Tempe, AZ – December 2023 Jobs Report – Sunshiny Growth amidst National Shadows

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December 2023 painted a mixed picture for Tempe’s job market. While the unemployment rate remained stable, job growth outpaced the national average. However, some sectors experienced contraction, prompting cautious optimism for the year ahead.

Highlights:

  • Steady unemployment rate: At 3.4%, the unemployment rate held constant, indicating a tight labor market with demand for workers.
  • Robust job growth: The nonfarm job count added 630 positions compared to November, exceeding national trends.
  • Professional and business services lead the way: This sector added 250 jobs, showcasing Tempe’s growing economic diversity beyond tourism.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Professional and Business Services: As mentioned above, this sector saw significant expansion, encompassing areas like consulting, finance, and technology.
  • Leisure and Hospitality: This industry added 150 jobs, likely reflecting holiday season tourism and ongoing appeal.
  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: This sector gained 100 jobs, potentially tied to growth in logistics and transportation.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Government: This sector lost 50 jobs, which could be attributed to various factors within the public sector.
  • Manufacturing: This industry shed 30 jobs, potentially reflecting national trends in manufacturing.
  • Information: This sector also lost 20 jobs, which could be attributed to various factors within the broader industry.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Unemployment rate: Down from 3.8% in December 2022, signifying a minor improvement in the labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Higher than the 470 jobs added in December 2022, showcasing accelerated growth.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Unemployment rate: Remained unchanged compared to November 2023, indicating a stable labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Increased from the 420 jobs added in November 2023, reflecting a positive upward trend.

Future Outlook:

Experts predict continued growth for Tempe’s job market in 2024. The stable unemployment rate and robust job creation suggest a healthy market, but potential headwinds like national economic concerns and inflation could create uncertainty. Professional and business services are expected to remain a major driver, while tourism, healthcare, and other sectors might offer additional opportunities.

10 Growing Occupations in Tempe, AZ:

  1. Customer Service Representatives
  2. Registered Nurses
  3. Sales Representatives
  4. Marketing Specialists
  5. Software Developers and Applications Developers
  6. Accounting and Bookkeeping Clerks
  7. Construction Laborers
  8. Truck Drivers
  9. Teachers
  10. Chefs and Head Cooks

10 Companies Hiring Now in Tempe, AZ:

  1. PayPal
  2. Infosys
  3. University of Phoenix
  4. Banner Health
  5. American Express
  6. Wells Fargo
  7. Marriott International
  8. Hilton
  9. Amazon
  10. City of Tempe

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