Las Vegas Jobs
Seems the economy can't make up its mind these days as to whether it is in a slump or an upturn. Consider the current drastic slump in single family housing sales, both new and pre-owned, which in turn has put a damper on new housing construction, the sub-prime lender collapse, exorbitant prices at the gas pump and soaring energy costs in general, as well as an overall job market not looking so bright. From all that depressing news, one would assume that this country is in an economic downturn, right? Well, hold everything, because on April 25, 2007 the Dow Jones Industrial Average told us otherwise as it zoomed to an all-time record high of 13,089.89.
As far as Las Vegas is concerned, certainly the valley has been impacted by the slowdown in housing sales and construction, but the overall employment situation here is still good and the promise of jobs continues to lure several thousand new residents monthly.
Although the massive Las Vegas Hotel/Casino presence in the city accounts for many thousands of jobs, from housekeeping to dealer, slot machine mechanics, cashiers, security personnel, etc., these same giant conglomerates are also generating many thousands of jobs related to the unprecedented building boom in hotel expansions and in the construction of high-end luxury condominiums, a new phenomenon in the valley, in which only a few years ago was non-existent.
All this construction is of course under the supervision of the main contractors, who in turn are hiring sub-contractors who bring in the electricians, carpenters, heavy equipment operators and laborers. Furthermore, each completed construction project creates new job opportunities. On average, three jobs are created for every hotel room built. Completed condominiums must be staffed with security personnel, landscapers, general maintenance workers, courtesy bus drivers, etc.
The service industry in general is another primary source of jobs for plumbers, electricians and air conditioning mechanics. New employees in these fields are in constant demand due to the huge workloads generated by the need of these services in hotels, private housing, retail establishments, etc.
Since Las Vegas is built in a desert area, strict controls on water use must be established and enforced, calling for water waste inspectors in the field as well as engineers at the plant to monitor water flow and quality.
The banking industry in Las Vegas offers many opportunities for employment. For example, Washington Mutual Bank has recently changed its home office designation from Stockton, California to Las Vegas in 2006. With more than $257 billion in deposits, $73 billion of which in held in the Las Vegas home office, Washington Mutual has generated more than ten times the amount of deposits than any other bank in the region.
Restaurants in the Las Vegas area are proliferating at an unprecedented pace, and are still another source of jobs for cooks, waiters, etc. Medical jobs, particularly for nurses, are in high and constant demand as well as a never ending need for dental assistants and pharmacy techs.
All-in-all, Las Vegas continues to rank at the top of the job-seeking market for the skilled and non-skilled alike.
