Arizona Job Growth Is On The Rise

Report forecasts highest percentage jump since 1999...

The Arizona Republic reports that the midyear forecast from the Arizona Blue Chip Economic Forecast states that Arizona is poised to record a 4.1% jump in job growth, the highest percentage jump since 1999. New job announcements appear to be happening more frequently in Arizona, including Intel's recent announcement to hire 1,000 workers between now and 2007 for its new Chandler facility.

Verizon Wireless recently hired 600 workers, and Monstor.com and eTelecare Global Solutions recently opened call centers in the Valley. The Contact (call) center industry employ's about 250,000 Arizonan's.

Lee McPheters of the Blue Chip Forecast said that Arizona's population growth, at three times the national growth, disproportionately creates jobs in retail and service businesses, which tend to be lower paying. However, growth in medical services is leading to higher paying positions. More...