Sterling Heights, Michigan, closed out 2023 with a December jobs report reflecting modest but consistent growth across various sectors. While not experiencing a boom, the data suggests a stable and promising outlook for the local job market heading into the new year.
- The unemployment rate remained steady at 3.9%, matching November’s figure and remaining below the national average of 4.2%.
- Total nonfarm jobs increased by 0.8%, adding approximately 450 positions to the local economy.
- Leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and construction showed the most significant gains.
Highlights:
- The December report marked the 12th consecutive month of job growth in Sterling Heights.
- The manufacturing sector, a cornerstone of the local economy, experienced slight job gains, indicating stability in this vital industry.
- Healthcare and education continued to be strong performers, adding jobs consistently throughout the year.
Industry and Occupation Growth:
- Leisure and Hospitality: Up 2.3%, adding 150 jobs. This growth aligns with seasonal trends and potential holiday hiring.
- Professional and Business Services: Up 1.5%, adding 100 jobs. This reflects the ongoing demand for skilled professionals in areas like finance, management, and IT.
- Construction: Up 1.2%, adding 80 jobs. This aligns with ongoing infrastructure projects and residential construction activity.
- Growing Occupations: Registered Nurses, Software Developers, Customer Service Representatives, Truck Drivers, Construction Laborers
Industry and Occupation Shrinkage:
- Retail Trade: Down 0.5%, losing 30 jobs. This could be attributed to ongoing shifts in consumer behavior and the rise of e-commerce.
- Transportation and Warehousing: Down 0.2%, losing 10 jobs. This might be due to fluctuations in seasonal hiring patterns.
- Shrinking Occupations: Retail Salespersons, Cashiers, Office Clerks, Administrative Assistants, Production Workers
Comparison to Same Month Last Year:
- December 2023 saw a slightly slower job growth rate compared to December 2022 (1.2% vs. 1.5%).
- However, the unemployment rate remained lower in December 2023 (3.9% vs. 4.1%).
Comparison to Previous Month:
- Job growth was slightly higher in December 2023 compared to November 2023 (0.8% vs. 0.5%).
- The unemployment rate remained the same in both months.
Future Outlook:
- Analysts predict continued moderate job growth in Sterling Heights throughout 2024.
- The manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services sectors are expected to remain key drivers of job creation.
- Potential challenges include rising inflation and interest rates, which could impact hiring in some sectors.
10 Growing Occupations in Sterling Heights (December 2023):
- Registered Nurses
- Software Developers
- Customer Service Representatives
- Truck Drivers
- Construction Laborers
- Physical Therapists
- Home Health Aides
- Marketing Specialists
- Financial Analysts
- Accantsount
10 Companies Hiring Now in Sterling Heights (as of February 10, 2024):
- Stellantis
- General Motors
- Trinity Health Michigan
- Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital
- Chrysler
- DTE Energy
- BorgWarner
- Magna International
- Amazon
- FedEx
Resources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
- Indeed