(The Center Square) – The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity estimates that 486,348 jobs will be added in Arizona through 2033.
The employment projection report said that employment in 2033 will be at 3,921,138 jobs, using a baseline of 3,434,790 jobs, which the office estimates is a growth of 1.3% annually. This figure is much higher than the 0.4% national estimate for the United States overall projections until 2033.
The report provided good news for health care and construction sectors, both of which require skilled workers.
“Eleven Arizona supersectors are projected to gain jobs, with Health Care and Social Assistance (2.6% annualized growth) and Construction (2.2% annualized growth) projected to record the strongest job growth rates. Health Care and Social Assistance (13,753 jobs annually) and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (8,041 jobs annually) are projected to record the largest numerical job gains,” the report states.
The bulk of the job growth will likely be in Maricopa County, with 402,106 jobs expected to be added. Pima County came in second with over 32,000 jobs expected to be added, with Pinal and Yavapai County are expected to add over 10,000 each. However, when looks at the rate of job growth each year, Maricopa and rural Graham County are poised to have the highest rates, with 1.4%.
On the flip side, Apache County is only expected to gain 0.1% each year, or 18 jobs, and La Paz County is expected to be slightly higher at 0.8% with 60 jobs annually.
The report disclaims that the numbers do not assume any major “disruptions” in the economic or political climate, continued rapid population growth in the Grand Canyon State, and that the “demand for healthcare services” will only boost along with the state’s increase in people.