While unemployment is on the way down, as the recovery continues in Arizona, state workers are sharing in the recovery at a much lower rate than those in other major western areas.

State economist Aruna Murthy notes that a recent ASU study shows wage growth has been sub-par in Arizona because the workforce is not qualified for higher-paying jobs.

“Educational attainment of Arizona’s labor force is below average. An example, is Arizona’s students have scored below average on achievement tests over the two decades,” Murthy said.

Murthy also said the state’s combination of low-wage jobs and low cost of living is combining to push wage increases down.