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Driving the Future in
Greater Phoenix
The cutting edge of autonomous vehicle research and development
Autonomous vehicles are changing the world we live in, and Greater Phoenix is leading the way in supporting the development and testing of this transformative technology.
Contents
Pipeline
Ecosystem
Analysis
Cost Analysis
Incentives
Overview
Greater Phoenix is exceptionally positioned to absorb both new-to-market companies and expansion of the value chain in the region for businesses looking to start or relocate. Between the talent pipeline, low operating costs, and industry ecosystem, Greater Phoenix is the perfect location for Autonomous Vehicles research and development.
Value Proposition
Greater Phoenix offers shorter commute times than peer markets, more than 300 days of sunshine annually, and fewer days with significant weather interruptions.
Because of the gridded road system, the test environment for autonomous vehicles is more forgiving. The city is dedicated to continued investment in street infrastructure and warm temperatures eliminate freeze and thaw potholes.
Greater Phoenix offers a robust ecosystem with a significant presence from advanced technology companies. The region also has a longstanding automotive R&D infrastructure with many major automakers.
Greater Phoenix offers a pro-business regulatory environment that encourages autonomous vehicle development. Limited reporting and permitting means more time for testing on the roads.
Greater Phoenix offers lower annual operating costs than Dallas and San Jose with cheaper real estate and benefit costs compared to peer markets. Greater Phoenix also offers several quality incentives to further decrease operating costs.
Talent Pipeline
Greater Phoenix boasts competitive, non-distance program completions at colleges and universities in concentrations related to autonomous vehicles research and development.
Arizona Advanced Manufacturing Institute
Located at Mesa Community College, the Arizona Advanced Manufacturing Institute (AzAMI) offers industry certifications; stackable credentials that are competency-based with degree and certificate programs; flexible models of delivery; and portable labs for on-site training to ensure the region has the necessary pipeline of talent for present and future companies. By partnering with leaders in the manufacturing sector, AzAMI can ensure programs meet the needs of the industry
Program and Career Options
- Additive manufacturing processes
- Aerospace manufacturing technology
- Automation & robotic technology
- Electronics technology
- Electrical/Mechanical drafting
- Manufacturing engineering
- Machinist apprenticeship
- Welding technology
Corporate Programs
Through a partnership with Boeing, AzAMI offers an eight-day Cable Harness Wiring Boot Camp. The program was developed with Boeing to ensure students learn the skills needed. Upon successful completion of the bootcamp, students are reimbursed the cost of tuition, receive an industry certification, and the opportunity to interview with aerospace companies in Greater Phoenix.
Greater Phoenix Talent Pipeline
Below are total numbers of non-distance program completions at colleges and universities in Greater Phoenix with degree programs relevant to the development of autonomous vehicles. The region produced over 4,500 graduates in these fields during the 2018 to 2019 school year. The region’s universities are committed to supplying the workforce needed to enable companies to scale in the region. Comparison data for peer markets has been provided below.






Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) is committed to partnering with corporate, education, and government organizations to produce a skilled software and IT workforce. ASU has the largest engineering school in the nation, with over 24,000 students enrolled.
- Computer Systems Engineering
- Computer Science
- Autonomous Vehicle Systems
- ASU Polytechnic Campus: Engineering with focus on automotive, electrical systems, mechanical engineering systems, or robotics
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is committed to partnering with government and corporations to train job-ready students.
- Computer Science
- Management Information Systems with Emphasis in Information Assurance
- Cyber Operations
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university committed to training the next generation of working professionals.
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science with an Emphasis in Big Data Analytics
- Information Technology Degree
- Arizona Cyber Warfare Range facility
University of Advancing Technology
The University of Advancing Technology (UAT) was the first computer university in the United States and continues to be a nationally-recognized leader in advanced technology education.
- Advancing Computer Science
- Enterprise Software Development
- Network Engineering
- Web Design
Maricopa Community Colleges
The largest community college district in the United States, the Maricopa Community College District (MCCCD) includes 10 colleges throughout Greater Phoenix.
