Find a Job You Really Want In
Are you gearing up for a job search in 2026? You may be wondering about the current state of the job market in your area or how it compares to other cities. It’s essential to recognize that job markets can vary significantly within a state, making the hunt for employment easier in some regions while presenting challenges in others.
At Zippia, we analyze data trends to identify where job seekers can find the most opportunities. In this article, we explore the hottest job markets in Arizona for 2026.
Here are the ten most promising job markets in Arizona.
The 10 Hottest Job Markets In Arizona
These cities represent the top locations for job seekers in Arizona. If your city is not listed in the top 10, continue reading for a comprehensive overview of the rankings.
How We Determined the Best Job Markets in Arizona
We analyzed data from the Census American Community Survey to compile information on Arizona’s metropolitan areas. We focused on cities with a civilian workforce exceeding 5,000.
While the unemployment rate is a crucial indicator of job market health, it is just one aspect of a multifaceted picture. We took a holistic approach by examining various metrics to assess the job markets in Arizona.
Each metro area was ranked from 1 to 35 based on four key categories:
- Unemployment Rate
- Change in Unemployment Rate
- Household Income Change
- Current Average Household Income
A lower score in each category indicates a healthier job market. For instance, Paradise Valley boasts the lowest unemployment rate at 1.37%, securing its position as #1 in that category. The scores across the four categories were averaged to generate our final rankings.
1. Queen Creek
Unemployment Rate: 3.61%
Average Income: $113,304
2. Scottsdale
Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
Average Income: $129,271
3. Gilbert
Unemployment Rate: 4.41%
Average Income: $108,940
4. Paradise Valley
Unemployment Rate: 1.37%
Average Income: $328,353
5. Goodyear
Unemployment Rate: 4.12%
Average Income: $96,766
6. Fountain Hills
Unemployment Rate: 4.28%
Average Income: $119,590
7. Sahuarita
Unemployment Rate: 3.72%
Average Income: $86,713
8. Mesa
Unemployment Rate: 5.42%
Average Income: $73,216
9. Avondale
Unemployment Rate: 5.53%
Average Income: $71,316
10. Marana
Unemployment Rate: 4.29%
Average Income: $97,327
Measuring the Best Job Markets in Arizona
You might be wondering, “I live in Paradise Valley, but I’ve been struggling to find work—how can this be?” This situation is quite common.
While Paradise Valley ranks as the top job market in Arizona, individual circumstances such as education, work experience, and specific professional fields greatly influence employment opportunities. Overall, job seekers in top-ranking areas like Paradise Valley may have a better chance at finding opportunities compared to those in lower-ranked cities.
Detailed List of the Hottest Job Markets in Arizona
| Rank | Place | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Queen Creek | 3.61% |
| 2 | Scottsdale | 3.7% |
| 3 | Gilbert | 4.41% |
| 4 | Paradise Valley | 1.37% |
| 5 | Goodyear | 4.12% |
| 6 | Fountain Hills | 4.28% |
| 7 | Sahuarita | 3.72% |
| 8 | Mesa | 5.42% |
| 9 | Avondale | 5.53% |
| 10 | Marana | 4.29% |
| 11 | Chandler | 4.08% |
| 12 | Glendale | 5.84% |
| 13 | Surprise | 6.87% |
| 14 | Peoria | 5.5% |
| 15 | Buckeye | 5.61% |
| 16 | Tempe | 5.38% |
| 17 | Oro Valley | 5.68% |
| 18 | El Mirage | 6.72% |
| 19 | Maricopa | 4.58% |
| 20 | Prescott | 7.09% |
| 21 | Flagstaff | 7.2% |
| 22 | Lake Havasu | 6.41% |
| 23 | Sierra Vista | 6.8% |
| 24 | Kingman | 7.42% |
| 25 | Phoenix | 6.13% |
| 26 | Payson | 4.64% |
| 27 | Prescott Valley | 7.19% |
| 28 | Apache Junction | 9.39% |
| 29 | Casa Grande | 7.95% |
| 30 | Tucson | 8.35% |
| 31 | San Luis | 13.89% |
| 32 | Yuma | 9.47% |
| 33 | Bullhead | 8.28% |
| 34 | Nogales | 10.11% |
| 35 | Somerton | 9.4% |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
