As David said in the last President's Corner - "There are many strong businesses in the region, from locally owned, to large, international manufacturers, like Medisca. The Plattsburgh region is resilient!" According to the New York State Department of Labor's official report, Clinton County witnessed an impressive overall job growth rate of 4.1% from 2020 to 2022.
We are delving into recent labor data for Clinton County, New York, and also featuring national labor data to see how our region stacks up. With the world recovering from the challenges posed by the pandemic, the North Country region has shown remarkable resilience in its job market, with significant growth observed across various sectors. Let's take a closer look at the key findings that highlight the positive employment trends in Clinton County.
According to the New York State Department of Labor's official report, Clinton County witnessed an impressive overall job growth rate of 4.1% from 2020 to 2022 in the total nonfarm industry. Within the NAICS Supersector industry, the county had an employment growth rate of 6.9% from 2020 to 2022. This expansion reflects a robust recovery from the economic impact of the pandemic, positioning the county as a beacon of progress in the region. The nation as a whole is seeing job growth as well, The New York Times reported +209,000 added jobs in June 2023 which is down from June 2022 but increasing, nonetheless.
The services sector experienced remarkable growth during this period, recording a substantial 6.8% increase in employment opportunities. This boost can be attributed to the reopening of businesses and a surge in consumer demand for various services, including hospitality, tourism, and retail. By using previous data, including wage data, we continue to see growth.
"According to the North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC), The average annual wage for all industries in 2021 was $51,230, a 17% increase since 2018 and 39% ($14,364) increase since 2011. Wages in key sectors increased between 2019 and 2021 with wages growing 9.5% in agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, 8.2% in manufacturing (including 6.6% growth in transportation equipment manufacturing), 16% in retail, and 15.9% in accommodations and food services."
The manufacturing sector also contributed significantly to the county's economic recovery, showing a commendable growth rate of 6.9% from 2020. This uptick is attributed to increased production levels, expansion of local industries, and a favorable business environment that has encouraged investments. Within trade, transportation and utilities, 100 were added just from the beginning of the year. It is a large employment sector of the region. In June 2023, NYSDOL reported the industry accounted for 3,100 jobs in the county. Nationally, the manufacturing sector employment in the United States increased by about 7,000 compared to the previous month.
The healthcare and social assistance sector, essential during the pandemic, remained a pillar of stability for the county's job market. It experienced steady growth driven by rising healthcare needs and an emphasis on improving community well-being. Nursing is a popular field of study in the region, especially with renowned programs at Clinton Community College and SUNY Plattsburgh. In 2021, the most common concentration for undergraduate recipients in Clinton County, NY was Registered Nursing with 102 degrees awarded. Education services also witnessed a positive trajectory, growing by 3.6% in the region. The reopening of schools and colleges, combined with a focus on skill development programs, contributed to this upward trend.
The current labor data for Clinton County, New York, paints an optimistic picture of a region on the path of robust recovery and growth. The county's overall job growth, spearheaded by significant developments in the services, manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors, showcases its resilience in the face of adversity. As we move forward, the collaborative efforts of businesses, government, and the community will continue to shape a promising future for Clinton County's workforce.
References:
New York State Department of Labor - Labor Market Information Division: https://www.labor.ny.gov/stats/
Bureau of Labor Statistics - U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/
North Country Regional Economic Development Council: North Country | Regional Economic Development Councils (ny.gov)
