Suffolk, VA – December 2023 Jobs Report – Steady Growth Amidst National Fluctuations

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The December 2023 jobs report for Suffolk, VA, paints a picture of continued growth, albeit at a slightly slower pace than the national average. While some industries and occupations experienced contractions, overall momentum remained positive, suggesting a resilient local economy.

Highlights:

  • The unemployment rate for Suffolk held steady at 3.5%, slightly below the national average of 3.9%.
  • Job growth remained positive, with over 200 new jobs added in December.
  • Healthcare and Social Assistance continued to be the leading job creators, followed by Retail Trade and Professional and Business Services.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Healthcare and Social Assistance: This sector added the most jobs in December, with growth seen in positions like nurses, home health aides, and personal care aides.
  • Retail Trade: Holiday hiring contributed to job gains in retail, particularly in sales and customer service roles.
  • Professional and Business Services: This sector saw growth in occupations like administrative assistants, accountants, and computer support specialists.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector lost a small number of jobs in December, primarily in production and material handling occupations.
  • Transportation and Warehousing: This sector also saw job losses, mainly in driver and delivery positions.
  • Leisure and Hospitality: This industry experienced slight job losses, possibly due to seasonal fluctuations.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Job growth in Suffolk in December 2023 was slower compared to December 2022, which saw a more significant increase.
  • However, the unemployment rate remained lower in December 2023 compared to December 2022.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Job growth in Suffolk was slightly higher in December 2023 compared to November 2023.
  • The unemployment rate remained stable between the two months.

Future Outlook:

The future outlook for the Suffolk job market appears cautious but optimistic. While national economic headwinds may bring slower growth, the city’s strategic location near major ports and military installations could provide some stability. Key industries like healthcare and logistics are expected to see continued demand for workers.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides
  3. Retail Salespersons
  4. Customer Service Representatives
  5. Administrative Assistants
  6. Accountants and Auditors
  7. Computer Support Specialists
  8. Truck Drivers
  9. Warehouse Workers
  10. Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. Sentara Healthcare
  2. City of Suffolk
  3. Wal-Mart
  4. Dollar General
  5. Lowe’s Home Improvement
  6. Amazon
  7. Newport News Shipbuilding
  8. Dominion Energy
  9. Langley Air Force Base
  10. Norfolk Naval Shipyard

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