Workforce
Abundant, Affordable, High Quality Workforce
Leading employers like Boeing and Banner Health Systems benefit from Mesa’s well-educated workforce, more than 44% of which have an associate degree or higher. The Phoenix-Mesa MSA has more than 2.7 million workers, up 1.8% from 2024.
Source: ESRI Business Analyst, 2025; US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025
Arizona’s 10th lowest unemployment insurance (UI) tax contributions rank the state #2 nationally for UI tax competitiveness, providing employers with a meaningful cost advantage. In addition, Arizona’s right-to-work environment and low unionization rates offer greater flexibility in workforce management.
A national engineering powerhouse: The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University is one of the largest engineering schools in the nation.
A leading community college system: The Maricopa County Community College District is one of the largest and most prominent community college systems in the United States. It serves more than 100,000 students annually.
#1 in innovation nationally: Arizona State University has been ranked #1 in innovation for 11 straight years by U.S. News and World Report.
Workforce Rankings
3.4%
Mesa’s unemployment rate
– ESRI, 2025
2.5x
Growth rate of employment over labor force in Mesa since April 2020
– ESRI, 2025
272K
Mesa residents in the labor force
– ESRI, 2025
2025 Educational Attainment
| High School Graduate | 20.4% |
| Some College | 23.9% |
| Associate Degree | 10.3% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 22.4% |
| Graduate Degree | 11.3% |
2025 Employment & Labor Force
| Mesa | Phoenix/Mesa Metro | |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Force | 272,174 | 2,674,069 |
| Employment | 262,926 | 2,581,183 |
| Unemployment | 3.4% | 3.5% |
Source: ESRI Business Analyst, 2025. Note: not seasonally adjusted.
Workforce Development Programs
Job Connect Mesa
Job Connect Mesa is a workforce platform that helps employers connect with local talent by posting jobs, promoting training opportunities, and accessing workforce resources. Job seekers can explore careers, search for jobs, assess skills, access education and training programs, and connect with employers and support services throughout the Mesa area.
Higher Education Institutions
Mesa is home to more than 10 colleges and universities with more than 40,000 students currently enrolled in higher education. Visit the Higher Education page to learn more.
Maricopa Information Technology Institute – East Valley (MITI-EV)
Maricopa Information Technology Institute – East Valley (MITI-EV) is a collaboration between Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Mesa Community College, Rio Salado Community College, and Scottsdale Community College that meets the emerging technological workforce’s demand for talent in the areas of blockchain, app development using Swift/Xcode, big data, gaming, cloud computing, mobile and wearable technology, and the Internet of Things.
Workforce Center @ Mesa
The Workforce Center @ Mesa is a partnership between the City of Mesa, Maricopa County and A New Leaf and offers a variety of services to support employers and job seekers in the Mesa community. Key services include career development, job skills training, employment opportunities, support services, and free workshops.
East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT)
East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) offers a diverse range of programs designed to provide hands-on training and prepare students for various careers in Mesa and surrounding valley communities. EVIT offers programs to high school students and adult learners, including associate degrees, apprenticeships, certificate programs, as well as a variety of blended programs.
K-12 Career and Technical Education Programs
K-12 Career and Technical Education Programs focus on providing students with skills and knowledge necessary for success in various careers. Career Clusters Framework organizes CTE programs into 14 clusters, each representing a broad industry of field of study, such as health science or manufacturing. Programs designed around individual career clusters include work-based learning, curriculum development and industry certifications to ensure students are equipped for the workforce.
Each of Mesa’s school districts offers Career and Technical Education programs. Explore the district-specific programs below.
We’re here to help businesses grow – with purpose and partnership.