Arizona Is First in Projected Job Growth

State makes big jump in rankings.

Arizona may be known for its grand canyons and tourism industry. Now, following forecasts from Moody’s Analytics, the state can also take pride in its rank as the best state in the country for future job growth.

Moody’s Analytics projects Arizona’s job growth to rise 3.1 percent annually through 2019—the best in the nation, reports Forbes.

NFIB State Director Farrell Quinlan says high-tech industries are one reason Arizona’s future looks so bright. “Our tech sector has been bolstered with Amazon, Apple and the expansion of Intel and, of course, all of the companies that work with these companies,” he said.

Aside from a great business climate, Arizona also has a great physical climate. “We get sunny days 325 days a year, and you don’t have to worry about digging yourself out of snow drifts,” Quinlan said.

Arizona struggled mightily during the Great Recession in the late 2000s, when its real estate market was hit hard. But in recent years the state has been seeing a steady influx of new residents and job growth. Last year, Arizona ranked fifth in the country for projected job growth.

Here’s the full 2015 list of best states for projected job growth:

1. Arizona

2. Nevada

3. Florida

4. Utah

5. Georgia

6. Oregon

7. Washington

8. Idaho

9. South Carolina

10. California