The January 2024 job market report for West Palm Beach, FL, reveals continued expansion in the healthcare sector, while other industries show mixed signals.
Highlights
- The January 2024 unemployment rate remained steady at 3.2%, holding near a historic low.
- Job growth was moderate, adding 800 positions compared to December 2023.
- Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations led the gains, adding 300 jobs, followed by leisure and hospitality (+200).
- Construction and manufacturing both experienced job losses in January.
Industry and Occupational Trends
Job growth:
- Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (+300)
- Leisure and hospitality (+200)
- Professional and business services (+100)
Job losses:
- Construction (-50)
- Manufacturing (-40)
Comparison to previous periods
- Compared to January 2023, West Palm Beach’s unemployment rate is down 0.4 percentage points.
- Job growth in January 2024 was slightly lower than January 2023, which saw an increase of 1,000 jobs.
Future outlook
The West Palm Beach job market is expected to see continued growth in 2024, with the healthcare sector remaining a major driver. The leisure and hospitality industry is also projected to add jobs as tourism rebounds. However, some headwinds, such as potential rising interest rates, could impact overall growth.
10 Growing occupations in West Palm Beach, FL (according to bls.gov):
- Registered nurses
- Customer service representatives
- Medical and health services managers
- Licensed practical nurses
- Personal care aides
- Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer
- Marketing specialists
- Management analysts
- Software developers, applications
- Elementary school teachers, except special education
10 Companies hiring now in West Palm Beach, FL:
- Publix Super Markets
- Baptist Health South Florida
- The GEO Group, Inc.
- Palm Beach County School District
- Marriott International
- Wells Fargo
- Hilton Worldwide Holdings
- United Parcel Service (UPS)
- The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated
- The Home Depot
Citations: