ARIZONA NEWS

Phoenix metro sets record with workforce of 2.3 million at end of 2021

Jan 27, 2022, 4:15 AM

(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, File)...

(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, File)

(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, File)

PHOENIX — The Phoenix metro area had a record number of workers at the end of 2021, the city said in a Wednesday press release.

Phoenix’s workforce was about 2.3 million in December, a 5.7% year-over-year increase, according to a report from the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity.

The 122,700 new workers were spread across several industries, but none more than advanced business services. The field added added 30,600 new jobs.

The hospitality industry saw a 15% increase in its workforce, while the health care industry took on 20,500 new jobs.

Manufacturing growth remained strong with 4,000 new jobs in December compared to 2020.

Metro Phoenix’s seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate dropped to 2.4% in December compared to 2.8% in November. The rate was 6.4% in December 2020.

Across the state, the workforce increased by 148,000 jobs in December, bringing the total to 3.1 million.

Arizona’s seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.1%, nearing the national rate of 3.9%.

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Phoenix metro sets record with workforce of 2.3 million at end of 2021