As Arizona’s economy races ahead, a new report from Maricopa Community Colleges and Arizona Town Hall warns the state may not have the workforce it needs to sustain that growth.
Building Arizona’s Workforce lays out a blueprint to close talent gaps across key industries — from health care to construction. Developed with input from educators, employers and government leaders, the report emphasizes the urgency facing our state.
“This report lays out the workforce challenges we cannot afford to ignore,” said Daniel Barajas, chief officer of workforce and economic development at Maricopa Community Colleges. “If we want Arizona to remain competitive, we must invest in talent development, create faster pathways into high-demand careers and ensure every community has a seat at the table.”
The workforce gap: Shrinking supply, rising demand
Arizona remains one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., but the report cautions that growth is outpacing the supply of skilled workers. That mismatch could slow or even reverse recent economic gains.
Other forces are compounding the problem. Pandemic-related disruptions and the opioid crisis have increased incarceration rates, particularly among working-age men, further reduce the labor pool. Lightcast, a national labor market analytics firm, calls it ”The rising storm.”
Arizona jobs forecast 2030
NACS: North American Industry Classification System
"Our state's economic future depends on how well we align education, industry, and public policy,” said Barajas. “This work is about building opportunities for students, employers and entire communities. By coming together across sectors, we can create a more future-ready workforce."
Community colleges at the center of the solution
“At Maricopa Community Colleges, we are fully invested in Arizona's future. This report reflects our commitment to building a stronger state by connecting education with real-world opportunity. Through the right partnerships and a shared focus, we can prepare more Arizonans to thrive in the careers shaping tomorrow's economy.” said Barajas. “When education is aligned with industry needs, communities thrive. Our graduates are staying here, working here, and leading here.”
With 90% of graduates remaining in Maricopa County, the Maricopa Community Colleges system is well-positioned to play a central role in Arizona’s workforce response.
Industry sectors in need
The report highlights six industries facing major workforce strain:
- Health care: Arizona is projected to face a shortfall of 4,679 registered nurses, 412 nurse practitioners and 4,131 physicians by 2032. Rural areas like Mohave County will be hit hardest.
- Construction: Despite a 23% increase in construction jobs since 2020, 74% of firms report difficulty finding skilled workers.
- Manufacturing: Over 31,000 new manufacturing jobs are expected in Arizona by 2033, driven by traditional and advanced sectors.
- Agriculture: Contributing $30.9 billion annually to the economy, the agriculture industry struggles with an aging workforce and immigration-related labor barriers.
- Behavioral health: Demand for behavioral health professionals is expected to grow by 40% in 10 years — double the national rate.
- Advanced manufacturing and semiconductors: With federal investment boosting Arizona’s role in the semiconductor industry, the state will be responsible for filling up a share of 115,000 technical jobs to be created nationwide by 2030.
Opportunities for women in the workplace
In fields primarily dominated by men, there are opportunities for women to take the lead and close the workforce gap. According to 2024 data from Lightcast, careers such as welders and machinists work remain over 94% male — with some, like plumbers and automotive technicians, reaching 98%.
Percent of male by occupation
Lightcast
“Arizona’s workforce challenges can’t be solved without tapping into our hidden workforce — people who don’t fit traditional molds but bring incredible potential to high-demand industries," said Rich Nickel, president and CEO, Education Forward Arizona.
Corporations are looking at different ways to find employees and encourage their continued education, Nickle said, pointing out efforts by Phoenix-based mining giant Freeport-McMoRan to find workers.
"We’re seeing increased interest from employers, like Freeport-McMoRan, in recruiting through nontraditional pipelines and supporting women entering fields historically held by men," he said. Programs like 'Guarantee Your Future with Freeport' provide scholarships, critical skills training and job placements, creating pathways for all students, including women, to thrive in these industries. When we remove barriers and rethink who belongs in these roles, we open new doors for individuals and strengthen Arizona’s economy in the process."
Programs that support apprenticeships, on-the-job training and community college certifications are making it more accessible than ever for women to pursue careers in construction, manufacturing, highway maintenance and beyond.
2023–33 employment projections
- Total employment in Arizona is projected to grow 1.3% annually — a 14.2% total increase over the 10-year period.
- The state is expected to add 486,348 new jobs, reaching 3,921,138 total jobs by 2033.
- Arizona’s employment growth is projected to outpace the national average.
- Industries with the highest projected annual growth rates include:
- Health care and social assistance: 2.6% annual growth, adding approximately 13,753 jobs per year — the largest gain among all industries.
- Construction: 2.2% annual growth.
- Manufacturing: 1.5% annual growth.
With a focus on workforce training and more affordable education, Arizona has an opportunity to make significant strides in planning for its growth.
Editor’s note: A grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation made this story possible. The foundation awarded 15 newsrooms to pay for solutions-focused education reporters for two years. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
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