Phoenix: A Top Area for Job Seekers & Employers

As the capital of Arizona, Phoenix is known for its year-round sun, warm temperatures, amazing resort hotels, luxurious spas, and championship golf courses. Home to everything from beautiful gardens, interesting tourist attractions, and bustling nightlife, Phoenix—located in Maricopa County—certainly has a lot to offer. But the city is much more than fun and sun—it’s also a top destination for job seekers and employers alike. 

The Phoenix region’s workforce plays a key role in the decision of organizational leaders to establish and grow their Arizona presence. Talent is the lifeblood of a business, and in 2023, Lightcast’s Talent Attraction Scorecard ranked Maricopa County number one in talent attraction for the sixth time in seven years. The county continues to see the highest growth in working-age residents and remains a magnet for businesses seeking skilled workers. For example, companies have chosen Phoenix for a major chip production facility, reinforcing the area’s reputation as a high-tech hub. 

Phoenix is also home to one of the country’s largest community college systems and has a higher-than-average population of millennials, veterans, and diverse citizens, making it an attractive place for businesses looking to expand their footprint. 

Where Outdoor Adventure Meets a Thriving Tech Economy 

Phoenix offers outdoor enthusiasts an array of activities, from hiking the scenic trails of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve to paddle boarding on the picturesque Tempe Town Lake. Sports fans can also rally behind Phoenix’s multiple professional teams, adding to the city’s vibrant energy. 

However, it’s the booming tech industry and economic opportunities that truly draw job seekers to Phoenix. Arizona has solidified its position as a destination for high-tech, high-wage industries like semiconductors, electric vehicle manufacturing, and renewable energy. In particular, Phoenix’s office space costs remain competitive, with rents averaging $30.96 per square foot—much lower than tech hotspots like Silicon Valley, where rates soar above $100​. 

Compensation is another attractive factor for talent relocating to Phoenix. Compensation costs for private industry workers in Phoenix rose 3.3% in June 2024, while nationwide, compensation costs rose 3.9%. This combination of economic opportunity and affordability makes Phoenix an increasingly attractive destination for career-focused individuals. 

Training and education programs remain strong drivers of Phoenix’s workforce appeal. In 2023, Arizona invested $30 million to build advanced manufacturing training centers statewide, aimed at fostering skills in semiconductors, electric vehicles, and other high-tech fields​. 

Are you an employer or job seeker contemplating expanding or relocating to the Greater Phoenix area? View Acara’s latest infographic for more labor force statistics—including top-growing occupations, largest industries, and employment data.