Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a job seeker in the nation’s most populous state? While it might seem like it would be quite difficult to land a job in California with a population of
39,538,223 as of the 2020 Census, that is very far from the truth. In fact, there are many positions just screaming to be filled. Whether you are already a resident of the state looking for work or are contemplating moving here, rest assured there are plenty of jobs to go around. Some will require very specialized education and skills while others are entry-level positions where you can train on the job. Let’s a quick look at some of the most in-demand jobs.
1. Registered Nurses
For several years now, the nation has been aware of a severe shortage of RNs but since early in 2020, the shortage has reached critical levels. This is especially the case in California because of the huge population mentioned above and no end in sight of coronavirus patients being admitted for in-patient care. With a hospital’s population at its maximum, more RNs are required, and they just aren’t available. Job growth potential over the next decade is forecast to be at least 7% over the national average. With that level of growth potential, now would be the time to explore what it takes to become a nurse at the heart of the healthcare system, or advance your career in the field if you are already an RN. Several options are available to you, depending on the degree or certificate you hold, and schools like Spring Arbor University Online can help you achieve higher levels of education while continuing to work in the field.
2. Retail Sales Associates
Another job which is always in great demand would be that of a sales associate. Most retailers are always hiring in California and the good thing to know is that minimum wage in the state is almost double the Federal minimum wage. Even new retail sales associates in California start at $13 an hour in small shops and $14 an hour if there are more than 26 employees. Federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour so working as a sales associate in California can provide a living wage.
3. Fast Food Service
Another industry in California that is always crying for help would be the fast food industry. Not only are cashiers in great demand but so, too, are cooks, maintenance, and clerical staff. Here again, most often you will start at a minimum of $14 an hour because of the multitude of fast food chains, but many large corporations offer entry-level jobs at $1 or $2 an hour above the state minimum wage. While you might think of a job in the fast food industry as a stepping stone to better jobs, some people work many years in the industry with an ambition to eventually rise to a management-level position. The fast food industry continues to grow in the state, so there are always jobs available.
4. Management Positions
Speaking of rising to management level in a fast food environment, almost every industry in the state is seeking those with a background in management. It isn’t always necessary to have a Master of Business Administration, MBA, to meet the criteria for management. However, for many positions, it is important to at least have experience as a manager. Some corporations will only accept applicants who hold a degree in business management while other smaller companies will consider those who have worked in management and have developed the skills necessary to run a crew.
Some employers will hire managers with experience in that particular industry, with or without formal management training. Many employers will hire manager trainees who will learn on the job while also taking courses in management. Each job and each employer will differ to some extent, but to be “management material” you must be well-organized and possess strong leadership skills. As a rule of thumb, the higher you go in management, the higher your salary will be. Are you a natural leader with rock-solid people skills? You just might be interested in a management position within your field of expertise.
5. All Positions Within Healthcare
Above we looked at the demand for nurses but literally all jobs in healthcare are in great demand. Most hospitals are always hiring custodial staff and clerical positions are open across the board. Hospitals, clinics, and private practice offices seek qualified support staff and there is also a shortage of CNAs, Certified Nursing Assistants. Medical billers and coders are in huge demand as are medical scribes, a rather recent addition to healthcare support staff.
Medical scribes are primarily responsible for transcribing information during a patient visit. While the doctor speaks with and examines the patient, the scribe is entering the information in real-time to the patient’s digital file Electronic Health Record, EHR. Sometimes this position is referred to as a “documentation assistant” but in either case, they are in the room with the doctor and patient and work directly under a doctor’s supervision.
6. Truck & Delivery Drivers
To the layperson, it may not seem as there is much of a difference between delivery drivers and truck drivers, but the difference can be vast. It all depends on what kind of vehicle you are driving. Delivery drivers may drive small trucks but to get a job as a driver of those big rigs, the requirements are very strict. You can deliver for Domino’s Pizza, for example, with nothing more than a state driver’s license in good standing along with commercial/business car insurance.
However, if you want a job as a truck driver of an 18-wheel rig, you will need no less than a CDL, Commercial Driver’s License. If this kind of job appeals to you, check out this site to find out California’s requirements for obtaining that commercial class license. Truck and delivery drivers are always in great demand in the State of California.
7. Firefighters
The past few years have seen a greater than average number of wildfires in the state. As a result, firefighters are in great demand. According to the most current information on climate change, it appears as though the current drought will be carried over for the foreseeable future, which means that the state will probably continue to see record numbers of fires during “fire season.” This may be a seasonal job, depending on where you are hired, and it might be a yearly position if working at the city or county level.
Whether working for the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service or local fire departments, this is a fulfilling career, if somewhat dangerous. Included within the field of firefighters are paramedics. There was a time when most paramedics worked for or in association with hospitals, but most are now working through fire stations and as such are under the umbrella of “fire rescue” positions.
8. Customer Service
The job title customer service actually covers a wide range of positions. Many jobs within California are located in call centers while some are located on-site. Other companies have online chat bots where customers can connect with a rep in real-time online. Customer service reps typically answer questions about products or services, and they may be specially trained in dispute resolution. No matter which type of job you hold or where you are based, the primary goal is customer satisfaction. If you are a people person with a pleasant disposition, this may be the job for you.
Most companies will provide on-the-job training but some experience in customer service is always a plus. However, those applicants who are multilingual are in especially high demand. California is home to people of every nationality but the language in highest demand other than English, would be Spanish. Even so, if you speak another language fluently, you might just have one foot in the door already!
Millions of People and Millions of Jobs
There is one final thought to leave you with. Don’t get discouraged even before you begin job hunting. Yes, California is the most populous state with more than 39 million residents, but it is also a state with a wide range of jobs in literally every industry. If you are serious about finding a job, there really is one waiting for you out there. Look at each and every job you hold as a learning experience, a prelude to your future.
Whether you find a job in your chosen field or are simply seeking employment to keep food on the table and the bills paid, you can find a job if you look. These are just the most in-demand jobs in California’s current economic climate, but there are many others out there waiting to be filled. It may not be the job you were seeking but with money enough to keep the bill collectors at bay, you can work toward the career of your choosing.
