Last Updated :
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July 3, 2019
California Occupational Statistics- Total Employees in the State: 17,007,690
- 1 Year Change in Employment: -1,120,230 (-6.2%)
- Average Annual Pay in the State: $59,119
- 1 Year Change in Annual Pay: $6,432 (12.2%)
Occupation Categories
There are 17,007,690 employed workers in California. The occupation with the greatest number of workers is Office and Administrative Support Occupations, which employs 2,438,780 people. This represents 14.3% of all workers in the state. The next 2 occupations that have the most workers are Sales and Related Occupations and Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, which employ 1,634,110 and 1,594,570 respectively.
| Occupation Category | # Employees | % of State |
|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 2,438,780 | 14.3% |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 1,634,110 | 9.6% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 1,594,570 | 9.4% |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 1,160,680 | 6.8% |
| Education Training and Library Occupations | 1,028,190 | 6.0% |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 1,021,960 | 6.0% |
| Management Occupations | 996,830 | 5.9% |
| Personal Care and Service Occupations | 953,830 | 5.6% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 838,440 | 4.9% |
| Production Occupations | 836,260 | 4.9% |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 658,360 | 3.9% |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 616,270 | 3.6% |
| Installation Maintenance and Repair Occupations | 530,320 | 3.1% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations | 481,580 | 2.8% |
| Protective Service Occupations | 386,370 | 2.3% |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 364,220 | 2.1% |
| Architecture and Engineering Occupations | 337,180 | 2.0% |
| Arts Design Entertainment Sports and Media Occupations | 307,070 | 1.8% |
| Community and Social Service Occupations | 282,230 | 1.7% |
| Farming Fishing and Forestry Occupations | 227,470 | 1.3% |
| Life Physical and Social Science Occupations | 177,450 | 1.0% |
| Legal Occupations | 135,520 | 0.8% |
Occupation Changes Since Last Year
The occupation with the largest increase in the number of workers is
Personal Care and Service Occupations, which currently employs 953,830 people. In the last year, the number of workers has increased from 899,410 an increase of 54,420 or 6.1%. The next 2 occupations that have the next largest change in workers are
Management Occupations and
Business and Financial Operations Occupations, which increased 54,210 and 43,590 respectively.
The occupation with the largest decrease in the number of workers is
Office and Administrative Support Occupations, which currently employs 2,438,780 people. In the last year, the number of workers has decreased from 2,484,780 or 1.9%. The next 2 occupations that have the next largest decreases in workers are
Production Occupations and
Arts Design Entertainment Sports and Media Occupations, which decreased 12,910 and 12,140 respectively.
Occupation Changes Since 2009
The occupation with the largest increase in the number of workers, since the recession ended in 2009, is
Personal Care and Service Occupations, which currently employs 953,830 people. Since 2009, the number of workers has increased from 351,650 an increase of 602,180 or 171.2%. The next 2 occupations that have the next largest change in workers are
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations and
Business and Financial Operations Occupations, which increased 344,980 and 280,570 respectively.
The occupation with the largest decrease in the number of workers is
Office and Administrative Support Occupations, which currently employs 2,438,780 people. Since 2009, the number of workers has decreased from 2,546,810 or 4.2%. The next 2 occupations that have the next largest decreases in workers are
Production Occupations and
Life Physical and Social Science Occupations, which decreased 31,810 and 10,310 respectively.
| Occupation Category | # Employees | % Change |
|---|
| Personal Care and Service Occupations | 953,830 | 171.2% |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 616,270 | 48.4% |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 1,021,960 | 37.8% |
| Community and Social Service Occupations | 282,230 | 37.1% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 838,440 | 27.8% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 1,594,570 | 27.6% |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 1,160,680 | 26.8% |
| Farming Fishing and Forestry Occupations | 227,470 | 24.8% |
| Management Occupations | 996,830 | 21.2% |
| Legal Occupations | 135,520 | 15.0% |
| Arts Design Entertainment Sports and Media Occupations | 307,070 | 14.1% |
| Installation Maintenance and Repair Occupations | 530,320 | 12.5% |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 1,634,110 | 11.8% |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 658,360 | 10.4% |
| Architecture and Engineering Occupations | 337,180 | 7.6% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations | 481,580 | 7.4% |
| Protective Service Occupations | 386,370 | 4.6% |
| Education Training and Library Occupations | 1,028,190 | 4.5% |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 364,220 | 1.7% |
| Production Occupations | 836,260 | -3.7% |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 2,438,780 | -4.2% |
| Life Physical and Social Science Occupations | 177,450 | -5.5% |
Detailed Occupations
The detailed occupation with the greatest number of workers is
Personal Care Aides, which employs 558,350 people. This represents 3.3% of all workers in the state. The next 2 occupations that have the most workers are
Retail Salespersons and
Cashiers, which employ 436,300 and 420,430 respectively.
