Luke AFB  Military and Family Support Center

The Phoenix metropolitan area offers a wide variety of employment opportunities. Employers in various occupations are looking for qualified candidates. Phoenix has one of the better job growth rates among 22 cities with employment of at least 1 million. Phoenix also ranks high for job growth from international firms. Also, Phoenix has one of the lowest unemployment rates among the 50 most populous areas throughout the nation. The need for available/skilled workers, the low unemployment and job growth rates tend to increase wages, including entry-level and general jobs. The unemployment rate for Arizona is  5.0% and  3.7% for Maricopa County. The median household income for Maricopa County is $61,506 in 2017, the minimum wage is  $10.50. Job seekers who have computer skills or add to their computer literacy greatly increase their marketability. Each new software application or skill an applicant can add to their resume means more opportunities and higher salaries. General office, receptionist, and entry-level clerical positions are paying $7.00 per hour and up. Some secretarial or computer skilled clerical positions are paying $9.50 - $12.00 per hour.

The fastest growing jobs are in high technology and there is a high demand for computer engineers, systems analysts, electronic technicians, and computer specialists. There is also a high demand for work in housing-related businesses and the manufacturing industry.

Professionals in health services can find numerous opportunities with the several hospitals, clinics, and medical offices within the area. Physical, speech and occupational therapists, human services workers, residential counselors, and home health care aides are in increasing demand.

Candidates with sophisticated skills, higher education, or significant career histories can find management, technical or specialized opportunities within city, county, state, and federal government or private industry. These salaries typically range from $30,000 to $80,000 depending on experience and hiring authority budgets.

Maricopa County has six Arizona Workforce Connection/Onestop Centers. They also provide a website for job seekers and employers. This site is a powerful online job seeker/workforce services system, accessed as a web site on the Internet. It was specifically designed for job seekers, students, case managers, employers, training providers, workforce professionals, and others seeking benefits and services. The system provides fast access to a complete set of employment tools in one web site.

For job hunting purposes, be sure to hand carry all employments records and documents, resumes, OF 612, SF 171, SF 50, transcripts, certificates, and licenses. Military spouses that require a professional license or certification can be reimbursed up to $1,000 when they PCS, see A&FRC for details.

The Transition Assistance Program assists members and their spouses make the transition from  military service to the civilian workplace with less stress and more success.

Programs and services include, mandatory Initial/Pre-Separation Counseling , five-day transition workshop, and the Capstone briefing. Each TAP workshop is facilitated by professionally trained subject matter experts. Workshop attendees learn about job searches, career decision making, Veteran's benefits, healthcare options, financial changes, resume and cover letter preparation, and interviewing techniques.

Active Duty Members

The Air Force Tuition Assistance program pays 100 percent of an airman's tuition cost for college courses up to a semester hour cap of $250 and up to a maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year.

Spouses

The Air Force Services Club Scholarship Programs awards scholarships to Club members and their families. For more information, go to their website.

Both children and spouses may be eligible for the Air Force Aid Society's General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program. For more information, visit the AFAS online.

The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship is a workforce development program that provides eligible military spouses with financial assistance for licenses, certifications or associate degrees to pursue an occupation or career field. For information on MyCAA please visit https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil.

For additional information call the Education Services Flight at 623-856-7722 or DSN 312-896-7722.

If job seekers want to file for unemployment benefits, they can complete an interstate claim at the office nearest to their residence or online at the Arizona Unemployment Insurance website. AZUI also offers information on unemployment benefits.

The West Valley Employment Service Office is located at 3406 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix.
Call 623-245-6200 or 602-771-2870.

Area data:

- Unemployment rate for Arizona is 3.2% and 2.5% for Maricopa County

- Median household income for Maricopa County is $67,799 in 2020

- Minimum wage is $12.80

- General office, receptionist, and entry-level clerical positions are paying $13.94 per hour and up

- Some secretarial or computer skilled clerical positions are paying $17.71 - $ 25.10 per hour