- Computer Applications Technology
- Computer Programming
- IT: Computer Applications Specialist
- Computer Information Systems
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle is an aeronautical university that offers programs software and computer engineering. Located in Prescott, Arizona, Embry-Riddle is a short drive from Greater Phoenix.
- Software Engineering
- Computer Engineering
Autonomous Vehicles Supply Chain
Industry leaders have nothing but positive things to say about conducting critical research and development in Greater Phoenix. The companies below represent a sample of the firms currently operating in the region, showing high success rates and continuous growth.
Local Innovation
Autonomous R&D in Greater Phoenix
Arizona is a leading state for cutting-edge research and the development of autonomous vehicles. Listed below are the firms developing autonomous technologies in Greater Phoenix.



Labor Analysis
Greater Phoenix has a robust supply of human capital at an affordable cost. Below is a table of median wages across peer markets for autonomous vehicle occupations.
Labor Pool
The table below shows employment for the following occupations in the selected metros.
Occupation | Phoenix | Austin | Dallas/ Fort Worth | Reno | San Jose |
General and Operations Managers | 39,595 | 19,205 | 60,936 | 14,065 | 17,230 |
Software Developers, Applications | 13,240 | 13,699 | 34,256 | 15,672 | 52,353 |
Assemblers and Fabricators, All Other, Including Team Assemblers | 12,051 | 3,292 | 27,321 | 6,223 | 8,865 |
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | 9,012 | 4,612 | 23,609 | 43,275 | 1,522 |
Software Developers, Systems Software | 7,812 | 7,652 | 11,986 | 28,694 | 28,523 |
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | 7,295 | 2,672 | 13,429 | 6,758 | 3,173 |
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | 6,302 | 4,133 | 15,800 | 4,121 | 5,158 |
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | 4,156 | 1,889 | 9,873 | 11,955 | 1,578 |
Electrical Engineers | 3,241 | 2,601 | 4,965 | 6,162 | 5,371 |
Machinists | 3,228 | 1,608 | 5,391 | 6,113 | 3,089 |
Operating Cost Analysis
Greater Phoenix has competitive operating costs for autonomous vehicles research and development businesses starting or relocating operations compared to other top markets. Despite having one of the largest talent pools among peer markets, the region has one of the lowest employee payroll costs, while also boasting affordable real estate payments.
The Annual Business Operating Cost Analysis has been prepared using the following parameters as an estimate for autonomous vehicle research and development operations in competitor markets. Component and custom analyses to match your company’s operations can be provided upon request.
Assumptions – R&D
- $5,000,000 personal property investment
- 50,000-square-foot High Tech, Lease
- Utilities (per month):
- Electricity: 75KW, 30,000KWh
- Water/Wastewater: 3,000cf, 5/8 meter
- 100 jobs (Bureau of Labor Statistics equivalent occupations)
Occupations | Employment |
Software Developers, Applications | 20 |
Mechanical Engineer | 15 |
Software Developers, Systems Software | 15 |
Computer Hardware Engineers | 14 |
Electrical Engineers | 10 |
Computer Programmers | 10 |
Computer Systems Analysts | 10 |
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Tech | 5 |
General and Operations Managers | 1 |
Total: | 100 |
Quality Of Life
Greater Phoenix is home to hundreds of parks and hundreds of miles of hiking, biking and walking trails.
Livability
Parks & Recreation
Greater Phoenix is home to hundreds of parks and hundreds of miles of hiking, biking and walking trails. Greater Phoenix has the largest municipal park in the United States, South Mountain Park. South Mountain Park covers more than 16,000 acres. Other large parks in the region include the White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak and the Superstition Mountains. Notable walking trails in the region include the canal system, Tempe Town Lake, the Greenbelt and Papago Park.
Cost of Living
Greater Phoenix provides the right combination of affordability, size and scalability. Compared to other metros, Greater Phoenix is less expensive or competitive across all major expenses.
Companies in Greater Phoenix
- Toyota
- Lexus
- Ford
- Volvo
- Nuro
- Intel
- Olli
- Waymo
- Volkswagen
- Nissan
- Cruise
- Infiniti
Want to see a full list of companies in Greater Phoenix? Download the complete report.