December’s jobs report marked another month of stronger-than-expected growth, with gains coming from many different parts of the U.S. economy.
Last month, health care and social assistance jobs posted the largest gains for the third consecutive month, with employment rising by 69,500. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Including private education, the growth of the healthcare group would add 80,000 people, as some economists have done.
Retail added 43,400 jobs and leisure and hospitality added 43,000 jobs, the second and third largest increases respectively last month. retail trade jobs The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says products are sold to consumers or other businesses, whether inside or outside a store, from commercials to street vendors to vending machines, and involve after-sales services such as repairs and installation.
Government jobs rounded out the top four, adding 33,000 jobs in December.
“Recently, job growth has been concentrated in government and health care,” ZipRecruiter chief economist Julia Pollak told CNBC. “Now it looks like it may be broadening.”
Retail growth improved sharply from a sharp decline in November, led by job gains in key categories. Notably, apparel, clothing accessories, footwear and jewelry retailers added 23,000 jobs, while department store retailers and health and personal care retailers added 13,000 and 7,000 positions respectively. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
The rise was “not just a blip,” Pollack said, adding that it reflected other data showing an improving backdrop for the industry.
For example, the Dallas Fed’s December Texas Retail Outlook Survey showed Retail sales activity accelerates. The sales index, which measures state retail activity, hit its highest level since late 2021.
“Retailers are more optimistic about 2025, driven by strong consumer support,” Pollack continued. “We may soon see more changes in the housing market.”
In stark contrast to the strength in retail trade, manufacturing, which grew significantly in November, led the decline in December, losing 13,000 jobs.
Additionally, trends in mining and logging and wholesale trade reversed last month compared to November. Employment in the mining and logging industry fell by 3,000 after a slight increase two months ago, and wholesale trade fell even more, with a loss of 3,500.
Professional and business services and financial activities remain bright spots. The two groups were among nine of 13 industries that added jobs last month.
“We’re seeing overall auto sales improving, Americans are making big purchases again (and) businesses are buying cars,” Pollack said. “These trends have been intensifying over the past few months; they take a while “
About The Author
