(The Center Square) – Arizona is expected to see 67,079 jobs added by 2026, according to the state’s latest estimates.
The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity released estimates last week showing the state’s employment increasing by 1% from the second quarter of 2024 through the second quarter of 2026.
The industry with the most significant projected annual growth is “Health Care and Social Assistance” at 2.8%. Almost 30,000 jobs are estimated to be added to this industry.
The construction industry is expected to be the second largest growth per sector, with 1.8% projected annual growth. This industry expects to add almost 8,000 new jobs.
AOEC’s report says these two industries will grow the most due to the state’s population growth.
Other parts of Arizona’s economy that will see growth also are “Educational Services” and “Leisure and Hospitality.”
Industries that will lose the most jobs during this period are “Information” and “Natural Resources and Mining.”
“Information” projects to lose 630 jobs, with a projected annual decrease of 0.6%. “Natural Resources and Mining” is similar, with an estimated projection of its industry losing 222 jobs with an annual decline of 0.2%.
AOEC estimates 87% of Arizona counties will see job gains.
According to the report, Greenlee County (2.2%) and Pinal County (1.2%) are the counties estimated to have the highest job growth.
Maricopa County, the state’s largest county, is estimated to add 55,897 jobs. This would account for 83% of Arizona’s job growth over the two years.
Pima County is projected to account for 6% of Arizona’s estimated job gains.
This means these two counties will account for 89% of added jobs Arizona is projected to see in the two years.
Apache County and Cochise County are projected to see job losses, with projected annual decreases of 0.9% and 0.1%, respectively.
