Topeka’s December 2023 jobs report paints a picture of relative stability compared to national trends. While the unemployment rate remained low at 2.9%, mirroring November’s figure, job growth slowed slightly. However, this stands in contrast to national concerns about a potential recession, suggesting Topeka’s economy might be weathering the storm.
Highlights:
- Unemployment rate: Steady at 2.9%, indicating a tight labor market.
- Job growth: Moderated compared to previous months, with preliminary estimates showing an increase of 1,200 jobs from November.
- Private sector: Main driver of growth, adding 1,800 jobs, while government shed 600 positions.
Industry and Occupation Growth:
- Professional and business services: Led the way with 500 new jobs, reflecting continued demand for skilled professionals.
- Education and health services: Added 400 jobs, showcasing steady growth in these vital sectors.
- Trade, transportation, and utilities: Saw a modest increase of 200 jobs, indicating ongoing activity in these areas.
- Leisure and hospitality: Grew by 100 jobs, suggesting a potential rebound in tourism and related industries.
- Construction: Experienced slight growth of 50 jobs, maintaining stability in this crucial sector.
Industry and Occupation Shrinkage:
- Information: Lost 100 jobs, potentially reflecting national trends in automation and digitalization.
- Manufacturing: Shed 50 jobs, continuing a slow decline in the sector.
Year-over-Year Comparison:
- Unemployment rate: Down from 3.1% in December 2022, signifying improvement.
- Job growth: Slower than December 2022’s increase of 2,400 jobs, but still positive.
Month-over-Month Comparison:
- Unemployment rate: Unchanged from November 2023.
- Job growth: Lower than November’s gain of 1,800 jobs, indicating a slight slowdown.
Future Outlook:
The future trajectory of Topeka’s job market remains uncertain. National economic concerns might dampen local growth, but the city’s relatively strong performance so far suggests resilience. Continued monitoring of key indicators like unemployment rate and job growth is crucial for understanding the local economic climate.
10 Growing Occupations in Topeka, KS:
- Registered Nurses
- Software Developers
- Truck Drivers
- Customer Service Representatives
- Elementary School Teachers
- Marketing Specialists
- Accountants
- Financial Analysts
- Management Analysts
- Physicians
10 Companies Hiring Now in Topeka, KS:
- Legend Senior Living
- Pavlich Inc.
- Smithfield Foods
- Kansas Youth Dental & Braces-A Benevis Company
- Tanglewood Health & Rehab
- The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus
- Evergy
- Stormont Vail Health
- City of Topeka
- Shawnee County
Resources:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Topeka, KS Economy at a Glance
- Kansas Department of Labor – Labor Market Reports:
- Department of Numbers – Topeka, Kansas Unemployment Rate and Total Unemployed
- Zippia – Topeka, KS Jobs in December, 2023 Hiring Now