Phoenix, Arizona, also referred to as the Valley of the Sun, not only enjoys year-round sunshine but an impressive business industry, as well. Despite it being a desert metropolis, Phoenix has become a renowned entrepreneur hub due to big companies setting up shop in the city. In addition, the City of Phoenix attributes the area’s success to the emergence of successful local startups, which attract investors from across the country and beyond.
The biggest companies in Phoenix include Magellan Health, PetSmart, Avnet, and other national and international brands. This article explores some of the biggest companies to work for in Phoenix, Arizona, and other interesting facts about the city.
Phoenix Job Market
Although the country’s economy was largely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Phoenix job market is stabilizing rapidly. According to LaborIQ by ThinkWhy, the Phoenix metropolitan area is the second top-performing job market in the United States. The city’s economy is driven by net migrations and many college degree holders.
Phoenix’s economy is focused on agriculture and natural resources like copper, cotton, citrus, and cattle during the city’s early years. However, as more companies flocked to the city, the economy became diversified and catered to a wide variety of businesses, including tech, real-estate, entertainment, textile, etc.
Phoenix Key Industries
- Technology
- Tourism
- Manufacturing
What Is Phoenix’s Unemployment Rate?
As of October 2021, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated the unemployment rate for the Phoenix metropolitan area at 3.2 percent. This percentage significantly dropped from 6.6 percent, as was indicated in June 2021. As the economy stabilizes, the state of Arizona hopes to further reduce this employment rate by creating over 325,000 jobs by Spring 2022.
Who Is the Largest Employer in Phoenix?
The largest employer in Phoenix is Banner Health. The company employs over 50,000 employees and is among the leading employers in the United States. It is also the leading non-profit employer and Arizona’s largest private employer.
Top Employers in Phoenix: At a Glance
| Company | Industry | Global Headcount | Hiring For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banner Health | Health care | 50,000+ | Healthcare technicians, registered nurses, cybersecurity engineers |
| PetSmart | Retail |
48,000+ | Groomers, retail associates, early morning stockers |
| Republic Services | Waste management | 36,000+ | Drivers, equipment operators, maintenance technicians |
| Sprouts Farmers Market | Supermarkets and grocery stores | 35,000+ | Clerks, order selectors, cashiers |
| ON Semiconductors | Semiconductors | 34,000+ | Reliability test engineers, senior managers, channel operations specialists |
| Freeport-McMoRan | Mining | 25,000+ | Technical instructors, process automation engineers, mine engineers |
| Apollo Education Group | Education | 18,500 | Education coordinators, software engineers, business analysts |
| City of Phoenix | Administrative | 14,000+ | Planners, fire protection engineers, public works operations managers |
| Maricopa County | Administrative | 13,000+ | Accountants, air quality inspectors, attorneys |
| Magellan Health | Health care | 10,000+ | Assessment nurses, clinical pharmacists, military and family life counselors |
Largest Phoenix Companies to Work For
Banner Health
Banner Health is a high-ranking non-profit health care organization based in Phoenix, AZ. The company operates over 30 facilities, academic medical centers, and several health entities across the United States. It was founded in 1999 after a merger by the Samaritan Health System and Lutheran Health System.
Since then, the company has grown, providing various services including everyday medicine, acute and specialty care, and medical services. You can access specialized treatment at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Banner Concussion Center, Banner Heart Hospital, Banner Children’s, and more.
What Is It Like to Work at Banner Health?
According to the company’s website, Banner Health caters to the employees’ wellbeing, retirement plans, and daily work-life balance. The company creates a 24/7 system where employees have unlimited access to HR processes.
In addition, you will receive priority for internal career and opportunities and learning and development initiatives. Other benefits include health insurance, wellness programs, retirement plans, signing bonuses, and a flexible work schedule.
Top Reasons to Work at Banner Health
- Excellent employee benefits
- Uses state-of-the-art health care technology to monitor patients
- Invests in charity and community care
PetSmart
PetSmart is the country’s largest pet retailer. The company operates around 1,600 stores across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico and 200 in-store PetSmart dog and cat boarding facilities. The workers are involved in grooming, training, adoption services, fun pet day camps, and boarding facilities.
PetSmart has facilitated over 9.5 million pet adoptions and aims to keep going for years to come. Moreover, the company also invests in merchandise, allowing you to find cute pet apparel and treats at the PetSmart stores.
What Is It Like to Work at PetSmart?
Whether you’re looking to work as a groomer, veterinarian, animal photographer, or in any other job with animals, PetSmart has a position for you. In addition, you will undergo a six-week pet training program, among other training programs, designed to enhance your service delivery at PetSmart. Other benefits include paid maternity leave and holidays, health insurance, spending accounts, 401k plans, financial guidance, and a wide variety of discounts.
