Moving to Prescott - Employment

While Prescott has many favorable attributes - such as a fine four-season climate, clean air, nearby National Forest - the employment situation may present a challenge to those wishing to relocate to enjoy them.

With a population of around 36,000 and little industrial development, Prescott is not able to offer varied employment opportunities such as might be found in larger cities or those near metropolitan areas. In addition, workers generally accept less salary than would be offered in larger or less desirable cities.

Though higher-paying professional positions exists, over 65% of the work force is employed in service- and tourism-related areas. These jobs typically provide near minimum wage incomes, and very few of the individuals in this earning category can afford to live in Prescott. Rather, they live in nearby communities that have lower housing expenses.

If you will need employment in Prescott, it is imperative to fully understand these limitations. Do not move with the assumption of gaining employment as soon as you arrive. Even if jobs exist in your field of expertise, the number of job opening that exist may be low, forcing you to wait many months for the opportunity. Obtain assurance of employment before making the move, ideally by making an exploratory visit; if this is not possible, be ready to support yourself and your family with savings for at least 6 months.

Employers

Federal, state, county and municipal governments combined employ the largest amount of people in the Prescott area. These include the Veteran's Administration Hospital, the Forest Service, the U.S. Postal Service, Social Security Administration, Arizona Department of Transportation, Yavapai County and the City of Prescott.

Educational facilities also afford employment opportunities. For more details see the schools and colleges page.

Prescott has a medium-sized hospital facility, Yavapai Regional Medical Center, employing over 700 people.

There are a few smaller manufacturing plants in the area, producing electrical components, aluminum windows and doors, plastic products, firearms and golf clubs.

Retail and service positions complete the major employers of the area. This area has seen much growth in the past few years. Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot, Price-Costco, Petsmart, Petco and Staples are among the larger retailers making their home in Prescott, along with six supermarkets. There are no shortage of hotels (except around Independence Day), with Holiday Inn Express and many independents.

Major Area Employers for PRESCOTT, ARIZONA

Yavapai County Government...........................................(1,469)

Yavapai Regional Medical Center Hospital....................(901)

Sturm Ruger & Co Firearms Manufacturer................... (747)

Verterans Administration Medical Center Hospital.......(613)

Prescott Unified School District Public Schools...............(595)

Phelps-Dodge Bagdad Copper Copper Mining................(570)

State of Arizona Government............................................(510)

City of Prescott Government.............................................(453)

Better-Bilt Aluminum Windows Manufacturing...............(351)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University College...............(350)

Yavapai Community College College................................(330)

Ace Hardware Center Distribution/Warehouse................(313)

Yavapai Gaming Agency Casino........................................(310)

Wal-Mart Store Retail.......................................................(300)

Safeway Grocery Store......................................................(192)

West Yavapai Guidance Clinic Counseling Centers.........(182)

U. S. Forest Service Government......................................(181)

Price Costco Store Retail...................................................(173)

Prescott Resort Hotel.........................................................(170)

Home Depot Retail.............................................................(165)

Prescott Newspapers Publisher..........................................(148)

Fry's Food Store Grocery Store.........................................(145)

Fortner & Gifford Aerospace Machine Shop....................(142)

Target Store Retail.............................................................(130)

Wulfsberg Electronics Avionics Radios.............................(101)

Sears Store Retail...............................................................(80)

Exsil, Inc. Silicon Wafer Recycling....................................(73)

Last Updated August 1, 2001

City of Prescott Economic Development

Opinions are solely those of the writers at movingtoprescott.com.