Thinking of Moving? The Best Job Markets in Phoenix & Mesa

Relocating to Phoenix or Mesa, Arizona, and wondering about job opportunities? We’ll explore the top job markets in these cities to alleviate your concerns.” These developing cities boast dynamic economies, offering a diverse array of job opportunities. Phoenix, Arizona’s state capital and largest city, is a major economic hub. On the other hand, Mesa, the third-largest city in Arizona, has its diverse industrial base, which complements the city of Arizona.

1) Economic Landscape

If we talk about the economic landscape, the metropolitan region, or the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), has also experienced tremendous economic growth over the years. As of 2023, the GDP of the region continues to indicate an increasing trend, which is a sign of a strong and emerging economic status.

(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Key Industries

These are some industries that power the local economy:

• Healthcare and Social Assistance: Healthcare & social assistance are the principal employers in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona. Many jobs are provided by this sector at hospitals, clinics, and related services.​

(Source: Arizona Republic)

• Retail Trade: Retail trade is the major source of employment, as it comprises a wide range of businesses from big department stores to small specialty shops as well. ​
• Professional and Business Services: Professional and business services like legal, accounting, engineering, and other professional industries are also the largest revenue-generating industries. This reflects the area’s growing demand for expert skills.​
• Education and Health Services: Educational institutions and support services, in addition to healthcare providers, fall under this category, highlighting the region’s emphasis on wellness and education.

(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Importance for Job Seekers

After relocating, understanding the local industries is very important for those who are searching for jobs and would like to be able to find good jobs in the Phoenix and Mesa job markets. By understanding which industries are currently trending and aligning their skills accordingly, individuals can increase their chances of finding jobs.

2) Healthcare and Social Assistance

Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona, are witnessing a high rate of growth in the healthcare and social assistance industry, providing ample opportunities for employment seekers.​

Growth and Opportunities

The medical sector in the Phoenix metropolitan region has experienced unprecedented growth. In 2024, the medical industry created 20,900 jobs annually on average, making it one of the largest job-creation engines in the whole region. The trend is predicted to continue, with private health and education services leading employment generation between 2023 and 2024.

(Source: ​ GPEC Eller College of Management)

Major Employers

Many prominent health organizations generate considerable local income and jobs:

• Banner Health: A leader among nonprofit health networks in the country, Banner Health employs over 50,000 staff throughout the state and offers various healthcare, administrative, and technological job opportunities.
• Dignity Health: Along with Banner Health, there is “Dignity Health” that is associated with a number of Phoenix-region medical facilities. Dignity Health has numerous sites in Arizona, including St. Joseph’s Hospital, Chandler Regional Hospital, and Mercy Gilbert Hospital.

(Source: Best Companies)

• Mayo Clinic: Mayo Clinic is continuously ranked as one of the nation’s top hospital systems. Mayo Clinic has been a presence in Arizona for nearly 30 years. Mayo Clinic announced in March 2025 that it would spend $1.9 billion to build out its north Phoenix campus, its largest investment in Arizona to this point. This makes its one of the great opportunities for the people who are seeking jobs in the medical sector.

In-Demand Positions

Now, this expansion in the healthcare sector has  led to a need for various positions, which are:

• Registered Nurses (RNs): RNs are the people who are essential to patient care across all venues, with career opportunities for hospitals, clinics, and specialty care centers.
• Medical Assistants: Medical Assistants are the professionals who support physicians and other healthcare providers with administrative and clinical responsibilities. To keep medical offices operating smoothly.
• Healthcare Administrators: These are the personnel responsible for operating healthcare facilities, departments, or practices. The health administrators are responsible for regulatory compliance and for day-to-day functioning.

3) Technology and Manufacturing

Emerging Tech Hub

Phoenix has quickly become one of the country’s major technology hubs. In the period between 2021 and 2022, the city saw its high-tech software and service jobs increase by 13.4%, adding more than 12,000 new positions. The growth pushed Phoenix to the No.10 position on America’s list of leading technology centers from No.13 in the previous year.

(Source: AZBIG Media)

Manufacturing Advances

The region has also seen major advances in manufacturing, particularly in the field of semiconductors:

• Apple and TSMC Partnership: Apple has pledged a multibillion-dollar investment to manufacture cutting-edge silicon at the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) facility in northern Phoenix. This partnership is just one aspect of Apple’s larger $500 billion U.S. investment strategy unveiled in February 2025.
• Halo Vista Project: The surrounding area of TSMC’s campus is to benefit from the $7 billion Halo Vista project, a 2,300-acre mixed-use community. The “city within a city” is to provide around 10,000 permanent jobs, adding to the local economy once again.

Key Employers

Several large corporations have settled firmly in the Phoenix region and have contributed substantially to the local economy:

• Intel: With several semiconductor manufacturing plants operating in Chandler, Intel is still among the area’s biggest employers.
• Microchip Technology: Based in Chandler, Microchip Technology deals with microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing a wide variety of engineering and manufacturing roles.
• TSMC: With its brand-new factory in Phoenix, TSMC will be a giant in the regional economy, with a myriad of job opportunities across the semiconductor industry.​

4) Education and Research

Academic Institutions

Phoenix and Mesa host Arizona’s most influential academic institutions, with Arizona State University (ASU) in the lead as a significant employer and research facility.

Economic Impact of ASU:

• ASU hires more than 17,000 staff and faculty, ranking as one of Arizona’s largest employers.
• The university contributes $4.5 billion to the state’s economy each year via research, startup companies, and workforce development.
• ASU’s SkySong Innovation Center encourages entrepreneurship, incubating more than 85 startups in areas such as AI, sustainability, and healthcare technology.

