Westland, MI – December 2023 Jobs Report – Holding Steady Amidst National Shifts

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Westland’s December 2023 jobs report painted a picture of stability amidst national economic uncertainties. While the overall unemployment rate remained unchanged from November at 4.2%, job growth slowed compared to previous months. This aligns with broader trends across the nation, suggesting a potential economic slowdown.

Highlights:

  • Job growth: Westland added 150 jobs in December, marking a slower pace compared to the 280 jobs gained in November and the 320 jobs added in October.
  • Unemployment rate: The city’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, remaining below the national average of 4.6%.
  • Labor force participation: Labor force participation, the percentage of adults actively seeking or employed, dipped slightly to 62.5% in December.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Healthcare: The healthcare sector continued its expansion, adding 40 jobs in December. Nursing, medical assistants, and home health aides were among the in-demand occupations.
  • Logistics and warehousing: The logistics and warehousing industry saw an uptick of 25 jobs, driven by increased e-commerce activity during the holiday season. Warehouse workers, forklift operators, and truck drivers were in high demand.
  • Professional and business services: Professional and business services added 20 jobs, with growth in accounting, marketing, and IT positions.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector shed 30 jobs in December, reflecting national trends in the industry. Production workers and machine operators were among the affected occupations.
  • Retail: The retail trade lost 20 jobs, likely due to seasonal adjustments after the holiday shopping season. Cashiers and sales associates were the most impacted occupations.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Compared to December 2022, Westland’s job growth has slowed down. The city added 220 jobs in December 2022, compared to 150 jobs in December 2023.
  • The unemployment rate, however, remains lower than a year ago. In December 2022, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, compared to 4.2% in December 2023.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Job growth in Westland has been on a downward trend since October 2023. The city added 320 jobs in October, 280 jobs in November, and 150 jobs in December.
  • The unemployment rate has remained stable since November 2023.

Future Outlook:

The future outlook for Westland’s job market remains uncertain. While the city has shown resilience in the face of national economic headwinds, the slowdown in job growth warrants cautious optimism. Continued monitoring of national economic trends and their impact on local industries will be crucial for assessing the future trajectory of Westland’s job market.

10 Growing Occupations in Westland, MI:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Software Developers
  3. Truck Drivers
  4. Warehouse Workers
  5. Accounting and Auditing Clerks
  6. Marketing Specialists
  7. Physician Assistants
  8. Physical Therapists
  9. Customer Service Representatives
  10. Home Health Aides

10 Companies Hiring Now in Westland, MI:

  1. Henry Ford Health System
  2. Amazon
  3. FedEx
  4. Lear Corporation
  5. Ford Motor Company
  6. Meijer
  7. Walmart
  8. Trinity Health Michigan
  9. DENSO International America
  10. Faurecia

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