28th Annual DATOS: The State of Arizona’s Hispanic Market

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EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

IN FOCUS

Education is the Key to Economic Mobility BY CRISTI GUEVARA, PH.D.

Arizona is one of the fastest-growing economies in the U.S., boasting a robust workforce of approximately 6.1 million working-age individuals. Among them, Hispanics comprise 38%, predominantly concentrated in Maricopa and Pima counties. In Santa Cruz, Yuma and Greenlee counties, Hispanics comprise 50% and 80% of the population. Across various sectors, Hispanics are notably present in agriculture, construction, hospitality and the food industry. Despite a significant Hispanic presence in Arizona, only 20% of Hispanics hold high-skill, high-wage, high-demand (H3) jobs, which is 14 points lower than the general Arizona workforce. H3 jobs require advanced skills but are highly desirable because they offer high wages, are in high demand and are less susceptible to automation.

Even where Hispanics have a large presence—in sectors such as agriculture, construction, hospitality and food-related industries— only 22% to 26% of H3 jobs are held by Hispanics. Why? The current Hispanic educational attainment levels might answer that question:

Here are some examples of H3 roles: paralegals, market researchers, dietitians, budget analysts, sales representatives, civil engineers, chefs, quality assurance analysts and logisticians.

• only 9.5% of Hispanics in Arizona hold a bachelor’s degree or higher; • only 21.1% have some college or an associate’s degree and • the majority only have a high school diploma—or less. Unfortunately, these statistics are not improving: Currently, only 73% of Hispanic seniors in Arizona graduate from high school and just 31% enroll in a postsecondary institution right after graduation. Unfortunately, these statistics translate to lower lifetime earnings, as shown in Figure 1 on p.120.

Despite a significant Hispanic presence in Arizona, only 20% of Hispanics hold high-skill, high-wage, high-demand (H3) jobs, which is 14 points lower than the general Arizona workforce. ARIZONA 2024

Targeted initiatives are crucial to address these challenges and unlock pathways to higher-paying jobs. Here’s an example: A Hispanic food preparation worker, after obtaining a food handler's postsecondary certificate, can advance to a supervisory role in the food and beverage industry. This transition typically results in a 32% median salary increase and a reduced risk of job automation that will ultimately lead to job loss. Similarly, pursuing a culinary  119

THE STATE OF ARIZONA’S HISPANIC MARKET

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28th Annual DATOS: The State of Arizona’s Hispanic Market

Published on Mar 7, 2026

ARIZONA HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Datos is the largest compilation of secondary research on Hispanic Consumers in Arizona and the United States, through our continued partnership with Vitalyst Health Foundation, we are able to analyze the economy and all the data we have collected through a dynamic framework that lets us see the contributions of Arizona Hispanics in relation to the social determinants of a healthy community. This year, we highlight a vital aspect of life that directly affects the health and prosperity of Arizona’s Hispanic population: quality, affordable food (p.157). Six In Focus features and seven informative reprints explore rising food costs, food security, community efforts to address the meal gap and emerging small businesses that recognize the importance of providing nutritious, affordable food. Finally, a Special Feature (pp.171–173), courtesy of Univision Communications, looks at grocery shopping and both quick service and sit-down restaurants in the Phoenix and Tucson DMAs.