Sterling Heights, MI – December 2023 Jobs Report – A Season of Steady Growth

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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):

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Software Developers
  3. Customer Service Representatives
  4. Truck Drivers
  5. Construction Laborers
  6. Physical Therapists
  7. Home Health Aides
  8. Marketing Specialists
  9. Financial Analysts
  10. Accantsount

10 Companies Hiring Now in Sterling Heights (as of February 10, 2024):

  1. Stellantis
  2. General Motors
  3. Trinity Health Michigan
  4. Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital
  5. Chrysler
  6. DTE Energy
  7. BorgWarner
  8. Magna International
  9. Amazon
  10. FedEx

Resources:

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
  • Indeed