Tampa, FL – December 2023 Jobs Report: Steady Gains Amidst Leisure Sector Shift

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Tampa’s December 2023 jobs report paints a picture of continued growth with hints of change. The private sector added jobs at a moderate pace, while the unemployment rate held steady, indicating a competitive job market. However, the leisure and hospitality industry, a cornerstone of the local economy, saw a slight decline, prompting cautious observation.

Highlights:

  • Stable unemployment: The rate remained unchanged at 3.1%, showcasing a tight labor market with readily available opportunities.
  • Private sector sees sustained growth: Over the year, 28,100 private sector jobs were added, signifying a 2.1% increase. Manufacturing and education displayed notable growth.
  • Leisure and hospitality shows slight decline: This industry lost 400 jobs in December, potentially reflecting seasonal fluctuations or evolving tourism patterns.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Education and Health Services: This sector added 20,400 jobs over the year, leading all metro areas in this industry’s growth. Registered nurses, teachers, and healthcare assistants could see opportunities.
  • Manufacturing: This sector added 2,300 jobs from the previous month, potentially reflecting expansion in aerospace or other manufacturing activities. Production workers, machine operators, and industrial engineers could be in demand.
  • Professional and Business Services: This sector held steady, maintaining its existing job count. Occupations like accountants, marketing specialists, and IT professionals might offer stable options.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Leisure and Hospitality: This industry lost 400 jobs in December, potentially due to seasonal patterns or broader tourism trends. Hotel staff, restaurant workers, and tourism professionals could be impacted.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Unemployment rate: Up slightly from 2.2% in December 2022, highlighting a tighter labor market but still offering opportunities.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Lower than the 14,400 jobs added in December 2022, showcasing a slight deceleration in hiring.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Unemployment rate: Unchanged from November 2023, indicating stability in the labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Lower than the 6,300 jobs added in November 2023, showcasing a further slowdown in hiring.

Future Outlook:

Experts offer cautiously optimistic predictions for Tampa’s job market in 2024. The low unemployment rate, despite slower job growth, suggests potential resilience. However, ongoing monitoring of the leisure and hospitality industry and broader economic trends is crucial. Healthcare, education, and manufacturing might offer opportunities, while tourism-related sectors could see adjustments.

10 Growing Occupations in Tampa, FL:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Nursing Assistants
  3. Customer Service Representatives
  4. Sales Representatives
  5. Teachers
  6. Software Developers
  7. Marketing Specialists
  8. Accountants and Auditors
  9. Construction Laborers
  10. Truck Drivers

10 Companies Hiring Now in Tampa, FL:

  1. Tampa General Hospital
  2. University of South Florida
  3. Raymond James Financial
  4. Jabil Circuit
  5. Publix Super Markets
  6. Lockheed Martin Corporation
  7. HCA Healthcare
  8. Moffitt Cancer Center
  9. Amazon
  10. Home Depot

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