While the California unemployment rate is still high, it is slowly improving in line with national economic growth. In fact, the California annual gain was slightly higher than the national labor market in 2011. With the unemployment rate just slightly over ten percent, job seekers are wondering, who’s hiring? The job market is led by high-tech manufacturing, software development, health care, and tourism throughout the state of California.
Southern California has very similar leading job sectors including high-tech and tourism, but also includes industries such as international trade, professional services, and entertainment. The economic gains in the Southern California region have tied the nation in 2012. Orange County has led Southern California in recovery and expansion of jobs in 2012.
Los Angeles County Outlook
Accounting for 27% of California’s population, Los Angeles County is still in the recovering phases of the country’s recession. The county saw large job gains in the private education and health care sectors. Private education includes the area’s nationally recognized universities, private K-12 schools, and job training institutes. These jobs grew through the recession and project a strong forecast moving forward.
The county’s multiple university and teaching hospitals help attract patients and physicians from outside the area. The health care industry was able to grow through the recession and is projected to keep improving in years to come. The unemployment rate will continually lower at a gradual pace. The county is expecting to gain over 22,000 jobs in 2012, overall improving the area’s outlook.
Orange County Outlook
Orange County has been showing positive yearly job growth since 2010. With the lowest unemployment rate in Southern California, hovering just below 8%, Orange Country provides hope to job seekers in the area. Growth in the job sectors of tourism and high-tech show the largest promise moving forward.
The nation’s computer products and information technology industry is booming and Orange County is the central focus. The demand for high-tech products nationally and overseas helps provide a boost to the local economy and has provided job growth through the recession.
Inland Empire Outlook
The Riverside and San Bernardino county economic outlook is promising heading into 2013. The employment rates in these counties seem to be improving. Overall, the Inland Empire has been slower to recover, and the construction, manufacturing, and trade related industries will be key to the job growth in the region.
World trade volumes were expected to increase 4% in 2012. They are expected to grow into 2013 and will increase activity and jobs in the warehouse and distribution sectors on the inland counties. With the increase in trade coming through the California ports, manufacturing and trade related jobs will see an increase moving forward.
State Statistics
For more information and reports on employment statistics in California and individual counties, please visit the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation website.
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