Temple, TX – December 2023 Jobs Report – Steady Progress Marks Year-End Job Market

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Temple’s job market ended 2023 on a positive note, exhibiting continued growth and resilience despite national economic anxieties. The December report revealed a stable unemployment rate, robust hiring in key sectors, and promising signs for the future.

Highlights:

  • The unemployment rate held steady at 3.5%, matching the national average and marking a slight dip from November’s 3.6%.
  • Job growth remained positive, with an estimated 200 new positions added across various industries.
  • Healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services sectors were the primary drivers of hiring activity.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare agencies added nurses, aides, and administrative staff, fueled by ongoing demand for medical services.
  • Manufacturing: Local manufacturers, particularly in machinery and food processing, continued to expand operations, leading to increased hiring of production workers, technicians, and engineers.
  • Professional Services: Accounting, legal, and engineering firms bolstered their teams with analysts, consultants, and technical specialists, reflecting a growing demand for professional expertise.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Retail: The holiday season failed to significantly boost retail employment, with some stores experiencing slight job losses or stagnant hiring.
  • Accommodation and Food Services: While tourism remained stable, restaurant staffing levels saw minor adjustments, leading to limited job losses in the sector.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Temple’s December 2023 job market outperformed the previous year, with the unemployment rate falling from 3.8% in December 2022 and job growth exceeding the December 2022 pace.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Compared to November 2023, the December report showed a slight slowdown in hiring activity, although the overall job market trend remained positive.

Future Outlook:

Economists project continued job growth in Temple throughout 2024, albeit at a slightly slower pace than 2023. Healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services are expected to remain key drivers of employment, while other sectors like retail and hospitality might see moderate fluctuations.

10 Growing Occupations in Temple, TX (December 2023):

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Software Developers
  3. Truck Drivers
  4. Customer Service Representatives
  5. Accountants and Auditors
  6. Physicians and Surgeons
  7. Industrial Machinery Mechanics
  8. Marketing Specialists
  9. Human Resources Specialists
  10. Construction Laborers

10 Companies Hiring Now in Temple, TX (December 2023):

  1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple
  2. McLane Company
  3. Texas Hydraulics
  4. American National Bank
  5. GE Appliances
  6. BAE Systems
  7. City of Temple
  8. Temple Independent School District
  9. Apex Supply Chain Solutions
  10. HDR Engineering, Inc.

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