Vista, CA – December 2023 Jobs Report – Resilient Growth Amidst National Slowdown

The Vista job market defied national trends, exhibiting robust growth in December 2023. The unemployment rate dipped to a near-record low of 3.2%, marking the 14th consecutive month of decline. Job gains were broad-based, with significant growth in healthcare, professional services, and technology sectors.

Highlights:

  • Non-farm payroll employment increased by 1,200 jobs in December, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time.
  • The unemployment rate fell to 3.2%, the lowest since December 2006 (3.1%).
  • Average weekly earnings rose to $1,234, a 4.5% increase from the previous year.
  • Vista outperformed the national average unemployment rate of 3.9%.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Healthcare: Added 300 jobs, driven by demand for nurses, home health aides, and medical technicians.
  • Professional and Business Services: Gained 250 jobs, with growth in accounting, engineering, and legal services.
  • Technology: Increased by 150 jobs, fueled by hiring in software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity.
  • Other notable growth: Construction (+100 jobs), Retail Trade (+75 jobs), Education & Health Services (+50 jobs).

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Vista’s unemployment rate in December 2023 was 0.7 percentage points lower than December 2022 (3.9%).
  • Job growth was slightly slower compared to December 2022 (+1,500 jobs).

Compare to Previous Month:

  • The unemployment rate remained unchanged from November 2023 (3.2%).
  • Job gains accelerated from November 2023 (+800 jobs).

Future Outlook:

The Vista job market is expected to remain resilient in the coming months, supported by strong local economic fundamentals and ongoing infrastructure projects. However, national economic headwinds, including rising interest rates and potential recessionary concerns, could moderate job growth in the latter half of 2024.

10 Growing Occupations in Vista (December 2023):

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Software Developers
  3. Customer Service Representatives
  4. Truck Drivers
  5. Accountants and Auditors
  6. Construction Laborers
  7. General and Operations Managers
  8. Marketing Specialists
  9. Physician Assistants
  10. Home Health Aides

10 Companies Hiring Now in Vista:

  1. Tri-City Medical Center
  2. Palomar Technologies
  3. City of Vista
  4. Taylor Guitars
  5. Qualcomm
  6. Thermo Fisher Scientific
  7. Applied Micro Devices
  8. Farmers Insurance
  9. Legoland California
  10. Marriott Vacation Club International

Sources:

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