Many sectors of Colorado’s economy are strong – and CU Boulder economists are forecasting more of the same with 60,000 new jobs in 2017.
Agriculture is in for a tough year, with farm income expected to hit its lowest point in at least a decade. Oil and gas will see a bit more downsizing too. Given that, Rich Wobbekind, of the University of Colorado’s Business Research Division, says the state will still experience overall growth.
“[Colorado] will be one of the top 10, maybe even a top 5 growth state in 2017, so it’s really a tribute to sort of the economic diversity that’s developed over time.”
Which means they’re expecting strong job growth in almost every other sector next year. Especially construction, where the industry is expected to grow by another 9,000 workers. Leisure and hospitality is projected to add 11,000 workers.
Wobbekind says job growth could be even stronger if employers could find workers with the right experience.
