December 2023 brought positive news for the Thousand Oaks job market, with a dip in unemployment and signs of growth in key sectors. The preliminary unemployment rate fell to 3.9%, marking a slight improvement over November’s revised rate of 4.0%. Additionally, the labor force participation rate increased by 0.3% compared to December 2022, indicating growing engagement in the job market.
Highlights:
- Unemployment rate: Down to 3.9%, indicating a tight labor market.
- Job growth: Net gain of 100 jobs statewide, with Thousand Oaks likely contributing to this positive trend.
- Growth industries: Leisure and hospitality, government, professional and business services, and trade, transportation, and utilities showed positive job gains.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Leisure and hospitality: This sector added 400 jobs, likely reflecting the holiday season and increased tourism activity.
- Government: Government jobs saw a gain of 100, potentially due to seasonal hiring or ongoing public sector projects.
- Professional and business services: This industry experienced 100 new positions, indicating continued demand for skilled professionals.
- Trade, transportation, and utilities: Another area with 100 job gains, suggesting expansion in these critical sectors.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Data for specific industries and occupations experiencing decline in Thousand Oaks is limited. However, the statewide report shows losses in manufacturing, information, and financial activities sectors.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Labor force participation is up 0.3% compared to December 2022, suggesting a more engaged workforce.
- Specific job growth comparisons are unavailable due to limitations in monthly data reporting.
Compare to Previous Month:
- The unemployment rate saw a slight decrease from 4.0% in November 2023 to 3.9% in December 2023.
- Statewide, non-farm jobs increased by 100 compared to November, with Thousand Oaks likely contributing to this growth.
Future Outlook:
- The Thousand Oaks job market is expected to remain strong in the near future, driven by factors like the growing healthcare and technology sectors.
- However, potential economic headwinds nationally could impact local job growth.
10 Growing Occupations in Thousand Oaks (Based on Statewide Data):
- Registered Nurses
- Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts
- Personal Care Aides
- Sales Representatives
- Customer Service Representatives
- Truck Drivers
- Elementary School Teachers
- Marketing Specialists
- Jointers and Cleaners
- Medical Assistants
10 Companies Hiring Now in Thousand Oaks:
- Amgen
- The Oaks Mall
- Conejo Valley Unified School District
- City of Thousand Oaks
- Kaiser Permanente
- Anthem Blue Cross
- CLARO Enterprise Solutions
- The Royal Oak
- Janss Marketplace
- California Lutheran University
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