Looking for work in Bucks County? Why it's a good time to find a job and who's hiring

On the hunt for a new job? You may be in luck.

Whether you’re looking for a career change, new to or reentering the workforce, there are many opportunities in a local job market that continues to see growth — with job postings nearly doubling over the past three years.

In Bucks County, there were 1,174 job postings in January 2020 compared to 2,053 job postings in January 2023, according to a recent announcement by PA Career Link Bucks County.

Here is what that means for you:

Why so many job openings in Bucks County right now?

From 2017 to 2022, an imbalance in the workforce was created, as the number of jobs increased by 0.7% in Bucks County, while participation in the labor force decreased by 2.2%, according to Billie Barnes, executive director of Bucks County Workforce and Economic Development.

Barnes described the imbalance as an increase in job postings vs. a decrease in the available work force, explaining that it can drive up wages or prompt companies to promote from within.

“It can also motivate employers to hire from populations that may be outside of their comfort zones; for example, hiring younger employees, individuals on work release or formerly incarcerated, or possibly changing roles to part-time that may suit a retiree.”

How much are employers paying in Bucks County?

Wages are also on the rise, as employers look to attract more candidates.

A job-posting analytic report from the county showed that advertised wages increased by more than 33% in the past three years. In January, the median advertised salary was $41,600 annually, compared to $34,400 three years earlier.

However, with inflation and the rising cost of living, a dollar doesn’t go as far as it had in 2019 and the beginning of 2020, diminishing the overall return of increased wages.

Spending $100 today has the same buying power as $85.99 three years ago, according to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics’ consumer price index inflation calculator.

And in a forthcoming report from the Economic Policy Institute, real wage growth, which is adjusted for inflation, increased during the pandemic.

“Between 2019 and 2022, hourly wage growth was strongest at the bottom of the wage distribution. The 10th percentile real hourly wage (adjusted for inflation) grew 9.0% over the three-year period. Wage growth was about one-third as fast for middle-wage workers,” it read.

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What industries are doing the most hiring right now?

The health care and social assistance continues to be the largest industry offering the most jobs, according to an economy overview from the county. Last year, St. Mary Medical Center, Grand View Hospital, Trinity Health, CareInHomes, St. Luke’s University Health Network, BAYADA Home Health Care and Doylestown Hospital were among the top 10 companies in Bucks County for job postings.

The top growing industries are transportation and warehousing, followed by professional, scientific and technical services.

Occupations in management, business and financial operations, and transportation and materials moving, are experiencing the most job growth.

Where can job seekers go for help in applying for work?

PA CareerLinkBucks County has refreshed its website with additional resources for job seekers, including information on how to get started, training opportunities, assessment services, veterans services, weekly hot jobs, on-the-job training, success stories, Career Wardrobe, GED classes and job assistance.

Those who are reentering the workforce or have gaps in their work history can also access interviewing and resume-writing support.

What resources are available for employers needing more workers?

PA CareerLink Bucks County launched a suite of new resources to assist employers with filling jobs through its candidate search dashboard, job assessment services, on-the-job training for new hires, its Incumbent Worker Training program for existing employees, WED Talk webinars, success stories and weekly hot jobs postings.

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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Job postings nearly doubled in Buck County since the start of pandemic