Signs of recovery for small businesses in the Greater Phoenix area and State of Arizona look promising based on the latest numbers and how they measure up with other states and communities.

The December Small Business Index from Paychex and IHS Markit reported Greater Phoenix enjoyed an increase in hiring in both the healthcare and technology centers, placing it fourth in metro area job performance, Phoenix reported in a press release. The metro area’s workforce numbers were listed at 3.8% less than in December of the previous year.

The city’s wages were also on the upswing, increasing 2.47% from December last year to $925.27. That was good enough to place in the middle of the nation. Both Greater Phoenix and Arizona have shown steady increases in small business hiring and wages since the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic started weighing in on the economy. In terms of a big picture, the press release reported the worst effects of the pandemic may be behind Greater Phoenix and its small businesses. The current trend is leaning toward companies equaling last year’s numbers prior to the pandemic. These steady increases for both the city and the states have been apparent since April.

The press release noted while the city or state have not hit the 100 index which signifies small businesses are showing positive growth, neither has fallen more than 5% below last year’s monthly numbers in addition to year-by-year indices.

Arizona itself also feel into the middle of the pack in terms of the 20 largest states in the nation. Its small businesses boosted a pay average to 2.76% which is $881.86 per week. The state’s gains however were less than the western region or national averages, the press release reported.

The monthly Small Business Employment Watch draws data from its client base and additional information from U.S. government sources.