California Career & Training Directory
Explore 218 careers with California-specific salary data, licensing requirements, and 26 accredited schools.
Top Careers in California
California's Tech, Entertainment, and Healthcare Economy Leads the Nation
California is the world's fifth-largest economy, dominated by technology (Silicon Valley), entertainment (Los Angeles), and a vast healthcare system serving nearly 40 million residents. Software engineers and data scientists command the highest salaries in the nation here, while the state's strict licensing requirements create strong earning premiums for licensed trades. Clean-energy mandates are generating explosive growth for solar installers and electricians. Agriculture in the Central Valley employs 400,000+ workers. Wages run 20–25% above national medians but so does the cost of living.
Registered Nurse
- Median Salary
- $133,400/yr
- Job Growth
- +5.4% (2022–2032)
- Training Time
- 2–4 years (ADN or BSN)
Software Developer
- Median Salary
- $156,800/yr
- Job Growth
- +25.7% (2022–2032)
- Training Time
- 4-year bachelor's degree
Electrician
- Median Salary
- $91,400/yr
- Job Growth
- +10.2% (2022–2032)
- Training Time
- 4–5 years (apprenticeship)
Solar Photovoltaic Installer
- Median Salary
- $67,200/yr
- Job Growth
- +27.4% (2022–2032)
- Training Time
- Short-term certificate + OJT
Physician Assistant
- Median Salary
- $138,700/yr
- Job Growth
- +27.6% (2022–2032)
- Training Time
- 6-year master's program
Construction Manager
- Median Salary
- $117,500/yr
- Job Growth
- +6.8% (2022–2032)
- Training Time
- 4-year bachelor's degree
Salary figures based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024/2025. Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032. State figures reflect California-specific wage data; individual employer pay varies.
Airline Pilot (Career Track) / Flight Student
DevOps Engineer / Site Reliability Engineer
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cloud Technician / Cloud Engineer
Construction Manager / Superintendent
Database Administrator (DBA)
Schools in California
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
Founded 1925 as Frank Wiggins Trade School. Oldest of the 9 LACCD colleges. Strong apprenticeship pathways and industry ...
Long Beach City College
Viking Advantage program for incoming students. Strong healthcare programs including ADN, LVN, and medical imaging. Alte...
Fresno City College
One of California's oldest two-year colleges, founded in 1910. HVAC, industrial controls, and telecommunications among t...
Mt. San Antonio College
Top-ranked CA vocational school. 260+ degree and certificate programs. Majority of students under 24. Strong vet tech, c...
About California's Job Market
California's economy supports a strong demand for trained vocational professionals across healthcare, construction, technology, and transportation. The state's growing population drives steady openings for allied health workers, skilled tradespeople, and tech professionals.