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Jeptha Sheene, RE/MAX 4000, Inc.
Jeptha Sheene, GRI, CRS, SRES, ABR certified broker with RE/MAX 4000, Inc., invests in the Grand Junction Economic Partnership because she is bullish ... more
 

For other Colorado Labor Force conditions, link to the Colorado Department of Labor web site.

For the latest wage data, link to the Bureau of Labor Statistics web site.

Understanding the Colorado Economy: Mesa County
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Home > Business Environment > Labor Force

Labor Force

The Grand Junction MSA labor force is growing and has the characteristics to meet your needs. Expansion Management magazine (July 2001) ranks Grand Junction 13th most cost-effective labor growth market in the nation (see related news article). Currently our labor force continues to grow at double the population growth, i.e. 5.7% v. 2.4%.
 

Latest on Labor
(Source: Colorado DOL, June, 2008)
Total Labor Force 82,872
Employed 79,294
Unemployed 3,578
Unemployment Rate 4.3%

 

An Expanding Labor Force

As of June 2008, the total MSA labor force stands at 82,872 and has increased 42% over the last 10 years. The area labor force is projected to expand at similar rates over the next 20 years. During the 1990's jobs grew at an average of 3.38% per annum, higher than the Colorado average of 3.05%.

 

Average Historical Employment Statistics Grand Junction MSA
(Source: CO Dept of Labor and Employment)
  Labor Force Employed Job Growth Unemployed Rate
2007 78,896 76,344   2,552 3.2
2006 74,880 71,935 7.31 2,945 3.90
2005 70,343 67,033 3.86 3310 4.70
2004 68,318 64,540 2.46 3778 5.50
2003 66,793 62,987 4.68 3806 5.70
2002 65,018 60,169 3.07 3,883 6.10
2001 60,752 58,376 * 2,376 3.90
2000 57,887 55,748 (1.71) 2169 3.70
1999 58,642 56,719 2.32 2208 3.74
1998 58,354 55,433 3.60 2902 4.97
1997 55,941 53,504 4.47 2437 4.35
1996 54,147 51,228 1.20 2919 5.39
1995 53,593 50,620 5.35 2973 5.54
1994 50,886 48,049 5.24 2837 5.57
1993 49,073 45,654 4.60 3419 6.97
1992 47,369 43,645 1.38 3724 7.86
1991 46,078 43,050 2.27 3029 6.57
1990 44,712 42,095   2618 5.85
*Due to changes in methodology in 2001, data prior to that date can not be compared to data after 2001.

Labor that Adds Value

The Grand Junction area offers a life-style second to none, and because people like to live here, we have attracted a talented, dedicated work force from throughout the nation. According to local employers the productivity and work ethic of the labor force are key assets to a business location in the area. Productivity levels are impressive and can be confirmed by visiting with local firms, such as 3D Systems, Inc., AMETEK, Inc., CoorsTek, and Reynolds Polymer Technology, Inc.

According to the Bureau of National Affairs, Colorado's union membership in private manufacturing is 13.5%, the same as the national average. The US Census Bureau ranks Colorado as the 14th least unionized state with 10.8% of all employees belonging to a union. Colorado is a state with historically low levels of unionization. In Grand Junction the level of unionization is even lower. In April 2002, according to a local study, less than 5% of workers belong to a union, significantly less than other Colorado locations. The following unions are active in Mesa County/Grand Junction: Communication Workers of America, International Union of Operating Engineers, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Plumbers & Pipefitters, Local #145, Mesa Valley Education Association, and United Food & Commercial Workers Union #7.

An Under-Employed Labor Force

The Grand Junction MSA has a large pool of under-employed labor for several reasons. The area attracts people looking for a lifestyle change, who are working 'lower' jobs; there is a relatively large retirement community; and it has a large retail industry. A recent job fair survey showed that 50% of those searching for jobs were currently employed. 33% were looking for a job that was a better match for their skills or experience, 16% were looking to secure a better paying position and 14% for a better work environment.

Talent in the Pipeline

The Grand Junction area generates excellence in its labor force through education and industry partnerships and customized technical courses and training. The School of Applied Technology (UTEC) at Mesa State has been at the forefront of the 'high-tech high school' revolution in the United States. This is an example of how our local businesses work with our colleges to ensure there is the talent to meet their needs. Other organizations, such as the Mesa County Workforce Center, work directly with businesses to develop necessary skills.