The Military & Workforce Pipeline
El Paso County’s economy is anchored in defense. But the jobs going unfilled aren’t in the Pentagon — they’re in the trades, the clinics, and the supply chains next door.
“A town that can’t fix its own pipes, sew its own clothes, or feed its own people isn’t really a community. It’s a supply chain waiting to break.”
What El Paso County’s Economy Really Looks Like
El Paso County’s economy is unique. Anchored by a large military and government presence — including Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and the U.S. Air Force Academy — defense and public service are foundational employers. But they’re not the whole picture.
Even with this strength, a skilled civilian workforce is essential to support infrastructure, logistics, healthcare, construction, and industry. Defense and government jobs often offer stable income pathways, but not all require a four-year degree. Many positions depend on technical certifications, apprenticeships, and practical competencies.
- Aircraft maintenance
- Logistics and supply chain support
- IT and cybersecurity tech support
- Construction trades
- Healthcare support roles
Most students are funneled toward college or general coursework. But as local employers increasingly struggle to fill jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades, workforce preparedness becomes just as critical as diploma tracking.
The Labor Snapshot
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, El Paso County’s average weekly wage across industries was about $1,369 in early 2025 — lower than the national average of $1,589. This gap indicates real room for wage growth through higher-skill, credential-based work.
Annual Wage Benchmarks — El Paso County
$112,000
$83,980
$82,630
Competitive*
*Skilled trade wage data is rarely published in standard summary tables — which is itself a telling part of the story. Traditional occupational reporting emphasizes white-collar data more than trades, even though skilled trades often command competitive, real-world wages.
The Real Lesson
This background sets up a crucial insight: students who leave school without practical credentials risk entering a local job market that rewards skills more than diplomas. The pipeline exists — it just isn’t being connected.
The good news? The entry points are low. A T-shirt. A seamstress. A screen printer. A local market. That’s a business. That’s a living. That’s community built with integrity — and it starts with asking the right people the right questions.
