Wichita’s December 2023 jobs report presents a mixed picture for job seekers. While the unemployment rate remained low, indicating a competitive market, overall job growth stalled compared to previous months. Certain industries showed resilience, offering potential opportunities, but the outlook necessitates cautious optimism.
Highlights:
- Low unemployment persists: The rate held steady at 2.4%, signifying a tight labor market with readily available positions.
- Flat job growth: Nonfarm jobs saw a minor decrease of 1,013 positions, reaching 370,043, marking a significant slowdown from previous months’ momentum.
- Healthcare and Education hold steady: These sectors maintained their existing job counts, offering potential stability in medical facilities and schools. Registered nurses, teachers, and healthcare assistants could see opportunities.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- No industries reported significant job growth in December 2023.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- No industries reported significant job losses in December 2023.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Unemployment rate: Lower than 2.7% in December 2022, showcasing a minor improvement in the labor market.
- Nonfarm job growth: Lower than the 40,423 jobs added since April 2020, highlighting a decrease in the overall pace of job creation.
Compare to Previous Month:
- Unemployment rate: Unchanged from November 2023, indicating stability in the labor market.
- Nonfarm job growth: Significantly lower than the 820 jobs added in November 2023, showcasing a dramatic slowdown in hiring.
Future Outlook:
Experts offer cautiously optimistic predictions for Wichita’s job market in 2024. The low unemployment rate, despite sluggish job growth, suggests potential resilience. However, national economic concerns and inflation necessitate careful monitoring. Healthcare, education, and professional services might offer opportunities, while broader factors could impact the overall trajectory.
10 Growing Occupations in Wichita, KS:
- Registered Nurses
- Home Health
- Personal Care Aides
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians
- Software Developers and Applications Developers
- Customer Service Representatives
- Marketing Specialists
- Accountants and Auditors
- Teachers
- Truck Drivers
10 Companies Hiring Now in Wichita, KS:
- Spirit AeroSystems
- Textron
- Koch Industries
- Ascension Via Christi
- Wichita Public Schools
- City of Wichita
- Cargill
- Cessna Aircraft Company
- Boeing
- Kansas Health System
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