Skilled Workforce

Sonora, México.

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

Level Population %
Higher Education 132,989 17.0%
High School 130,818 16.7%
Middle School 143,507 18.3%
Elementary School 280,666 35.9%
Preschool 82,564 10.5%
Initial Education 12,139 1.6%

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

Program Enrollment %
Doctorate 958 0.8%
Master's Degree 4,676 3.7%
Specialty 238 0.2%
University & Technological Bachelor's 111,014 88.1%
Teacher Education Bachelor's 2,654 2.1%
Higher Technician 6,438 5.1%
Total 125,978 100%

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.

Explore More About Sonora

Connectivity

Skilled Workforce

Infrastructure

Industrial Sectors

Quality of Life

Quality of Life

Leading Companies & Success Stories

Legal Framework & Investment Incentives

Business Environment & Industry Clusters

Get in touch