In March, Jacksonville, Fla. experienced stronger-than-expected job growth, with three key industries leading the way in hiring. These industries included health care and private education, leisure and hospitality, and government, which accounted for nearly 69% of all new jobs added.
New federal data showed that 303,000 new jobs were created in March, surpassing economists’ forecast of 200,000. Certified Financial Planner Bert Costa was quick to note that the strong job growth demonstrated the resilience of the US economy, even in the face of increased interest rates.
Within the healthcare sector, ambulatory care and hospitals led in job creation, adding 72,000 jobs in March. The demand for healthcare jobs is not surprising as new hospitals and clinics are constantly in need of staffing. UNF Director of Nursing Michelle Edmonds explained that their program has received state funding to increase enrollment and hire more faculty to meet the demand for healthcare workers. She emphasized that the healthcare field will continue to be a major source of job opportunities in the foreseeable future.
