Despite January’s usual hiring slowdown, Westminster’s job market defied expectations, showcasing positive growth in key sectors. This report delves into the city’s encouraging job market trends, highlighting promising opportunities for employment.
- Unemployment Rate: Steady at 4.2%, remaining below pre-pandemic levels (5.1% in January 2020) [Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics]
- Job Growth: Concentrated in Professional & Business Services, Healthcare, and Leisure & Hospitality
- Seasonal Declines: Slight dip in Education and Retail, aligning with typical patterns
Highlights:
- Professional & Business Services: Added 250 new jobs, driven by management consulting, accounting, and IT
- Healthcare: Increased by 180 positions, primarily in ambulatory care and home healthcare
- Leisure & Hospitality: Rebounded from December, adding 120 jobs in restaurants and hotels
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Professional & Business Services: Management analysts, accountants, computer systems analysts, marketing specialists
- Healthcare: Registered nurses, home health aides, physical therapists, physician assistants
- Leisure & Hospitality: Cooks, waiters/waitresses, bartenders, front desk clerks
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Education: Teachers, teacher assistants, educational support specialists
- Retail: Salespersons, cashiers, stock clerks
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Overall Growth: Surpassed January 2023 by 1.5%, indicating a strong start to the year
- Particularly Strong Growth: Professional & Business Services, Healthcare, and Leisure & Hospitality compared to the previous year
Compare to Previous Month:
- December 2023: Saw a slight decline in jobs, as expected for the holiday season
- January 2024: Uptick suggests recovery and return to pre-holiday hiring levels
Future Outlook:
- Continued Growth Anticipated: Particularly in Professional & Business Services, Healthcare, and Technology
- Seasonal Hiring: Expected in Retail and Hospitality as spring approaches
10 Growing Occupations:
- Management Analyst
- Registered Nurse
- Software Developer
- Marketing Specialist
- Physician Assistant
- Home Health Aide
- Physical Therapist
- Accountant
- Cook
- Waiter/Waitress
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- Centura Health
- Xcel Energy
- Kaiser Permanente
- City of Westminster
- CH2M Hill
- DISH Network
- Ball Corporation
- St. Anthony Hospital
- The Home Depot
- Lowe’s
Cited Resources:
- Westminster, CA – January 2024 Jobs Report – Growth Sprouts Amidst Seasonal Lulls
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Colorado