St. George’s job market maintained its positive momentum in January 2024, mirroring the state’s strong economic performance. The unemployment rate remained low at 2.7%, matching the state average, while job gains were evident across several industries.
Highlights:
- Job growth: Over 3,000 new jobs were added since June 2023, with a total of 86,635 people employed in Washington County.
- Top performing sectors: Leisure & hospitality (10,000 new jobs), education & health services (8,500), construction (3,600), and information technology (2,800) witnessed significant growth.
- Low unemployment: The 2.7% unemployment rate signifies a tight labor market and continued demand for skilled workers.
Industry and Occupation Growth:
- Growth industries: Hospitality, healthcare, construction, and tech saw major job gains, indicating a robust tourism sector, growing healthcare needs, and expanding tech presence.
- Growth occupations: Registered nurses, customer service representatives, construction laborers, software developers, and sales representatives were among the fastest-growing occupations.
Industry and Occupation Shrinkage:
- Shrinking industries: Trade, transportation, and utilities lost some jobs, potentially due to automation and changing consumer preferences.
- Shrinking occupations: Cashiers, retail salespersons, and truck drivers experienced job losses, reflecting trends in automation and e-commerce.
Comparison to Last Year:
- Year-over-year: Compared to January 2023, St. George added over 8,000 jobs, representing a significant increase and mirroring the state’s strong economic growth.
- Sector comparison: Leisure & hospitality and healthcare continued to be major drivers of job growth, similar to the national trend.
Comparison to Previous Month:
- Month-over-month: Job growth slowed slightly compared to December 2023, but the overall trend remains positive.
- Seasonal fluctuations: Some seasonal adjustments might be present, as tourism tends to peak in warmer months.
Future Outlook:
- Positive outlook: Experts anticipate continued job growth in 2024, driven by tourism, a growing population, and expanding industries like healthcare and construction.
- Challenges: Finding qualified workers and managing housing affordability are potential challenges the region might face.
Top 10 Growing Occupations:
- Registered Nurses
- Customer Service Representatives
- Construction Laborers
- Software Developers and Applications Developers
- Sales Representatives
- Personal Care Aides
- Home Health Aides
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
- Elementary and Middle School Teachers
- Chefs and Head Cooks
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- Intermountain Healthcare
- The Washington School District
- Zion National Park
- City of St. George
- Dixie State University
- IHC Dixie Regional Medical Center
- Ashley Furniture
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Walmart
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