The January 2024 jobs report for Warner Robins paints a picture of resilience amidst broader economic uncertainty. While the national job market has shown signs of slowing down, the city managed to add jobs and maintain a stable unemployment rate. This positive performance highlights the strengths of the local economy, particularly in certain key sectors.
- Total nonfarm employment reached 81,800, representing a gain of 1,000 jobs from November and a 1.7% increase year-over-year.
- The unemployment rate held steady at 3.2%, remaining below the national average.
- Job growth outpaced the state of Georgia, which added 0.7% jobs in the same period.
Highlights:
- The January report marks the 17th consecutive month of job growth in Warner Robins.
- Manufacturing, healthcare, and professional & business services were the leading job creators.
- The report underscores the city’s position as a major aerospace hub, with Robins Air Force Base contributing significantly to employment stability.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Manufacturing: Added 200 jobs, primarily in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance.
- Healthcare & Social Assistance: Gained 150 jobs, driven by expansion in hospitals and outpatient facilities.
- Professional & Business Services: Increased by 100 jobs, reflecting growth in areas like accounting, engineering, and management consulting.
- Top Growing Occupations: Registered Nurses, Software Developers, Industrial Engineers, Customer Service Representatives, Logistics Coordinators.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Retail Trade: Lost 50 jobs, mirroring national trends of online shopping dominance.
- Accommodation & Food Services: Declined by 25 jobs, likely due to seasonal fluctuations.
- Notably, no major industry experienced significant job losses.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Year-over-year job growth stands at 1.7%, exceeding the national average of 1.1%.
- The unemployment rate is down from 3.5% in January 2023.
- Warner Robins continues to outperform the state of Georgia, which added 1.6% jobs year-over-year.
Compare to Previous Month:
- Job growth slowed down slightly compared to December 2023, which added 1,400 jobs.
- The unemployment rate remained unchanged.
Future Outlook:
- The local economy is expected to maintain its momentum in 2024, with continued job growth projected in key sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
- However, national economic headwinds and potential federal policy changes could pose challenges.
10 Growing Occupations:
- Registered Nurses
- Software Developers
- Industrial Engineers
- Customer Service Representatives
- Logistics Coordinators
- Truck Drivers
- Marketing Specialists
- Financial Analysts
- Elementary School Teachers
- Janitors and Cleaners
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- Robins Air Force Base
- Houston Medical Center
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Lockheed Martin
- Northrop Grumman
- Central Georgia Technical College
- The Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Chick-fil-A
Resources:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS)