TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- The number of jobs in the Tallahassee metro area is the highest it's been in nine years -- and the future looks even brighter.
Last month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a total of 179,200 jobs for Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla and Jefferson counties.
The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce said the current figures resemble those before the recession -- and predicted a ten-year high for jobs by the end of this month.
Compared to this time last year, jobs are up 1.7 percent in the four-county area.
There have been at least 170,000 jobs every month this year -- the first time since 2008.
The fastest-growing sector has been hospitality. Healthcare and financial industries saw modest jumps as well, but with the growth comes concern for the upcoming year.
"It's a good sign, but you've got to be able to diversify the economy and make sure that, when you're talking about jobs, you're trying to aim for high-wage jobs that bring a larger economic impact per position," said chamber vice president Jay Revell.
The chamber says healthcare plays a key role next year with development in what's called the "Miccosukee Medical Corridor."
There's also a push for construction in the housing and hospitality sectors that may level off by the end of next year.
