The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that Arizona unemployment has once again reached a low of 5.8% according to the projected numbers for December of 2015. The last time unemployment fell to this same level was May of last year. After a subsequent uptick in unemployment, this latest number continues a recent trend of decline that began in October of last year.
An overall decline of unemployment began between December of 2009 when unemployment in the state topped out at 11.2%. Before 2009, the last time Arizona had seen unemployment close to current numbers was May of 2008 at 5.6%, when unemployment was roughly one year into a sharp two and a half year incline.
But which types of jobs show the best job growth looking ahead?
According to the Employment Projections program of the BLS, Healthcare and Information Technology roles continue to have strong trajectories. The leading role for job growth belongs to home health aides with a projected increase of 38.1% by the year 2024. From the same projected growth between 2014 and 2014, other healthcare roles with strong futures include personal care aides (25.9%), medical assistants (23.5%), medical secretaries (20.5%), nursing assistants (17.6%), licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (16.3%), and registered nurses (16%).
Strong IT jobs positioned for growth are computer systems analysts (20.9%) and software developers, applications (18.8%). Additionally showing a promising future are market research analysts and marketing specialists with a projected growth rate of 18.6%.
Food service and retail positions are also highlighted among the fastest growing positions between 2014-24 at 10.9% and 6.8% respectively.