What is the top open job in Volusia County? Here's what a Florida economist had to say.

Katie Kustura, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
·2 min read
Jerry Mayes, who retires soon from his role as Deltona's economic development and ecological tourism sustainability manager, prepares to begin his presentation on Volusia County's biggest city during the West Volusia Regional Chamber of Commerce's economic forum on Wednesday, April 5.
Jerry Mayes, who retires soon from his role as Deltona's economic development and ecological tourism sustainability manager, prepares to begin his presentation on Volusia County's biggest city during the West Volusia Regional Chamber of Commerce's economic forum on Wednesday, April 5.

A new SunRail station, an Aldi grocery store, manufacturing space for The Nutty Bavarian and a riverside nature park instead of single-family homes — those are just a few of the developments that were highlighted during the West Volusia Regional Chamber's economic forum.

Kyle Baltuch, senior vice president of equality of opportunity and early learning for the Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation, took attendees of Wednesday's event through some figures on the local job market and what the year is projected to hold:

What are the top open jobs in Volusia County?

Baltuch, who previously served as the vice president and economist at the nonprofit Florida TaxWatch, said there are 133 unemployed Volusia County residents for every 100 open jobs.

"Unsurprisingly, No.1 is registered nurse," Baltuch said. "It's also been the No. 1 open job in all of Florida every single month for the past decade."

Job

Number of open positions

Average annual salary

Registered nurse

410

$65,320

Retail sales

272

$28,250

Retail management

178

$44,470

Customer service

137

$33,060

Development in West Volusia: What's coming to DeBary, DeLand, Deltona, Orange City

What is the economic outlook for Volusia County, Florida in 2023?

Baltuch offered the following projections for Volusia County:

  • Slowing inflation and return to average growth will lead to 4.2-4.7% increase in personal income

  • Employment will remain relatively stagnant, experiencing minimal growth of 0.5-1%

  • A cooling economy and national ripple effects will lead to an increase in the unemployment rate, leveling out between 3.3-3.8%

  • Fastest growing industries: financial activities and education; health and human services

  • Industries with the least growth: professional and business services; leisure and hospitality

Projections for state:

  • 2023 will be another year of strong job growth (250,000 new jobs)

  • Population growth will remain strong (about 350,000 new residents)

  • Workforce availability and participation rate will continue to remain a concern (Experts attribute this to various factors such as an aging population, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic)

  • Unemployment rate will continue to be below national average of 3.5% (Florida, currently 2.6%; United States, currently 3.6%)

  • Stronger GDP growth for Florida's economy versus U.S. as a whole

  • Inflation a significant concern for consumers and businesses

  • Sales of single-family homes will return to pre-pandemic levels, but without much erosion in prices

  • State will continue to lead in income migration or the number of tax filers

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida economist on what 2023 holds for Volusia County