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Demography & Population Studies

New Data Brief Highlights Automation Risks Facing Latino Workers in Arizona

Contributors

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Misael Galdámez Staff
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Jie Zong Staff
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Citlali Tejeda Fellows
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Gloria Magallanes Fellows

A new Latino Data Hub brief highlights the challenges faced by Arizona Latino workers employed in high automation risk occupations. Leveraging data from the 2023 pooled 5-Year American Community Survey (ACS), the analysis provides a comprehensive look at the demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic factors shaping this critical segment of the workforce.

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Contact: lppipress@luskin.ucla.edu

New Data Brief Highlights Automation Risks Facing Latino Workers in Arizona

Phoenix, Ariz. (April 14, 2025)—A new Latino Data Hub brief highlights the challenges faced by Arizona Latino workers employed in high automation risk occupations. Leveraging data from the 2023 pooled 5-Year American Community Survey (ACS), the analysis provides a comprehensive look at the demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic factors shaping this critical segment of the workforce.

Arizona is home to the fifth-most Latino workers in the nation, a fast-growing demographic fueling much of the state’s recent labor force growth. Yet many of these workers hold low-wage positions, and recent job increases are concentrated in service-sector roles—occupations particularly vulnerable to automation. As technology transforms these jobs, tasks are becoming more technical and analytical, requiring workers to adapt by integrating tools that enhance productivity and safety.

The data brief, authored by Misael Galdámez Citlali Tejeda, Jie Zong, and Gloria Magallanes, examines key indicators—geographic concentration, educational attainment, citizenship status, English proficiency, income levels, and technology access— to offer a clearer picture of Arizona’s Latino workers in high-risk jobs. It reveals how these workers are positioned in an increasingly automated economy and what’s at stake for their future.

The brief’s findings include:

  • Latino workers are the only racial and ethnic group overrepresented in high-risk jobs. 
  • Latino workers in high automation-risk occupations are more likely to be men and between the ages of 16 and 24. 
  • The Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma metros are home to the most Latino workers in high-risk roles.
  • Approximately 29% of Latino men in high automation-risk occupations are noncitizens, almost double the rate for Latina women (15%). 
  • Almost one-third of Latino men and 18% of Latinas in high automation risk occupations are Limited English Proficient.  

Misael Galdámez, co-author and senior research analyst at the UCLA Latino Policy and Policy Institute (LPPI) said, “Our analysis highlights the essential contribution Latino workers make to Arizona’s thriving economy, where they form a dynamic and significant part of the workforce. By investing in worker training, digital skills, and access to education, Arizona leaders can unlock the full potential for Latino workers and all Arizona workers in high automation risk jobs. Yes, automation is a Latino issue, but it also affects all workers.”

Read the full findings here. 

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About UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute:

The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute is a non-partisan research institute that seeks to inform, engage, and empower Latinos through innovative research and policy analysis. LPPI aims to promote equitable and inclusive policies that address the needs of the Latino community and advance social justice. latino.ucla.edu.