South Gate, CA – December 2023 Jobs Report – Steady Gains Amid Broader Slowdown

By /

South Gate’s labor market maintained its positive momentum in December 2023, adding jobs for the sixth consecutive month despite national economic headwinds. The unemployment rate held steady at 5.2%, remaining below the state average and matching the figure from December 2022.

Highlights:

  • Job growth continues: South Gate added 120 jobs in December, bringing the total gain for 2023 to 1,480.
  • Resilient sectors: Healthcare, professional services, and logistics continued to be bright spots, adding jobs even as some other sectors softened.
  • Wage growth moderates: Average hourly earnings increased 3.5% year-over-year, slightly below the national average but still outpacing inflation.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Healthcare: Medical assistants, home health aides, and registered nurses were among the fastest-growing occupations, reflecting ongoing demand for medical services.
  • Professional services: Accountants, business analysts, and marketing specialists saw job gains, fueled by local business activity.
  • Logistics: Warehouse workers, truck drivers, and shipping clerks benefited from increased e-commerce activity and supply chain adjustments.

What Industries and Occupations Shrunk:

  • Retail: Department stores and clothing retailers saw job losses as consumer spending shifted towards essential goods and online purchases.
  • Leisure and hospitality: Restaurants and hotels shed jobs as the holiday season ended and tourism activity slowed down.
  • Manufacturing: Some smaller manufacturers downsized operations due to rising material costs and supply chain disruptions.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

South Gate’s job growth compared favorably to December 2022, which saw only 80 new jobs added. This suggests the local economy maintained its momentum despite wider economic concerns.

Compare to Previous Month:

Job growth in December was slightly slower than in November 2023, when South Gate added 150 jobs. This could be a sign of a modest softening in the labor market, but the overall trend remains positive.

Future Outlook:

The near-term outlook for South Gate’s labor market is mixed. While ongoing economic uncertainty could dampen hiring in some sectors, the city’s strategic location and diversified economy provide some insulation. Healthcare, logistics, and professional services are expected to remain key drivers of job growth in the coming months.

10 Growing Occupations in South Gate, CA (December 2023):

  1. Registered Nurse
  2. Warehouse Worker
  3. Truck Driver
  4. Medical Assistant
  5. Accountant
  6. Business Analyst
  7. Marketing Specialist
  8. Home Health Aide
  9. Customer Service Representative
  10. Software Developer

10 Companies Hiring Now in South Gate, CA (as of January 30, 2024):

  1. Kaiser Permanente
  2. Amazon
  3. FedEx
  4. Dignity Health
  5. City of South Gate
  6. Prologis
  7. Bank of America
  8. Home Depot
  9. Target
  10. Deloitte

Resources:

Scroll to Top