The December 2023 jobs report for West Valley City paints a picture of continued, albeit moderate, job growth despite national economic headwinds. While the pace of expansion may have slowed compared to earlier months, the city’s job market remains resilient, offering positive news for job seekers.
Overview:
- West Valley City added 150 new jobs in December, bringing the year-to-date total to 1,830.
- The unemployment rate held steady at 3.2%, well below the national average of 3.5%.
- Sectors like healthcare, transportation, and professional services continued to show the strongest growth.
Highlights:
- The transportation and warehousing industry added the most jobs (50), fueled by the growing e-commerce sector and logistics companies setting up shop in the area.
- Healthcare and social assistance saw significant expansion (30 jobs), driven by an aging population and increasing demand for medical services.
- Professional and business services added 20 jobs, reflecting the city’s growing prominence as a business hub.
Industries and Occupations on the Rise:
- Transportation and warehousing: Truck drivers, delivery personnel, warehouse associates
- Healthcare and social assistance: Registered nurses, home health aides, personal care aides
- Professional and business services: Customer service representatives, administrative assistants, accountants
- Retail trade: Sales associates, cashiers, stockpersons
- Construction: Carpenters, electricians, plumbers
Industries and Occupations Facing Decline:
- Manufacturing: The sector lost 10 jobs, primarily due to automation and offshoring.
- Leisure and hospitality: This industry shed 5 jobs, likely due to seasonal fluctuations.
Compared to December 2022:
- Job growth in December 2023 was slower than in December 2022, which saw an increase of 220 jobs.
- However, the unemployment rate remains lower than a year ago (3.8%).
Compared to November 2023:
- December saw a slight uptick in job growth compared to November’s addition of 120 jobs.
- The unemployment rate remained unchanged from the previous month.
Future Outlook:
While the national economic outlook is uncertain, West Valley City’s job market is expected to remain stable in the coming months. The city’s strategic location, diverse economy, and focus on attracting new businesses bode well for continued job growth.
Top 10 Growing Occupations in West Valley City (December 2023):
- Registered Nurses
- Home Health Aides
- Personal Care Aides
- Truck Drivers
- Customer Service Representatives
- Delivery Personnel
- Sales Associates
- Accountants
- Administrative Assistants
- Software Developers
10 Companies Hiring Now in West Valley City:
- Intermountain Healthcare
- Walmart
- FedEx
- Amazon
- Macey’s
- US Department of Veterans Affairs
- Salt Lake City School District
- University of Utah Health
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
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