Other prominent academic institutions are:

• Maricopa Community Colleges – With 10 campuses, they offer workforce development in high-growth industries such as nursing, cybersecurity, and engineering.
• University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix – A biomedical research and medical education leader, generating high-quality healthcare professionals.

Educational Initiatives

Phoenix and Mesa education isn’t all about colleges—it’s also about getting students ready for skilled trades and new industries.

Advanced Manufacturing & Welding Training Facility (Deer Valley)

• A 16,500-square-foot building is being built to train high school students for manufacturing and welding careers.
• This program fits with Arizona’s expanding semiconductor and aerospace industries, providing a steady supply of skilled workers.
• The facility will offer direct hands-on training with cutting-edge equipment, facilitating students to shift directly into lucrative technical jobs. (Axios)

5) Finance and Business Services

Sector Growth

The business and finance services sector in Phoenix and Mesa has also seen rapid growth, becoming among the fastest-growing employment sectors in Arizona.

• Phoenix is one of the top cities in the U.S. in terms of financial job growth, with more companies moving or establishing operations because of low business expenses and a skilled labor force.
• The industry provides billions of dollars to the regional economy, financing jobs in banking, insurance, accounting, and corporate management.
• The Greater Phoenix region has been identified as a regional hub for back-office operations, financial technology (fintech), and customer service centers.

Major Employers

Some of the largest financial institutions with operations in Phoenix and Mesa are:

• Wells Fargo – One of the largest employers in Arizona, Wells Fargo has a corporate campus in Phoenix that supports thousands of jobs in banking, mortgage services, and customer support.
• JP Morgan Chase – The company has expanded significantly in Phoenix, adding thousands of jobs in areas such as risk management, finance operations, and software development for banking applications.
• American Express – With a huge operations facility in Phoenix, AmEx provides well-paying careers in credit analysis, fraud prevention, and financial services.

6) Retail and Hospitality

Employment Opportunities

The hospitality and retail industries in Phoenix and Mesa are big employment contributors to the local economy, providing thousands of job opportunities in a wide range of positions.

• There are now more than 19,995 job openings for retail and hospitality jobs available in the Mesa area, ranging from hotel workers and store assistants to management levels.
• Arizona’s tourism sector is thriving, with the city of Phoenix hosting more than 19 million visitors each year, creating consistent demand for hotel, restaurant, and customer service staff.
• E-commerce and distribution center growth have also created new employment opportunities in retail logistics and supply chain management.

Large Employers

Some of the major employers of the Phoenix-Mesa region offer consistent employment in retail and tourism:

• Walmart – The Largest private employer in Arizona, with employment opportunities in sales, customer service, logistics, and store management.
• Target – Has many locations throughout the area, with career opportunities in retail sales, inventory control, and corporate services.
• Hilton Hotels – With several hotel properties in Phoenix and Mesa, Hilton hires employees in guest services, housekeeping, event planning, and hotel management.

7) Entrepreneurship and Startups

Growing Startup Ecosystem

Phoenix quickly became a burgeoning hotspot for entrepreneurship and startups, with innovators, investors, and venture capitalists following. The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) was an integral force behind the development in that it invested in young companies through resources, networking, and monetary incentives.

• Phoenix is one of the leading cities to start up in due to the low cost of living, friendly business climate, and access to talent.
• The city’s technology-fueled growth and reduced operational expenses (relative to Silicon Valley) have resulted in greater venture capital investments in emerging companies.
• The number of Phoenix-based startups has risen substantially, especially in fintech, healthcare technology, and clean energy.

Supportive Initiatives

Phoenix and Mesa entrepreneurs have access to numerous resources, incubators, and programs to support businesses’ success:

• Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) – Provides funding programs, tax incentives, and assistance to small businesses and startups.
• Seed Spot – A renowned nonprofit incubator offering mentorship and access to capital for early-stage entrepreneurs.
• Phoenix Startup Week – A top conference bridging founders with investors, industry leaders, and similarly motivated business owners.

8) Resources for Job Seekers

Job Search Websites

Internet job boards are the most effective means of locating job openings in Phoenix and Mesa. Some of the best websites are:

• Indeed has thousands of listings from different industries with employer feedback and salary data.
• Glassdoor – Job listings are accompanied by company feedback as well as interview information from staff.
• Joblist – Assists job hunters with suitable positions depending on where they work, their skills, and their experience.
• Arizona@Work – A state-operated site that matches job seekers with employment and training opportunities.

Educational Programs & Skill Development

Upskilling and earning certifications can enhance your career in the job market. Consider:

• Arizona State University (ASU) – Provides degrees and professional certificate programs specific to industry needs.
• Maricopa Community Colleges – Offers workforce training programs in health, IT, and business.
• Technical and trade schools – Schools such as UEI College and East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) provide hands-on training in areas such as healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades.

Through the use of job search websites, networking events, and training programs, job seekers in Phoenix and Mesa can set themselves up for success in the city’s vibrant job market.

Conclusion

Phoenix and Mesa remain strong employment hubs, providing rich opportunities in the fields of healthcare, technology, manufacturing, finance, education, retail, and entrepreneurship. Major employers are increasing their presence, and new sectors are opening, providing job hunters with a range of career paths that match their skills and passion. To succeed to the highest degree, it’s essential to:

• Know the local employment base and know about expanding industries.
• Use employment search websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and Arizona@Work.
• Meet and greet with industry professionals and visit career fairs.
• Acquire desired skills through training courses and certification.

By making a strategic plan, job hunters in Phoenix and Mesa can position themselves for future career success within one of the country’s most rapidly growing metropolitan regions.