Trenton, NJ – December 2023 Jobs Report – Steady Gains Amidst National Fluctuations

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Trenton’s job market ended 2023 on a positive note, adding jobs for the fifth consecutive month. While the pace of growth slowed compared to previous months, the city mirrored the national trend of continued job creation despite economic uncertainties.

Highlights:

  • +1,700 jobs added: Trenton gained an estimated 1,700 non-farm jobs in December, pushing the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate down to 4.5%, its lowest level since May 2023.
  • Private sector leads the charge: The private sector accounted for the majority of job gains, adding 1,500 positions. The government sector saw a slight decline of 200 jobs.
  • Professional and business services shine: The professional and business services sector was the biggest job creator, adding 500 positions. Education and health services followed closely with 400 new jobs.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Professional and business services: Management analysts, computer systems analysts, and marketing specialists were among the occupations driving growth in this sector.
  • Education and health services: Registered nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides saw increased demand in this sector.
  • Leisure and hospitality: Food service workers, waiters and waitresses, and cooks benefited from the holiday season boost in this sector.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector shed 100 jobs, with losses concentrated in production occupations.
  • Transportation and warehousing: This sector saw a decline of 50 jobs, affecting truck drivers and warehouse laborers.
  • Public administration: Local government employment shrank by 200 jobs, primarily in administrative support roles.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Trenton’s job market has come a long way since December 2022, adding a total of 4,200 jobs over the year.
  • The unemployment rate has also improved significantly, falling from 5.8% to 4.5% in the same period.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Job growth in Trenton slowed down compared to November 2023, which saw an addition of 2,300 jobs.
  • This could be attributed to seasonal adjustments and the end of the holiday hiring spree.

Future Outlook:

  • The Trenton job market is expected to remain stable in the coming months, with continued job growth projected, albeit at a slower pace.
  • However, national economic uncertainties and potential policy changes could impact the local economy.

10 Growing Occupations in Trenton, NJ:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Software Developers and Programmers
  3. Management Analysts
  4. Computer Systems Analysts
  5. Marketing Specialists
  6. Nursing Assistants
  7. Home Health Aides
  8. Food Service Workers
  9. General and Operations Managers
  10. Truck Drivers

10 Companies Hiring Now in Trenton, NJ:

  1. Capital Health
  2. Saint Francis Medical Center
  3. New Jersey State Government
  4. Educational Testing Service
  5. Mercer County Improvement Authority
  6. Subaru of America
  7. Amazon
  8. RWJBarnabas Health
  9. Comcast
  10. Wells Fargo

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