Really? This is Arizona’s Largest Employer?

The economic landscape is changing faster than I can possibly wrap my head around these days. I'm getting really tired of hearing about all the ways Artificial Intelligence could replace us in the near future. I know I'm not alone, so I started to wonder which segment of Arizona's economy is not only alive but thriving and likely won't be replaced by AI.

Arizona’s workforce is shifting, and nowhere is that more obvious than in healthcare. Thousands of Arizona residents are reaching retirement age, and every year, the demand for doctors, nurses, and support staff grows.

Arizona has a reputation as a retirement destination, so it makes sense that our healthcare industry is growing to support our aging community, and a growing industry needs people to support the system.

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Who’s The Biggest Employer In Arizona?

If you guessed a hospital system, you’re right. Banner Health Banner - University Medicine Multispecialty Clinic in Sierra Vista takes the top spot as Arizona’s largest employer, with nearly 49,000 employees across the state.

RELATED: How Aging In Arizona Affects Alzheimer's Rates And Families

From Phoenix to Tucson, and even smaller communities like Sierra Vista, Banner’s hospitals and clinics are everywhere. Healthcare is the backbone of Arizona’s workforce.

Which Company Tops The Sector?

No surprise here: Banner Health dominates the Health Services Sector in our state. But it’s not alone. Other heavy hitters, such as HonorHealth, Dignity Health, and Mayo Clinic, also employ thousands of Arizonans.

READ MORE: Arizona's Experts Say Never Do THESE Things in an Emergency!

What Are The Top 5 Employers In Arizona?

According to the Phoenix Business Journal, these are Arizona's biggest healthcare employers and their approximate employee counts:

• Banner Health: 48,869 employees. Largest employer in the state; operates hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers statewide
• HonorHealth: 16,000 employees. Major hospital system in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area
• Dignity Health:14,000 employees. Runs St. Joseph’s Hospital and other facilities across Arizona
• Mayo Clinic: 11,072 employees. Renowned worldwide for specialty care, it has campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale
• Phoenix Children’s Hospital: 7,310 employees. Focuses on pediatric care and is expanding rapidly 
• Tenet Healthcare: 6,592 employees. Operates Abrazo Health hospitals in Phoenix 
• TMC Healthcare: 5,352 employees. Tucson-based regional hospital system
• Northern Arizona Healthcare: 3,711 employees. Flagstaff Medical Center and Verde Valley Medical Center
• Sonora Quest Laboratories: 3,900 employees. Statewide medical lab services
• Hospice of the Valley: 1,871 employees. Nonprofit hospice and dementia care provider

Why Does This Matter For Arizona?

As the population in Arizona grows, especially among our retired and elderly residents, the need for healthcare will continue to expand. If someone in your life is entering the workforce or thinking about a career change, working in the healthcare industry is a good bet in our state.