The Nation’s Most Powerful and Diverse Workforce

The Nation’s Most Powerful and Diverse Workforce

California’s workforce is the largest, most dynamic, and most diverse in the nation. Home to more than 20 million people, California powers the fifth-largest economy in the world. Companies that choose California, tap into an unparalleled labor pool that spans industries, skill levels, and global perspectives. From entry-level workers, to executive leaders, the state is rich with talent ready to meet business needs at every growth stage.

Innovation, future and global with employee in company for workforce, development and abstract

California’s population reflects the most globally integrated workforce in the U.S. This cultural diversity brings fresh ideas, multilingual capabilities, and a spirit of innovation to the workplace. It’s no surprise that California consistently leads in productivity, patents, and business formation.

World-renowned institutions — including Stanford, Caltech, UC Berkeley, and dozens more — cultivate a deep bench of talent in engineering, biotech, AI, and beyond. Thousands of top-tier graduates enter the workforce every year, and many choose to stay. These future leaders join experienced professionals who relocate to California, seeking the best career opportunities, quality of life, and a culture of advancement.

From Silicon Valley to San Diego, from Central Valley manufacturers to Southern California creative hubs, California offers a deep, adaptable, and forward-thinking workforce. Employers benefit from a labor force built for scale and sustained by talent pipelines aligned with tomorrow’s industries.

Discover the California Advantage. Explore the full depth of California’s talent pool.

California State Data

15,505,136
Workforce
6.00%
Unemployment Rate
1,355,918
Veteran Population
10,819,303
Bachelor's Degree or Higher

Business and Workforce

There are 1,587,983 businesses in California State Data, employing 16,042,911 workers and pulling from a labor force of 18,331,098 age 16 and above. 2,754,013 workers commute into California State Data from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:

15,505,136 residents both live and work in/around California State Data. The average travel time is 29.0 minutes. 2.03% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 3.92% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 12,294,684 drive alone, 1,738,770 carpool, and 593,434 take public transportation. 835,575 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 2,832,962 residents work from home.

5,804,540 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 2,385,552 have associates degrees, 6,704,818 have bachelor’s degrees, and 4,114,485 hold a graduate or professional degree.