Grand Canyon Times

Over 159,000 jobs will be added to Arizona’s economy within the next two years, according to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity. 

Between the third quarter of 2019 and the second quarter of 2021, 159,473 new jobs are projected to be available by the Office of Economic Opportunity. Annual growth will be most significant in construction, finance and manufacturing industries. 

“Arizona continues to add jobs at one of the fastest paces in the nation, with more on the way,” Gov. Doug Ducey told AZ Big Media. “Our friendly business environment, progress eliminating red tape and welcoming atmosphere continue to attract more opportunity and investment to our state. My thanks to all the business leaders, innovators and hardworking employees who continue to grow jobs in Arizona.”

The Office of Economic Opportunity said growth is projected to be by 6.7 percent in construction, 3.3 percent in finance, 3.1 percent in manufacturing, 2.9 percent in education and health, 2.7 percent in professional and business services, 2 percent in trade and transportation, 1.5 percent in leisure and hospitality and 1.4 percent in information. 

Maricopa County and Yavapai County are both expected to have job growth during the same time period. Maricopa is expected to have 3 percent growth with 66,324 additional jobs and Yavapai County with 2.1 percent growth and 1,519 new jobs. 

Over 350,000 more jobs have been added to Arizona’s economy since 2015. Arizona’s poverty rate declined at the fastest rate in the U.S. between 2015 and 2018 in addition to the state being ranked second in the nation for job growth last year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said. In 2019, Arizona was also ranked third in the most population growth.