In the years leading up to the recession, Nevada was one of the fastest growing states in the nation. From 2002 to 2007 Nevada added 240,500 jobs, an increase of 23%. Since the onset of the recession, Nevada has lost 178,500 jobs or 14%.
Nevada employed 1,114,000 non farm workers in 2010. The biggest industries in the state are leisure and hospitality which employ 302,000 workers, trade transportation and utilities with 208,800 workers, and professional and business services which provide jobs for 136,900 workers.
Nevada is positioning itself for future job growth in renewable energy, given its high potential in solar and geothermal energy production.
Nevada has a labor force of 1,356,500: 72% are white/Caucasian, 20% are Hispanic and 7% are African American.
In 2009, 84 percent of Nevadans 25 years and over had at least graduated from high school and 22 percent had a bachelor's degree or higher. Sixteen percent were dropouts.
LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARDS
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