Reflecting on Durham Region’s 2024 Labour Market Trends
As 2024 comes to a close, Durham Region’s labour market tells a story of adaptation and growth amid shifting economic dynamics. With over 49,000 active job postings recorded this year, the region has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to fostering opportunity despite challenges in certain sectors.
The healthcare and education sectors continued to thrive, with registered nurses and secondary school teachers emerging as some of the most in-demand occupations. Educational services solidified its role as a leading growth sector, reflecting the region’s investment in building a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. However, the retail trade and accommodation sectors faced significant contractions, mirroring national trends influenced by changing consumer behaviours and technological advancements.
In response to labour market challenges, employers increased wages to attract talent, with the average posted wage climbing to $27.34 per hour. While this signals positive progress, disparities remain, particularly in retail and manufacturing, where wage growth has been slower. The focus on foundational skills such as communication and management continued to shape hiring practices, emphasizing the need for a workforce that can adapt to evolving demands.
Job seekers were highly active in 2024, with over 114,000 interactions on job search platforms. Interest in roles within healthcare, education, and professional services aligned well with demand, but a persistent focus on retail roles highlighted ongoing gaps in workforce alignment. These trends underscore the importance of continued investment in career counselling and skills development initiatives to bridge mismatches between job opportunities and job seeker priorities.
As Durham Region reflects on the lessons of 2024, it is clear that collaboration between employers, educators, and workforce development organizations remains critical. By addressing challenges head-on and continuing to invest in growth sectors, the region is well-positioned to sustain its momentum in the coming year.