA, signifying the city’s promising economic performance compared to the region.
  • The unemployment rate remained stable at 3.8%, mirroring the MSA average and indicating a competitive job market.

Compared to Previous Month:

  • December 2023 saw slightly lower job gains than November 2023 in Scottsdale, potentially reflecting seasonal fluctuations or adjustments to initial estimates.
  • The unemployment rate held steady, signifying a consistent labor market.

Future Outlook:

While experts predict continued job growth for Scottsdale in 2024, the pace might be slower than 2023. Expansion in healthcare, professional services, and tourism could fuel job creation, but national economic uncertainties like inflation and rising interest rates remain concerning factors.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Customer Service Representatives
  3. Sales Representatives
  4. Logistics Coordinators
  5. Software Developers and Applications
  6. Marketing Specialists
  7. Construction Laborers
  8. Home Health and Personal Care Aides
  9. Elementary and Middle School Teachers
  10. Accounting and Bookkeeping Clerks

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. Mayo Clinic
  2. Scottsdale Healthcare (SHC)
  3. CVS Health
  4. Amazon
  5. Walmart
  6. The Home Depot
  7. Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
  8. Marriott International
  9. Hilton Worldwide Holdings
  10. City of Scottsdale

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