2018 updated Wichita Employment Forecast released
In 2018, Wichita total nonfarm employment is expected to increase by 1,200 jobs, which implies the employment growth rate is anticipated to be 0.4 percent.
The service sectors are projected to lead growth in the Wichita area by adding over 900 jobs and growing 0.7 percent. The trade, transportation and utilities sector and government sector are forecast to grow slightly, adding approximately 200 and 100 jobs, respectively. The production sectors are predicted to remain flat in 2018.
"If the Kansas economy had 'cold-like symptoms,' then Wichita caught the flu, as employment growth declined in 2017," said Jeremy Hill, director for the Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State. "Employment losses came mostly from the retail trade sector, however, other service supporting sectors also saw declines. The loss can be attributed to declines in real income and lack of population growth. CEDBR expects the recent losses are not systemic and the economy will see some growth in 2018."
Read the full 2018 Wichita Employment Forecast at www.outlook.cedbr.org.
A graph and table are available at the above link.
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Contact: Jeremy Hill, director, W. Frank Barton School of Business Center for Economic Development and Business Research, 316-213-3673 or jeremy.hill@wichita.edu.