California is not only the most populous state in the country, but it’s also a major driver of the economy. It does this by offering a diverse range of industries, from entertainment and technology to agriculture and healthcare.
In taking a closer look at the latest employment trends and data in California, you can get a better sense of how the job market is evolving and what the future may hold for both workers and businesses.
Benefits Of Working in California
California is a very attractive option for many people. The climate and culture alone are sometimes enough to bring you to the state. Once settled in, though, finding employment will be a priority. Fortunately, working in California has a number of different options and benefits for job seekers. These include:
- High salaries – California is home to some of the highest-paying industries in the world, especially tech, entertainment, and finance. As a result, the average salary in California is higher than in most other states.
- Diverse job market – California has a diverse job market with plenty of opportunities in various industries. Whether you’re interested in technology, entertainment, healthcare, or finance, you’re likely to find a job that matches your skills and interests.
- Innovation and entrepreneurship – California has a long history of innovation and entrepreneurship, with many of the world’s leading companies headquartered in the state. This means that there are often many opportunities for those who are interested in starting their own businesses or working for startups.
Because of these factors and a strong overall economy, California is a great place to either start a career or find options for professional growth. Not only that, but lawmakers take measures to provide workers with some of the strongest labor protections you’ll find throughout the nation. For example, California’s minimum wage–$15.50 an hour as of January 1, 2023–is double the federal minimum wage. With these and other benefits, it’s easy to see why many people enjoy working in California.
California Employment Statistics
While there are various benefits to working in California, looking at the base-level data on employment and unemployment gives a clearer picture of what it’s actually like. It’s worth mentioning that California is not immune to economic downturns, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. That said, the state’s labor force has shown a remarkable bounce back in subsequent years. Here is a closer look at some of the more significant California employment statistics.
Total Employment
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California has one of the highest employment rates in the country. As of February 2023, there are 18,496,800 people currently employed in the state.
Additional data from the California Employment Development Department (EDD) found that the state has a labor force participation rate of 62.2%. This metric shows the percentage of the population that is either employed or actively seeking employment. It is calculated by dividing the number of individuals in the labor force by the total population of working age.
Unemployment
BLS data also shows that the unemployment rate in California currently sits at 4.3%, which accounts for nearly 840,000 people.
Leading occupations
California is unique in that it offers a wide variety of different industries and job sectors for workers. BLS data from May 2021 show that the leading employment industries in California include:
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides – 717,220
- Cashiers – 405,670
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers – 366,180
- Fast Food and Counter Workers – 360,980
- Retail Salespersons – 344,380
- Registered Nurses – 324,400
- General and Operations Managers – 286,030
- Office Clerks, General – 274,700
- Stockers and Order Fillers – 261,130
- Software Developers – 228,240
Wages
EDD data from 2022 showed that California has some of the highest wages in the country. Across all industries, California workers earned the following:
- $34.27 mean hourly wage
- $71,280 mean yearly wage
These rates are helped out by California’s higher-than-average minimum wage, as well as the fact that they have a larger-than-average percentage of high-income industries, especially in the technology and entertainment sectors. However, the state still faces challenges in achieving wage equity and ensuring that all workers are paid fair and livable wages relative to the higher cost of living in the state.
Challenges To Working in California
While the above data demonstrates the overall economic success of the labor force, there are certain challenges that come with working in California. Not unlike other states, there are a variety of factors that result in these challenges. These include:
- High cost of living – California is known for its high cost of living, particularly in major urban areas. Housing, transportation, and other expenses can be significantly higher than in other parts of the country, which can make it difficult for workers to make ends meet.
- High taxes – California also has some of the highest state income tax rates in the nation, which can be a burden for workers with high incomes. Property taxes can also be relatively high in some areas.
- Traffic and commuting – California is the most populated state in the country, so it stands to reason that it has some of the worst traffic, particularly in major urban areas like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Long commutes can be a significant source of stress and can make it difficult for workers to balance their work and personal lives.
- Competition for jobs – While California’s economy is strong overall, competition for jobs can be fierce in certain industries and occupations, particularly in the technology and entertainment sectors.
As a worker in California, you will likely encounter challenges relating to one or many of these factors. That said, these challenges are balanced out by the state’s reputation for being friendly to workers in terms of legal protections and rights in the workplace.
Maison Law Stands Up For California Workers
California is a wonderful place to work and live, no matter what industry you decide to go into. With such a variety of different options, all of which provide ample opportunity for career development and strong wages. However, there is always the chance that your employer will take measures that violate your rights in the workplace. When that happens, you can count on our team at Maison Law to stand up for you. Our team of experienced California employment lawyers can help you understand your rights in the workplace and what you need to do to hold your employer accountable.
To learn more about how we can stand up for you, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
