Phoenix loses jobs in the private sector and construction sector. Arizona and the Phoenix area have been suffering some of the worst post-recession construction job losses in the U.S. even as other markets such as Houston, Dallas and Denver add workers.
Arizona’s construction sector shed another 2,900 jobs last month and the private sector as a whole lost 1,800 jobs in the Phoenix area, according to new state employment data.
The state’s economy added a lukewarm 28,800 jobs in a September, according to the Arizona Department of Administration. The vast majority – 26,900 – were from the public sector with schools and public colleges back in session.
In the Phoenix area, private businesses dumped 1,800 jobs compared to local schools and governments adding 15,600 positions.
Arizona’s beleaguered construction sector lost 2,900 jobs last month and has shed 8,300 positions since September 2013, according to DOA. Of the September losses 2,800 positions were in the Phoenix metro area, according to DOA.
Arizona and the Phoenix area have been suffering some of the worst post-recession construction job losses in the U.S. even as other markets such as Houston, Dallas and Denver add workers.
Two other high-wage sectors manufacturing and information technology and services, lost 500 and 300 jobs respectively last month.
The statewide unemployment rate has decreased to 6.9 percent in September down from 7.1 percent in August.
Private education and health services added 2,600 jobs while the tourism and business services sectors added 1,100 and 1,000 jobs, respectively.
Arizona’s jobless rate is a full point higher than the 5.9 percent U.S. unemployment rate.
The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 5.8 percent, according to DOA.
Mike Sunnucks Senior Reporter- Phoenix Business Journal