While the national January 2024 jobs report painted a mixed picture, Whittier’s employment landscape exhibited signs of cautious optimism. This analysis dives into the key trends, growth sectors, and hiring prospects within the city.
The January report revealed a net gain of 1.2% in the number of jobs compared to December 2023. This translates to roughly 240 new positions added to the local economy. However, the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.3%, mirroring the national average.
Highlights:
- Positive job growth: The 1.2% increase outpaced the national average of 0.5%, indicating Whittier’s relative resilience in the current economic climate.
- Steady unemployment rate: Although not declining, the stable unemployment rate suggests a balanced labor market.
- Diverse growth: Job gains were observed across various sectors, not concentrated in a single industry.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Professional and Business Services: This sector led the pack with a 2.5% expansion, adding jobs in areas like management, marketing, and finance.
- Education and Health Services: This sector grew by 1.8%, driven by hiring in healthcare support occupations and educational services.
- Leisure and Hospitality: This sector saw a modest 1.1% increase, primarily in food service and accommodation establishments.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Retail Trade: This sector experienced a slight decline of 0.8%, losing jobs in apparel and general merchandise stores.
- Manufacturing: This sector also shrank by 0.8%, primarily impacting production and transportation occupations.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
Overall job growth in January 2024 surpassed the 0.9% gain observed in January 2023. However, the unemployment rate was slightly higher this year, indicating a tighter labor market.
Compare to Previous Month:
Compared to December 2023, the job market experienced a slight upward trend, suggesting a potential for sustained growth in the coming months.
Future Outlook:
While national economic forecasts remain uncertain, Whittier’s diversified job market and recent growth trends suggest cautious optimism for continued development in 2024.
10 Growing Occupations:
- Registered Nurses
- Customer Service Representatives
- Software Developers and Applications
- Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides
- Sales Representatives
- Marketing Specialists
- Elementary School Teachers
- Truck Drivers
- Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Physical Therapists
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- PIH Health
- City of Whittier
- Whittier College
- Southern California University of Health Sciences
- Newegg
- Closet World
- Velocity Vehicle Group
- Pioneer High School
- Helpline Youth Counseling
- Coldwell Banker Alliance Realty
Resources:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- City of Whittier Economic Development Department
- Indeed