Top Reasons to Work at PetSmart
- Awesome work environment
- Ability to pay with pets all day
- Amazing employee benefits and discounts
Republic Services
Republic waste services is an American disposal company founded in 1998. It is one of the largest companies in waste management, focusing on recycling and non-hazardous solid waste disposal. The primary goal is to partner with more American homes and organizations to create a safer environment for the future. The services at this organization include waste disposal, non-hazardous waste collection, and waste transfer.
What Is It Like to Work at Republic Services?
Republic Services received a 3.5-star rating on Glassdoor, with many employees commending the work culture and environment. Reviewers indicated that workers receive great benefits, decent pay, and enjoy teamwork. In addition, employees receive opportunities for career development, comprehensive health insurance, employee discounts, paid time off, and employee assistance, among other perks.
Top Reasons to Work at Republic Services
- A competitive annual salary
- An opportunity to save the environment through waste management
- Opportunities for career development
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. is an American grocery company with a chain of supermarkets across the country. The supermarket specializes in fresh, natural, and organic food products sold at affordable prices.
The fresh farm produce is sourced from various local farmers and family-run farms across Southern Carolina, enabling low prices. The company operates over 360 stores and employs over 35,000 people, making it one of the city’s biggest employers.
What Is It Like to Work at Sprouts Farmers Market?
Sprouts Farmers Market’s sole purpose is to encourage healthy living by providing the means to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You must embody the company’s vision and help customers find the right products.
In return, Sprouts’ employees enjoy comprehensive health insurance, healthcare FSAs, savings plans, legal services, paid time off, and more. You will also have access to a Magellan Ascend Employee Assistance program and quarterly week-long appreciation events by the company.
Top Reasons to Work at Sprouts Farmers Market
- Opportunity for healthy living
- Job stability and many benefits and perks
- Week-long appreciation events every three months
ON Semiconductors
ON semiconductors is a technology company with headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. It is the leading supplier of semiconductor-based solutions which facilitate energy management. ON Semiconductor aims to empower design engineers to reduce global energy use, provide energy-efficient solutions, and uphold global environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
What Is It Like to Work at ON Semiconductor?
ON Semiconductors employees work with management to increase stakeholder value by producing high-quality products. Employees gave the company a 3.8-star rating on Indeed, commending the work environment and long-term job outlook.
However, you must actively pursue growth opportunities within the organization. Employees also enjoy time off, savings programs, healthcare programs, insurance programs, and several voluntary benefits
Top Reasons to Work at ON Semiconductors
- Access to exciting tech innovations
- The company has won several awards
- Workforce is 44 percent women
Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
Freeport-McMoRan Inc. is an international mining company dealing in copper, gold, and molybdenum. The company was established in 1988 as Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. after the founders discovered several copper and gold deposits in Indonesia. However, with its success, Freeport-McMcMoran Inc. has established several reserves in North and South America, employing thousands annually.
What Is It Like to Work at Freeport-McMoRan Inc.?
Freeport-McMoran has received positive reviews as a safe work environment from former and current employees. The company prioritizes employee health and safety by implementing management systems, training, and an array of safety and occupational health programs. You will also receive a comprehensive benefits package, health insurance, paid time off, and access to employee assistance programs.
Top Reasons to Work at Freeport-McMoran Inc.
- Working with fun tech gadgets
- Exploring the world through mining adventures
- One of the largest mining companies boosts your resume
Apollo Education Group, Inc.
The Apollo Education Group was established in 1973 by John Sperling to accommodate both youthful and diverse working learners. The Apollo Group Inc. is one of the largest higher learning organizations for working adults and has founded several institutions, including the University of Phoenix. With its corporate headquarters in Phoenix, its primary goal is to cater to individuals juggling careers and education.
What Is It Like to Work at Apollo Education Group?
Apollo Education Group Inc. has a 3.5-star rating on Indeed, where employees commend the work-life balance, benefits, management, culture, and career advancement. The company is focused on helping working adults pursue an education, which allows employees to advance their skills and knowledge.
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Top Reasons to Work at Apollo Education Group
- Opportunities for career development
- Highly discounted education benefits and savings
- Work-life balance
City of Phoenix
The City of Phoenix is the governing body in the area. The officials cater to residents, businesses, and visitors. Some of the services provided by the City of Phoenix include fire safety, trash and recycling, water services, city parks, business permits, funding, license services, and so much more.
What Is It Like Working at the City of Phoenix?
Working at the City of Phoenix offers job security because it is a government institution. In addition, full-time employees receive eight to 15 hours of paid time off per month, medical coverage, saving plans, legal insurance, and pre-tax benefits. You will also join the City of Phoenix Employee Retirement System.
