Emily RichardsonAccording to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), between 2016 and 2026 Arizona will experience a job growth of 1.7 percent.
In 2016, Arizona’s estimated total employment level was 2,922,355, which the OEO believes will increase to 3,465,150 by 2026.
That’s 542,795 more jobs.
The county projected to see the biggest growth is Maricopa with a 1.8 percent job growth over the decade and Santa Cruz having the lowest with a .9 percent change.
As of 2018, it appears Arizona is on the right track to meeting these projections.
In October, the Governor’s Office released a statement announcing that Arizona had added 262,700 jobs since 2015.
“Arizona’s unparalleled business environment continues to result in more jobs and more opportunities for the citizens of our state,” Governor Doug Ducey said. “A prospering economy directly benefits the people of Arizona. We remain focused on ensuring Arizona is the best state in the nation to develop new ideas and launch or scale a business.”
This increase in jobs follows a recent string of economic development where blockbuster companies announced their plans to expand or set up operations in the state, most “citing Arizona’s strong infrastructure, emphasis on innovation, talent pool and quality of life.”
Over the past year the OEO reports that employment in Arizona increased 3.1 percent.
According to the organization, Arizona added 87,800 nonfarm jobs between Oct. 2017 and Oct. 2018.
Arizona saw the biggest increases in construction (18,900), professional & business services (14,400), education & health services (13,300), and leisure & hospitality (12,600).
In the OEO’s projection it expects the food preparation and serving related industry to have the highest growth with an estimated 67,231 jobs added. Office and administrative support and health care practitioners and technical are close behind.
Arizona is expected to have a total employment level of 3,086,936 in 2019.
To see the full projection click here.
Noemi Santaella
Guest Contributor
Add comment