Phoenix and Tucson among the Top 10 Cities with the Most Growth in High-Paying Jobs

The recent technology boom and lower living costs than cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles has been a high paying jobs boom to both Phoenix and Tucson over the last several years.

In a study conducted by the real estate company Stressa (and reported by KTAR,) Phoenix and Tucson, from 2015 to 2020, were in the top ten of the largest cities in the United States when it comes to six figure salaries.

Phoenix was ranked number two with a 217.1 percent increase in high paying positions. Nashville, Tennessee was number one at 270.9 percent.

Tucson was number eight with a 156.2 percent increase in the number of high paying jobs.

A substantial portion of these high paying positions were technology related including software developers and computer/information systems managers.

The Mayors of Phoenix and Tucson offered their views on the Stressa report.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego commented:

“We are leading the nation in high-wage industry growth, including semiconductors, electric vehicle manufacturing, biosciences, start-ups and more. Our efforts to accelerate and strengthen the business operating environment in Phoenix and the greater region are reflected in this exciting job growth, a sign of our economic vitality. Greater Phoenix is a national leader and top relocation destination for families, jobs and businesses, and that results in greater opportunities and a quality of life for all of our residents.”

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero relayed:

“My office is creating an economy that works for everyone by attracting high profile employers while creating upward pressure on low wages. By raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour, the City of Tucson created a ripple effect resulting in Pima County and our largest school district to follow suit.

When I look at this research I have to ensure that we attend to both growth and equity. The percentage change in six-figure jobs shows good progress and we have to ensure the median wage across all occupations doesn’t stagnate.”

With the United States jobs market (largely thanks to Bidenomics)  recovering (unemployment fell to 3.9 percent in January, 2022 with revised upward job creation figures for November and December, 2021,) opportunities for high wage growth in both Phoenix and Tucson should increase in the foreseeable future.