October 7, 2024 – El Paso, Texas
El Paso has long been a hub for trade and manufacturing, thanks to its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border. The maquiladora industry in Ciudad Juárez, just across the border, continues to be a key driver of El Paso’s economy, supporting jobs in logistics, transportation, and warehousing. The city’s border trade represents one of the largest in the country, and many companies rely on El Paso as a gateway for goods moving between the U.S. and Mexico. But as the jobs are limited to manufacturing and blue collar jobs; El Pasoans struggle to get higher wages and a better quality of work.
“It’s tough out here trying to find something that pays well and offers growth,” said Carlos Hernandez, a recent graduate from the University of Texas at El Paso. “There are some jobs, but a lot of them don’t match the skills I worked hard to develop in school. I’m hopeful though, especially with new industries coming to the area. I just want to find a job that lets me stay in my hometown and build a future here.”
Healthcare has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in El Paso, driven by the demand for services in the city and the surrounding region. Especially dentistry and primary medical care as it is still an underserved community. Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers are expanding, creating new opportunities for professionals, including doctors, nurses, and allied health workers.
The defense and aerospace industries have also seen an uptick in activity, thanks to Fort Bliss and other military-related developments. Companies providing support services to the military are hiring for roles in engineering, technology, and logistics. Additionally, the renewable energy sector is making strides, with solar and wind projects bringing both construction jobs and long-term positions in operations and maintenance.
At the same time, the retail and service sectors continue to be major employers. El Paso’s vibrant retail landscape, which includes large shopping centers and the region’s love for food trucks and local businesses, contributes significantly to job creation, though many of these positions tend to offer lower wages compared to the city’s growing industries in technology and healthcare.
Despite these positive trends, El Paso faces some significant challenges. Wages in the city tend to be lower than the national average, particularly in industries such as retail, hospitality, and even manufacturing. This wage gap makes it harder for some residents to keep up with rising living costs, especially as El Paso experiences modest increases in housing prices.
The border region’s unique geography presents additional hurdles. El Paso’s economy is heavily dependent on cross-border trade, which can be impacted by policy changes or disruptions in U.S.-Mexico relations.
Overall, the outlook for El Paso’s job market is positive but not expected to change anytime soon. The city’s strategic location, coupled with ongoing investments in key industries, positions it for continued growth. The healthcare and defense sectors will likely remain strong pillars, while the renewable energy sector could provide new opportunities as Texas shifts towards sustainable energy solutions. While other professionals in other industries may still have issues finding new work in the area.
However, addressing the wage gap and ensuring the workforce is prepared for the future will be critical for El Paso’s long-term success. Collaborative efforts between local government, big businesses, and educational institutions are essential to make sure El Paso’s job market diversifies and grows in the future.
