Steady Employment Growth

Average employment in Aurora steadily rose month-to-month in 2019 continuing its growth trend.  In 2019, growth increased 4.4% to more than 150,000 in Aurora, nearly double Colorado’s growth.  Over five years, Aurora’s employment has grown at a 3.1% compound annual growth rate, also higher than Colorado’s 2.5%. 

Employment growth in Aurora industries

All but four sectors have seen growth over the last five years in Aurora.  Government includes some major employers including state and federally-funded hospitals, colleges, and other facilities.  The increases seen in government and health care and social assistance were driven in large part by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus including the opening of the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center.  The industrial sector continues to thrive in Aurora with companies like Amazon, UPS, and others relocating and expanding in Aurora in recent years.  

Aurora companies have increased, outpacing Colorado growth

The number of companies in Aurora increased 2.5% in 2019 in line with Colorado. Between 2014 and 2019, Aurora grew at a 3.9% compound annual growth rate, slightly higher than Colorado’s 3.3%.  Adams County saw the most significant 5-year compound growth in companies at 4.4%, adding more than 42,000 jobs and 2,266 companies.    Arapahoe County added 3,187 companies over the five years for a 3% compound growth rate and nearly 30,000 jobs.  

Aurora wages have grown with employment and companies 

Our focus on adding high-quality jobs and primary employers has boosted wages in the City of Aurora, Adams County, and Arapahoe County.  Although growth was in line with Colorado in 2019, Aurora’s 5-year compound growth rate for wages was 4.1% versus Colorado’s 3.2%.  

Colorado’s fastest growing occupations

Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations top the list of six fastest growing occupation groups in Colorado, expected to grow 25% between 2018 and 2028.