Qualified professionals ready to drive your business forward.
Sonora’s workforce is one of its greatest assets. With a young, dynamic population, strong university system, and specialized technical training, the state provides the skilled human capital that global industries demand. From engineers to technicians, Sonora’s talent pool is ready to power advanced manufacturing and innovation.
Education Insights of Sonora
Graduates by Educational Level
Total: 782,683 students
LevelPopulation%
Higher Education132,98917.0%
High School130,81816.7%
Middle School143,50718.3%
Elementary School280,66635.9%
Preschool82,56410.5%
Initial Education12,1391.6%
Young Population
Approximately 50% of Sonora’s population is 26 years old or younger—highlighting a vibrant and youth-dominant workforce.
Median Age
The median age in Sonora is estimated around 30–32 years, in line with Mexico’s national average of 30.6 years.
Education Levels
Among residents aged 15 and over:
~0%
have completed middle school
~0%
have high school
~0%
hold a bachelor’s degree
Sonora’s literacy rate is high, with an illiteracy rate of just 1.99% as of 2020—ensuring a solid educational foundation.
Higher Education
Sonora is home to prestigious universities and technical institutes that consistently prepare professionals in engineering, business, and sciences. This academic network ensures industries have access to highly trained graduates.
226 Total Schools of Higher Education
Over 20,000 graduates annually
Strong research and industry partnerships.
Engineering & Technical Careers
The state emphasizes careers that directly support industrial growth, creating a steady pipeline of engineers and technicians for strategic sectors.
Industrial Engineering
Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
Mechatronics
Computer Science
Business & Logistics
Mining Engineering
Higher Education insights
Higher Education Enrollment by Program
Sonora, Mexico
ProgramEnrollment%
Doctorate9580.8%
Master's Degree4,6763.7%
Specialty2380.2%
University & Technological Bachelor's111,01488.1%
Teacher Education Bachelor's2,6542.1%
Higher Technician6,4385.1%
Total125,978100%
Higher Education on the rise
Over 125,000 students currently enrolled in Sonora.
Steady talent pipeline:
More than 38,600 new students enter higher education each year.
Annual graduates:
Over 21,600 graduates join the workforce every year.
Advanced education
Nearly 3,100 graduates complete a master’s or doctorate annually.
Universities in Sonora
Public Universities
100
Universidad de Sonora, ITSON, UES, ITH, UTH, Universidad de la Sierra, ITN
Private Universities
126
ITESM, La Salle Noroeste, UVM, UAD, UNID, Kino, Vizcaya, Tecmilenio
Public Universities
University
Campuses
University of Sonora (UNISON)
Hermosillo, Caborca, Nogales, Santa Ana, Navojoa, Cajeme (Ciudad Obregón), Huatabampo
Sonora Institute of Technology (ITSON)
Ciudad Obregón, Guaymas, Navojoa, Empalme
Sonora State University (UES)
Hermosillo
Technological Institute of Hermosillo (ITH)
Hermosillo
Technological University of Hermosillo (UTH)
Hermosillo
University of the Sierra
Moctezuma
Technological Institute of Nogales (ITN)
Nogales
Private Universities
University
Campuses
Monterrey Institute of Technology (ITESM)
Hermosillo
La Salle Noroeste University
Ciudad Obregón
Valley of Mexico University (UVM)
Hermosillo
Autonomous University of Durango (UAD / Santander)
Hermosillo, Ciudad Obregón, Nogales
Interamerican University for Development (UNID)
Hermosillo, Ciudad Obregón
Kino University
Hermosillo
Vizcaya University of the Americas
Hermosillo
Tecmilenio University
Hermosillo
Why It Matters
Educated, skilled, and ready for industry.
A skilled, future-ready workforce is the foundation of Sonora’s industrial success. The state combines education, training, and youth to deliver a talent base aligned with global competitiveness.