Many New Arizona Jobs In 2005

Arizona gained 97,200 jobs last year for a 4.1 percent job growth rate, the state Department of Economic Security reported Thursday.

That was the highest number of new jobs for the state since 1995. The figures also place the state among the top in the country for job growth.

Population gains were also a big factor behind the job growth. The state added about 200,000 residents last year , and many of them came in search of jobs. But they also helped create jobs.

The home building and construction industry accounted for about one of every four new jobs in the state last year, while the hiring rate in education and health services continued at a torrid pace. More...