Engineering jobs in Chicago grow

Posted on August 7, 2012

The number of engineering jobs in Chicago seems to be growing.

According to Simply Hired’s August 2012 Employment Outlook, job openings increased in 14 of 18 industries in July, with hospitality (11%) and non-profit (9%) showing the largest amount of growth. Industries that decreased in job openings include retail (-6%), construction, media and manufacturing (all -2%, respectively).

The index also reported a 4.5 percent increase in nationwide job openings month-over-month and a 9.9 percent increase year-over-year.

Job openings increased in all 50 of the major metros. Grand Rapids (9%) and Cleveland & Akron and Salt Lake City (both 8%, respectively) experienced the largest increases. Metro area job competition also improved slightly for job seekers in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and Houston.

Occupations experiencing the largest growth in job openings were law enforcement, fire and safety (15.8%) and engineers (excluding computer) (14.1%). The only occupation experiencing a decline month-over-month was educators (-2%). In addition, the nation’s top hiring companies continue to be healthcare-related, followed by technology and financial companies.

These are all excellent signs that the economy is slowly but surely improving.

“With nationwide job openings increasing for the third month in a row, we see an improved outlook for those who are unemployed,” said Gautam Godhwani, co-founder and CEO of Simply Hired. “While there is uncertainty with the nation’s slow growing economy and whether the Federal Reserve may stimulate it in the coming months, it’s clear that companies across the U.S. are looking to hire in the meantime.”