The Top 10 Occupations in California are:| Occupation Category | # Employees | % of State |
|---|
| Personal Care Aides | 558,350 | 3.3% |
| Retail Salespersons | 436,300 | 2.6% |
| Cashiers | 420,430 | 2.5% |
| Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers Including Fast Food | 406,630 | 2.4% |
| Laborers and Freight Stock and Material Movers Hand | 382,280 | 2.2% |
| Office Clerks General | 331,120 | 1.9% |
| Registered Nurses | 294,510 | 1.7% |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 286,930 | 1.7% |
| General and Operations Managers | 249,800 | 1.5% |
| Stock Clerks and Order Fillers | 241,400 | 1.4% |
Detailed Occupations Since 2009
The detailed occupation with the largest increase in the number of workers is
Personal Care Aides, which currently employs 558,350 people. Since 2009, the number of workers has increased from 42,660 an increase of 515,690 or 1,208.8%. The next 2 detailed occupations that have the next largest change in workers are
Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers Including Fast Food and
Laborers and Freight Stock and Material Movers Hand, which increased 150,290 and 145,210 respectively.
The detailed occupation with the largest decrease in the number of workers is
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants, which currently employs 70,850 people. In the last year, the number of workers has decreased from 204,450 or 65.3%. The next 2 occupations that have the next largest decreases in workers are
Counter Attendants Cafeteria Food Concession and Coffee Shop and
Elementary School Teachers Except Special Education, which decreased 33,820 and 30,330 respectively.
The Top 10 Detailed Occupations With The Largest Increase Since 2009 are:| Occupation Category | # Employees | % Change |
|---|
| Personal Care Aides | 558,350 | 1,208.8% |
| Social Sciences Teachers Postsecondary All Other | 2,760 | 541.9% |
| Residential Advisors | 6,880 | 417.3% |
| Rail Transportation Workers All Other | 1,090 | 354.2% |
| Animal Breeders | 250 | 316.7% |
| Material Moving Workers All Other | 12,400 | 297.4% |
| Service Unit Operators Oil Gas and Mining | 2,360 | 293.3% |
| Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists | 340 | 277.8% |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | 21,920 | 267.8% |
| Human Resources Specialists | 64,980 | 263.6% |
The 10 Occupations With The Largest Decrease Since 2009 are:| Occupation Category | # Employees | % Change |
|---|
| Motion Picture Projectionists | 160 | -89.5% |
| Choreographers | 410 | -85.4% |
| Railroad Brake Signal and Switch Operators | 360 | -84.6% |
| Home Economics Teachers Postsecondary | 170 | -78.2% |
| Woodworkers All Other | 540 | -78.0% |
| Nuclear Engineers | 530 | -77.4% |
| Motorboat Operators | 80 | -75.8% |
| Entertainers and Performers Sports and Related Workers All Other | 2,890 | -75.0% |
| Computer Operators | 3,100 | -74.0% |
| Boilermakers | 170 | -73.8% |
Occupation Pay
The occupation with the highest annual pay is
Management Occupations, which pays an average of $135,840 per year. This represents 129.8% above the state average pay. The next 2 occupations that have the highest average pay are
Legal Occupations and
Computer and Mathematical Occupations, which pay $130,560 and $108,190 per year, respectively.
