Employment

The state of Arizona is a right-to-work state, which typically means that wages are lower. The largest employers in Yuma and the surrounding area are Yuma Proving Ground, Marine Corps Air Station, and Yuma Regional Medical Center. There are several federal agencies in Yuma.

For job-hunting purposes, be sure to bring with you all employment records and information, resumes, transcripts, certificates, licenses, SF-50 (if applicable) and a copy of your spouse's orders.

Yuma Proving Ground is about 25 miles from the city of Yuma.

Contact the Employment Readiness Program manager at Army Community Service at 928-328-3350 or DSN 312-899-3350 as soon as you receive your orders or as soon as possible after your arrival.

The ERP manager will assist you in establishing career goals and objectives, advise you on what training and education opportunities exist in the Yuma and YPG communities and assist you in developing and refining resumes and interviewing skills, and directing you to job leads and resources.

My Career Advancement Account

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource.

If you become unemployed and believe that you are entitled to Unemployment Insurance Benefits, you may file your claim by mail or online.  

Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefits are not retroactive; therefore, you should apply for UI Benefits as soon as possible after the last day of work. If you are still currently working, you will need to wait until after your last day of work to complete your application for UI Benefits. The time you are out of work cannot be counted for credit until you file a claim. The following information is needed to file an application (initial claim) for benefits:

1. Your Social Security Number
2. Arizona Driver's license or Arizona State Issued ID
3. Your complete mailing address (if you live in Arizona, know the county where you reside)
4. The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all your employers for the last 18 months
5. The last day you worked immediately prior to filing your UI claim
6. The name and local number of your union hall, if applicable
7. If you received severance, vacation, holiday or payment for unused sick leave, give the amount (before deductions and the date it was paid to you
8. Alien Registration Number, if applicable
9. Copy  #4 of your DD Form 214 if released from the military in the last 18 months
10. SF8  or SF 50 if employed in Federal Civilian service in the last 18 months
11. If you are collecting a pension (other than Social Security), you will need the start date of the pension and the monthly benefit amount

When you apply for UI Benefits, you must provide the correct mailing address and telephone number for your most recent employer (the individual or company you worked for immediately prior to filing your application for benefits). For more information, call 1 (877) 600-2722 or visit Arizona Department of Economic Security.

The largest employer in Yuma and the surrounding areas is Yuma Proving Ground, Marine Corps Air Station, and Yuma Regional Medical Center. There are several federal agencies in Yuma. Unemployment rate is 12.8%. Median household income is $52,183.