Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Palm Beach County Thrives: Unemployment Steady as Job Growth Soars in Key Industries

Palm Beach County Thrives: Unemployment Steady as Job Growth Soars in Key Industries

West Palm Beach, Fla. (September 20, 2024) – In August 2024, the unemployment rate in Palm Beach County remained stable at 3.8%, with no change from July 2024. This consistency reflects a resilient economy, bolstered by growth in vital sectors such as construction and healthcare. The latest data released today by CareerSource Palm Beach County and FloridaCommerce (all numbers not seasonally adjusted) underscores this positive trend.
 
  • Job Growth: Nonagricultural employment reached 698,400, reflecting an increase of 12,600 jobs (+1.8%) over the year.

  • Industry Growth: The Construction industry led the way with a growth rate of 7.0%, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the metro area, alongside Government (+3.7%) and Leisure and Hospitality (+3.1%).

  • Job Gains: Significant job gains were noted in Education and Health Services (+3,300 jobs) and Construction (+3,100 jobs), contributing to the overall employment increase.

Job growth/loss by industry sector:  Palm Beach County experienced notable job growth in sectors such as Education and Health Services (+3,300 jobs) and Construction (+3,100 jobs), while the Financial Activities and Information sectors saw slight declines.
 
Industry
Change
Total Jobs
Education/health services
+3,300
116,600
Construction
+3,100
47,100
Leisure and hospitality
+2,800
92,500
Government
+2,400
67,000
Trade/transportation/utilities
+1,100
126,300
Professional business services
+300
135,300
Manufacturing
+100
22,200
Financial activities
-200
50,000
Information
-500
11,300
 
Florida Workforce Development Association Recognizes CareerSource Palm Beach County’s Innovation and Leadership in Workforce Development
 
The Florida Workforce Development Association proudly recognized CareerSource Palm Beach County for its innovation and leadership in workforce development, honoring Melanie Rebottini with the Barbara K. Griffin Workforce Excellence Award and Raynisha Perry as Workforce Champion of the Year for their outstanding contributions to client engagement and community support.
 
Melanie Rebottini, Director of Innovation: Barbara K. Griffin Workforce Excellence Award
Melanie has significantly enhanced client engagement and project management at CSPBC. She led initiatives like the Smartsheet® Hope Florida tracking system and developed a referral tracking system, training staff across workforce areas. Her work in Human Centered Design has fostered collaboration and innovative problem-solving, while her project plans and dashboards have set best practices. Melanie’s dedication has greatly contributed to CSPBC’s mission.
 
Raynisha Perry, Community Transition Navigator: Workforce Champion of the Year
Raynisha Perry has excelled in her role, taking on the responsibilities of a four-person department. She is well-respected in probation offices and prisons for her resourcefulness and strong relationships with judges and employers. As a CSPBC representative, she mentors’ community partners and advocates for clients with criminal backgrounds, crafting narratives that highlight their strengths. Her commitment to transforming lives has earned her praise from clients for her support and dedication.
 
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Note to editors: You are invited to interview a CareerSource spokesperson on local employment and economic trends. Please call 561.340.1060 ext. 2489 for scheduling before 3 p.m. today.
 
IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE STEVENS AMENDMENT:
CareerSource Palm Beach County, Inc. is the direct service provider for various workforce programs supported by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and other agencies as part of awards totaling $15,851,406 (revised annually). Unless otherwise stipulated, all statements, news releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations and other applicable documents are fully funded from federal sources.
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3400 Belvedere Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
561.340.1060

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Belle Glade, FL 33430
561.829.2040