Nevada Leads Nation in Job Growth Under Governor Joe Lombardo

Nevada has posted strong economic numbers over the past year, accounting for approximately 12% of all new jobs created nationwide, according to a CNBC report citing Bureau of Labor Statistics data. 

The Silver State, which represents roughly 1% of the U.S. population, saw its workforce expand by 1.9% from April 2025 to April 2026, the highest rate in the country. By comparison, national job growth stood at 0.2% over the same period. 

In addition to job gains, average hourly earnings in Nevada rose at one of the fastest clips in the nation during that timeframe. The state has seen notable expansion in sectors such as professional and business services, as well as new investments in areas including data centers and mining. 

Republican Governor Joe Lombardo, who took office in 2023, has emphasized efforts to diversify Nevada’s economy beyond its traditional tourism and gaming base. During his 2022 campaign, Lombardo pledged to make Nevada more resilient by attracting new industries such as manufacturing and technology, investing in workforce development, and partnering with the private sector. Lombardo declared, “Nevada is open for business.”

Nevada is open for business, and we have a place for you!

We’ve created nearly 100,000 new jobs, and we lead the nation in wage and employment growth.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more affordable state with opportunities for every Nevadan. https://t.co/agUWTMEh9M

— Joe Lombardo (@JoeLombardoNV) June 19, 2026

Since taking office, Lombardo boasts his administration has secured over $5 billion in new private investment and nearly 100,000 new jobs, while cutting red tape and reducing the Modified Business Tax rate by 15%. 

In response to the latest figures, Governor Lombardo issued the following statement:  

“Nevada’s position as the nation’s fastest-growing job market highlights my administration’s efforts to transition into a more resilient, broad-based economy. This is creating real opportunities for Nevadans and building a foundation for long-term success that benefits every community in our state. By cutting red tape, developing the workforce, and focusing on smart economic policies, Nevada is quickly becoming one of the best business environments in the nation.” 

The state’s economic momentum has coincided with significant in-migration from California. Nevada ranked first in the nation for gaining California residents per capita in 2024, according to Public Policy Institute of California data. A separate PPIC analysis found that Republicans made up approximately 39% of registered voters leaving California between 2020 and 2024, compared to 25% Democrats–an advantage for Lombardo as he seeks reelection. In November, he will face Attorney General Aaron Ford, a progressive Democrat.

This influx has contributed to a shift in Nevada’s voter registration. According to Nevada Secretary of State data released in March 2026, Republicans hold a narrow lead over Democrats in active voter registration for the first time since 2007. Republicans accounted for 595,212 registrants (27.81%), slightly ahead of Democrats at 593,912 (27.75%), with nonpartisan voters remaining the largest group. 

Total employment in Nevada has now surpassed 1.6 million, according to state labor data. The positive momentum comes as Nevada continues to attract businesses and workers drawn to its lower-tax environment and business-friendly policies.