Top Reasons to Work at the City of Phoenix
- Great employee benefits
- Job security
- Access to discounted government services
Maricopa County
Maricopa County was established in 1871 and is one of the fastest-growing counties in America. The employees serve the city in several areas including public health, safety, education, flood control, parks, and more. The county’s mission is to provide an affordable cost of living and regional leadership to local residents.
What Is It Like Working in Maricopa County?
Former and current Maricopa County employees regard it as a good workplace. It is a stable nine-to-five job with amazing benefits, including wellness programs, medical coverage, and more.
Top Reasons to Work at Maricopa County
- Flexible spending accounts and saving plans
- Amazing benefits and low premiums
- Free transportation and parking
Magellan Health
Magellan Health is an American for-profit company focused on managing health care and pharmaceutical services. It was founded in 1969 and currently employs over 10,000 people who work at Magellan Healthcare, Magellan Rx Management, and Magellan Complete Care. Magellan handles physical, pharmacy, social, and behavioral health care.
What Is It Like Working at Magellan Health?
Magellan Health hires many employees, from new graduates to veterans to experienced professionals. One of the company’s core values is care. As such, they strive to create a safe work environment. In addition, employees receive a competitive salary, good benefits, and are encouraged to embrace a proper work-life balance.
Top Reasons to Work at Magellan Health
- A sense of community
- Great work-life balance
- Growth opportunities
Other Big Companies Headquartered in Phoenix
- American Express
- Bank of America
- State of Arizona
- Hensley Beverage Company
- Nikola Motor Company
- Cavco Industries
- Southern Copper Corporation
- Knight Transportation
- Abrazo Health Care
- Avnet
Where to Find a Job in Phoenix: Top Phoenix Job Boards
Jobing.com
Jobing.com is a subscription site where employers pay between $299 and $1,000 for job blasts, social media ads, and other services. The site hires qualified recruiters and uses job management software to monitor performance and extend searches. You can also narrow down jobs by using phoenix.jobing.com, where you access jobs in Phoenix exclusively.
Google for Jobs
Google for Jobs is a Google feature that displays job listings. It is a free service that allows users to access job listings from different job posting sites indexed by Google. The jobs are linked directly to the website, allowing job seekers to access opportunities effortlessly. Moreover, you can use save searches and filter the listings according to location, employer, and type of job.
Arizona@Work
Arizona@Work is also a free job search service that links employers and job seekers. Furthermore, you will also find several services including job fairs, help creating and editing resumes, training, unemployment benefits, and veteran services. The site covers jobs with some of the biggest Arizona-based companies. In addition, you can also filter the listings to find jobs in Phoenix, specifically.
What Is Phoenix’s Tech Scene Like?
Phoenix has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the country. Most tech companies like Apple, Amazon, Intel, and GoDaddy diversify their reach from San Francisco and the Silicon Valley to Phoenix.
The companies attribute the move to lower business costs in the city, an impressive tech talent pool, and affordable quality of life. Furthermore, Phoenix is home to several tech bootcamps, encouraging more people to explore the tech industry.
Can a Bootcamp Help Me Get a Job with a Top Phoenix Employer?
Yes. Coding bootcamps are rapidly becoming popular in the tech industry because they are affordable, short-term, and focused on specific career training. Tech companies will hire job seekers from bootcamps because they have hands-on experience and expertise in their field of study. Furthermore, most bootcamps collaborate with major tech companies and startups to offer job opportunities after graduation.
Top Coding Bootcamps in Phoenix
Why Phoenix Is a Great Place to Achieve Your Career Goals
Phoenix is highly developed as a tier-one city, offers outstanding business resources, and is an excellent environment to raise a family. Moreover, the city hosts some of the country’s biggest employers, creating many job opportunities annually.
In fact, the Phoenix metropolitan area ranks number two in the top five best-performing labor markets in the United States. Additionally, the unemployment rate is rapidly decreasing due to Phoenix’s high number of job opportunities.
Biggest Companies in Phoenix FAQ
Currently, Phoenix is known for its real estate industry, tourism, and manufacturing. The city is also home to several Fortune 500 and 1000 companies. Phoenix and the wider Arizona area were best known for agriculture for a long time. However, the city has diversified.
The top five companies include Avnet, ON Semiconductor, AFS Technologies, Intel Corporation, and Apple. The city hosts a variety of tech companies, making it one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the country.
As mentioned above, Phoenix ranks as number two in the country’s top five best-performing labor markets. Despite the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city went from a 6.6 percent unemployment rate to 3.2 percent within five months.
You can access jobs through networking, exploring different company websites, or using the array of job boards on the internet. Some of the best-performing job boards for Phoenix include jobing.com, Arizona@Work, Careerbuilder, Indeed, and Google for Jobs.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
