Worcester, MA – January 2024 Job Market Report – Hiring Heats Up in Healthcare

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Overview

Worcester’s job market showed positive signs in January 2024, continuing the trend observed in the latter half of 2023. The unemployment rate dipped slightly compared to December 2023, indicating a growing economy. However, it’s important to note that local data for smaller cities can be less reliable than national figures.

Highlights

  • The healthcare sector emerged as a leader in job growth, adding a significant number of new positions in January.
  • Trade, transportation, and utilities also saw an uptick in hiring activity.
  • Leisure and hospitality continued its recovery from pandemic lows, but growth slowed compared to previous months.
  • Manufacturing showed signs of stability, with no significant job gains or losses reported.

What Industries and Occupations Grew

  • Healthcare added the most new jobs in January, with registered nurses, nursing assistants, and medical technicians leading the surge.
  • The trade, transportation, and utilities sector saw growth in warehouse worker and delivery driver positions.
  • Leisure and hospitality establishments continued to hire cooks, waiters, and waitresses, but at a slower pace than in prior months.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank

  • No major industries reported significant job losses in January.
  • Some temporary positions in retail may have ended after the holiday season.

Compare to Same Month Last Year

  • Worcester’s job market has shown steady improvement over the past year. Compared to January 2023, the unemployment rate is lower, and several industries are experiencing growth.
  • The healthcare sector remains a bright spot, with employment levels significantly higher than last year.

Compare to Previous Month

  • The January 2024 report indicates continued growth in the Worcester job market compared to December 2023.
  • The unemployment rate dipped slightly, suggesting a strengthening economy.

Future Outlook

The Worcester job market appears poised for continued growth in 2024. The healthcare sector is expected to remain a source of new jobs, and other industries like trade and transportation may also see expansion.

10 Growing Occupations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the following occupations are projected to experience the fastest employment growth nationally through 2032 [BLS]:

  1. Wind turbine service technicians
  2. Solar panel installers
  3. Home health aides
  4. Personal care aides
  5. Software developers, applications
  6. Database administrators
  7. Physician assistants
  8. Nurse practitioners
  9. Occupational therapists
  10. Physical therapists

10 Companies Hiring Now

  1. UMass Memorial Health – Healthcare
  2. Optum – Healthcare
  3. Saint Gobain – Manufacturing
  4. Allegro Microsystems – Manufacturing
  5. Stanley Black & Decker – Manufacturing
  6. National Grid – Utilities
  7. FedEx Ground – Transportation
  8. Amazon – Retail
  9. Walmart – Retail
  10. TJX Companies – Retail

Cited Sources