COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Ohio concluded 2024 with robust job growth, adding 6,800 jobs in December, according to Nationwide Senior Economist Ben Ayers.

The leisure and hospitality sector, along with retail, saw significant gains during the holiday season, contributing to the positive employment trend.

“Ohio’s job outlook for 2025 should start the year on a positive note with the momentum for employers from the end of 2024 carrying into the first quarter,” Ayers said. However, he cautioned that trade uncertainty could impact hiring decisions, particularly in the auto, construction, and retail sectors.

Throughout 2024, Ohio added more than 61,000 jobs, surpassing the pace of 2023. The education, healthcare, and construction sectors were key drivers of this growth, with professional business services and government hiring also playing significant roles. Despite these gains, the manufacturing sector struggled, losing more than 4,000 jobs due to decreased demand and rising production costs.

“The outlook for the Ohio economy remains positive, but we expect conditions to moderate from 2024 with elevated interest rates and renewed inflation concerns weighing on spending activity,” Ayers said, adding that education and healthcare are expected to continue providing stability for the state’s job market, offering a buffer against potential declines in job growth.