| Occupation Category | Avg Pay | vs State Avg |
|---|
| Management Occupations | $135,840 | 229.8% |
| Legal Occupations | $130,560 | 220.8% |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | $108,190 | 183.0% |
| Architecture and Engineering Occupations | $100,800 | 170.5% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | $98,910 | 167.3% |
| Life Physical and Social Science Occupations | $85,640 | 144.9% |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | $83,310 | 140.9% |
| Arts Design Entertainment Sports and Media Occupations | $72,750 | 123.1% |
| Education Training and Library Occupations | $66,050 | 111.7% |
| Protective Service Occupations | $61,150 | 103.4% |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | $59,630 | 100.9% |
| Community and Social Service Occupations | $58,120 | 98.3% |
| Installation Maintenance and Repair Occupations | $54,360 | 92.0% |
| Sales and Related Occupations | $45,070 | 76.2% |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | $43,240 | 73.1% |
| Production Occupations | $40,320 | 68.2% |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | $39,530 | 66.9% |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | $38,390 | 64.9% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations | $34,530 | 58.4% |
| Personal Care and Service Occupations | $29,750 | 50.3% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | $28,930 | 48.9% |
| Farming Fishing and Forestry Occupations | $27,520 | 46.6% |
Occupation Pay Changes Since 2009
The occupation with the largest increase in the average annual pay, since the recession ended in 2009, is
Computer and Mathematical Occupations, which currently pays an average of $108,190 per year. Since 2009, pay has increased from $86,930 an increase of $21,260 or 24.5%. The next 2 occupations that pay the most to their workers are
Management Occupations and
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations, which increased $19,820 and $16,030 respectively.
| Occupation Category | Annual $ | % Change |
|---|
| Farming Fishing and Forestry Occupations | $27,520 | 32.2% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | $28,930 | 32.0% |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | $38,390 | 27.8% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations | $34,530 | 27.0% |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | $108,190 | 24.5% |
| Production Occupations | $40,320 | 22.8% |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | $39,530 | 19.5% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | $98,910 | 19.3% |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | $43,240 | 17.8% |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | $59,630 | 17.7% |
| Architecture and Engineering Occupations | $100,800 | 17.6% |
| Life Physical and Social Science Occupations | $85,640 | 17.5% |
| Protective Service Occupations | $61,150 | 17.3% |
| Management Occupations | $135,840 | 17.1% |
| Education Training and Library Occupations | $66,050 | 16.7% |
| Installation Maintenance and Repair Occupations | $54,360 | 16.3% |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | $83,310 | 16.3% |
| Sales and Related Occupations | $45,070 | 16.1% |
| Community and Social Service Occupations | $58,120 | 14.6% |
| Legal Occupations | $130,560 | 13.1% |
| Personal Care and Service Occupations | $29,750 | 11.7% |
| Arts Design Entertainment Sports and Media Occupations | $72,750 | 11.7% |
Detailed Occupation Annual Compensation
The detailed occupation that pays their workers the most is
Anesthesiologists, which pays $288,420 per year. This represents 487.9% above the state average of $59,119. The next 2 occupations that pay their workers the most are
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and
Psychiatrists, which pay $264,380 and $255,790 respectively.
Highest Paid OccupationsThe Top 10 Paying Occupations in California are:
| Occupation Category | Ann'l Pay | % of State |
|---|
| Anesthesiologists | $288,420 | 487.9% |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons | $264,380 | 447.2% |
| Psychiatrists | $255,790 | 432.7% |
| Chief Executives | $228,270 | 386.1% |
| Surgeons | $221,490 | 374.7% |
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists | $216,800 | 366.7% |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $212,210 | 359.0% |
| Physicians and Surgeons All Other | $208,740 | 353.1% |
| Internists General | $207,050 | 350.2% |
| Airline Pilots Copilots and Flight Engineers | $205,520 | 347.6% |
Lowest Paid OccupationsThe 10 Lowest Paying Occupations in California are:
| Occupation Category | Ann'l Pay | % of State |
|---|
| Forest and Conservation Workers | $24,720 | 41.8% |
| Graders and Sorters Agricultural Products | $25,140 | 42.5% |
| Cooks Fast Food | $25,330 | 42.8% |
| Shampooers | $25,510 | 43.2% |
| Gaming Dealers | $25,650 | 43.4% |
| Dishwashers | $25,650 | 43.4% |
| Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers Including Fast Food | $26,080 | 44.1% |
| Farmworkers and Laborers Crop Nursery and Greenhouse | $26,240 | 44.4% |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $26,260 | 44.4% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers All Other | $26,500 | 44.8% |
This page was created and is maintained by Kurt Tietjen, Founder of Stavera, High Peak Media & HomeGearWorks.com. Kurt is an executive, data scientist and software engineer who holds an MBA in Management Information Systems. In 2010, he partnered with scientists at Northwestern University to launch The Street Wire. This was one of the first mainstream uses of what would become “Narrative Science”, an artificial intelligence platform specializing in natural language generation. You can contact Kurt on LinkedIn here.