Arizona's job market share has 1 in 40 positions tied to the military, new study reveals
PHOENIX, ARIZONA: A recent study has unveiled a notable link between Arizona’s employment sector and the military, indicating that 1 out of every 40 jobs in the state is associated with the military.
The study reveals that nearly 79,000 jobs fall under the category of military-industrial employment. This includes approximately 42,000 individuals employed at military facilities, encompassing active duty service members and contractors.
In addition, the study considers around 19,000 jobs that are indirectly related, such as those in the food and goods industries that cater to the military, per KJZZ.
When did the commission conduct this study?
The commission first conducted this study over two decades ago, in 2000. At that time, it found a higher percentage of jobs were military-related, and a higher number of people were employed in these roles. However, the economic impact of these jobs has almost tripled today.
Luke Air Force Base, located near Glendale, is home to what the US military refers to as the largest fighter wing in the world. A new state-funded report reveals that this West Valley base contributes to roughly a quarter of the total economic output of all military operations in Arizona.
What did the Arizona Military Affairs Commission report say?
According to the report prepared for the Arizona Military Affairs Commission, Luke Air Force Base contributed about $4 billion to the state economy in the last fiscal year.
Base officials have noted that the dollar figure associated with direct, indirect, and induced operations has increased by almost two-thirds since the study was last conducted about six years ago.
Luke Air Force Base is also where most of the military’s F-35 fighter jet pilots receive their training. Nearly 20,000 jobs are linked to operations at Luke, which translated to about $1.5 billion in wages paid last year.
What are the jobs that are in demand in Arizona?
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arizona boasts an employment rate of 96.4%, with approximately 135,000 individuals gainfully employed.
Indeed has compiled a list of in-demand jobs in Arizona for 2023, which includes a diverse range of professions including, Auditor, Accountant, Information security analyst, Physical therapist, Medical secretary, Web developer, Occupational therapist, Construction manager, Financial analyst, Manufacturing engineer, Software engineer, Physician assistant, Sonographer, Nurse practitioner, and Network architect.