As oil prices continue to plunge, Alaska can expect to lose 600 jobs in the oil and gas industry.

There will be approximately 500 state employee layoffs for jobs in the oil and gas sector.

Anchorage will see a 2,200 decrease in population, if there are job losses at JBER due to downsizing. Local businesses in Anchorage and nearby will lose this revenue stream.

A 1,600 job loss is projected for Anchorage during 2016.

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[SOURCE: Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, Bill Popp, CEO and President].

[SOURCE: KTVA, Channel 11 News Commentary. Air date: Wednesday, January 27, 2016].

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The following employment fields are in HIGH DEMAND in Alaska:

1. Engineering

2. Welding

3. Air traffic controllers

[Source: KTVA Channel 11; Air date: Friday, June 8, 2012]

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On Wednesday, July 25, 2012 -- Dan Fagan interviewed Bill Popp, President and CEO of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation. During this interview, Mr. Popp made the following statements:

1. Anchorage has a tight labor market.

2. The current Anchorage unemployment rate is 5.7% which translates to about 8,800 persons who are actively seeking work year round.

3. Construction in Anchorage is currently experiencing a slow down.

4. The current population of Anchorage is about 722,000 people.

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A person needs to earn at least $18.00 per hour to meet their cost of living in Anchorage. Many jobs in Anchorage do not pay that much. Affordable housing continues to be a problem.