Waco’s December 2023 jobs report painted a mixed picture, with a slight decline in jobs month-over-month but positive annual growth and a persistently low unemployment rate. This indicates a stable, competitive job market with limited immediate expansion.
Highlights:
- Unemployment rate: 3.1%, down from 3.5% in November and lower than both state and national levels. (Source: Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas)
- Net job growth: 3,600 for 2023, but a decrease of 300 jobs in December. (Source: Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas)
- Industries adding jobs: Education and health services, professional and business services, leisure and hospitality. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Industries losing jobs: Manufacturing, mining and logging, construction. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Compared to December 2022:
- Unemployment rate: Down 0.4 percentage points.
- Total employment: Up 1.5%.
Compared to November 2023:
- Unemployment rate: Down 0.4 percentage points.
- Total employment: Down 0.2%.
Future Outlook:
While job growth slowed in December, the low unemployment rate and annual gains suggest a stable market with potential for future expansion. Industries like education, healthcare, and professional services are expected to see continued growth.
10 Growing Occupations:
- Registered Nurses
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides
- Nursing Assistants
- Customer Service Representatives
- Software Developers and Applications
- Teachers
- General and Operations Managers
- Marketing Specialists
- Sales Representatives
- Truck Drivers (Heavy and Tractor-Trailer)
(Source: Texas Workforce Commission)
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- McLennan Community College
- Baylor University
- City of Waco
- Providence Healthcare Network
- McLennan County (mclennancounty.us/jobs)
- HEB
- Target
- Walmart (careers.walmart.com)
- Lowe’s
- Amazon (amazon.jobs)
Cited Resources:
- Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Texas Workforce Commission