Nonfarm Payroll Employment. December total nonfarm employment in the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area rose to 294,700, up 400 from November. The largest gain was seen in trade, transportation and utilities, which grew 300, mostly in retail trade. Government expanded 200 from gains at state and local levels. Likewise, professional and business services added 200 new jobs. Both information and educational and health services increased 100 due to scattered upturns in each sector. Natural resources and construction dropped 300 with decreases in construction. Financial activities slipped 100 with losses in credit intermediation firms. Manufacturing remained unchanged as employment gains in aircraft manufacturing were offset by losses from other miscellaneous manufacturing industries. The leisure and hospitality sector stayed at the same level as the previous month.

Over-The-Year-Change. The Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area advanced 6,100 between December 2005 and December 2006. Manufacturing jumped 2,200 with growth primarily in durable goods production. Professional and business services expanded 1,200 due to upturns in administrative support. Educational and health services also gained 1,200 with additions in non hospital health care and social services firms. Trade, transportation and utilities grew 800 with upturns in retail trade. Natural resources and construction rose 600 over last year as favorable weather allowed outdoor construction jobs to continue. Other services was up 500 as a result of increases spread throughout the sector. Government had 100 more jobs as growth occurred at the federal level. A drop of 300 was seen in information as employment in telecommunications firms declined. Financial activities lost 200 from downturns in real estate rental and leasing firms. Leisure and hospitality remained unchanged over the year.