10 California Jobs in Demand Right Now

As the largest state in the US by population, California offers employment in various industries. To find out what types of jobs you might find in the Golden State, discover 10 California jobs in demand across various fields like delivery services, health care, hospitality, technology, and wellness. Generally, you can define jobs classified as “in demand” as those with a good job outlook and an average or higher projected growth rate.

California jobs in demand in 2024

To find an in-demand job that meets your interests, consider factors like how it will fit into your life and if it meshes well with your passions and skills. It’s also helpful to keep location-specific details in mind. The demand in one city, like Los Angeles, may differ from what you’ll find in Sacramento or the Napa Valley. 

Below, you’ll find a list detailing 10 jobs with statewide demand in 2024 to help get you started. 

1. Chef or head cook 

Median annual US salary: $56,520 [1] 

Job outlook: 5 percent (faster than average when compared to other jobs) [1] 

*Note: California employs more chefs and head cooks than any other US state, so the job outlook is likely to be higher here.

Education and licensing requirements: High school diploma, degree, or certificate from a culinary arts program (at a community college, technical school, or culinary arts school) or equivalent work experience

As a chef or head cook, you’ll work in a dining establishment like a cafe, restaurant, or cafeteria and perform various job duties. Everyday tasks you’ll likely encounter include the following:

• Create menus

• Develop recipes

• Hire, train, and supervise other cooks

• Maintain an inventory of food and supplies

• Follow safety and sanitation procedures

2. Computer and information systems manager 

Median annual US salary: $164,070 [2]

Job outlook: 15 percent (much faster than average when compared to other jobs) [2]

Education and licensing requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field like computer and information technology, computer science, or engineering technologies; many employers also require a graduate degree like an MBA

In this role, you’ll oversee an organization's information technology (IT) activities and address computer-related problems. Everyday daily tasks and responsibilities are as follows:

• Assess an organization’s computer needs

• Plan and oversee computer hardware and software installation and maintenance.

• Supervise other IT professionals

• Ensure IT security within an organization

• Create and follow an IT budget

3. Delivery truck driver

Median annual US salary: $38,220 [3]

Job outlook: 10 percent (much faster than average when compared to other jobs) [3]

Education and licensing requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, California driver’s license, clean driving record, and on-the-job training

As a delivery truck driver, you will pick up and deliver packages or other items to individuals or businesses within a city or geographical region. Typical tasks for a delivery truck driver include:

• Daily communication with coworkers and customers

• Load and unload cargo

• Follow traffic regulations and maintain a good driving record

• Report any delivery, mechanical, or customer problems to employers

• Issue delivery notices, accept payments, and provide receipts

4. Hotel manager 

Median annual US salary: $61,910 [4]

 Job outlook: 7 percent (faster than average when compared to other jobs) [4]

Education and licensing requirements: High school diploma (plus experience), associate degree in hotel management (plus experience), or bachelor’s degree in hotel management or hospitality

A hotel manager oversees hotel operations to ensure efficiency and guest satisfaction. In this role, your duties and responsibilities might include the following:

• Hire, train, and manage hotel staff

• Create and manage a hotel budget

• Interact with hotel guests as they arrive and depart

• Address guests’ questions and concerns 

• Communicate with hotel suppliers and travel companies

5. Marketing manager

Median annual US salary: $138,730 [5]

Job outlook: 6 percent (faster than average when compared to other jobs) [5]

Education and licensing requirements: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business (with an emphasis in marketing), or a related field like communications

As a marketing manager, you’ll develop strategies to interest consumers in brands, products, and services. You may engage in everyday tasks like the following:

• Create, plan, and manage marketing campaigns

• Present potential marketing campaigns to employers, clients, and stakeholders

• Negotiate and draw up marketing contracts 

• Hire and manage marketing staff

• Conduct and analyze market research

6. Marriage and family therapist 

Median annual US salary: $56,570 [6]

Job outlook: 15 percent (much faster than average when compared to other jobs) [6]

Education and licensing requirements: Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a similar field such as social work or sociology; master’s degree in marriage and family therapy; supervised clinical practicum; and the passing of a state licensing exam

A marriage and family therapist works with couples, families, and individuals within these groups to identify and treat behavioral, emotional, and psychological problems. Your tasks and responsibilities within this position will include:

• Assess clients to determine treatment needs.

• Create and maintain confidential client files 

• Develop treatment plans for clients

• Provide counseling and tools and techniques that clients can practice at home.

• Refer clients to other professionals and outside resources if needed.

7. Nurse practitioner 

Median annual US salary: $125,900 [7]

Job outlook: 38 percent (much faster than average when compared to other jobs) [7]

Education and licensing requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), master's degree in nursing with a nurse practitioner emphasis, passing of a national board certification exam for nurse practitioners, and current RN license through the State of California

Also known as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), a nurse practitioner provides general or specialty medical care to patients instead of a physician. The following list represents some common duties you may have as a nurse practitioner:

• Assess patients to determine the underlying cause of disease or status of injury

• Conduct physical exams and diagnostic tests

• Create treatment plans for patients

• Prescribe and dispense medication or medical advice

• Consult with physicians and other medical professionals 

8. Personal trainer 

Median annual US salary: $45,380 [8]

Job outlook: 14 percent (much faster than average when compared to other jobs) [8]

Education and licensing requirements: High school diploma or the equivalent; some employers may require an associate/bachelor’s degree in physical education or exercise science or a specialty certification 

As a personal trainer, you will instruct clients or health club customers in exercise, stretching, and strength training and may offer advice concerning health and wellness. Some tasks and responsibilities in this role include:

• Evaluate clients to determine exercise needs

• Develop exercise plans for clients or customers

• Teach individuals how to perform exercises and provide demonstrations

• Observe clients’ or customers’ performance and offer feedback as needed

• Provide information on nutrition and other healthy lifestyle topics

9. Software developer

Median annual US salary: $124,200 [9]

Job outlook: 25 percent (much faster than average when compared to other jobs [9]

Education and licensing requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field; some employers may require a master’s degree

A software developer designs, builds, and maintains software dependent upon the needs of an employer or client. These are some duties you may have as a software developer: 

• Make recommendations regarding software needs or upgrades to existing software.

• Present plans, models, and diagrams to demonstrate the necessary software code

• Design and build new software

• Document software development and provide feedback to employers or clients

• Ensure quality performance of software through testing and maintenance

10. Wildland firefighter 

Median annual US salary: $51,680 [10]

Job outlook: 4 percent (about average when compared to other jobs) [10] 

*Note: California employs more firefighters than any other US state, so the job outlook is likely to be higher here.

Education and licensing requirements: High school diploma, emergency medical training, fire academy training, the age requirement of at least 18 years, passing of physical fitness and written tests; some fire departments may require additional credentials such as EMT certification

A wildland firefighter works with other firefighters to control forest fires. Everyday tasks and responsibilities you’ll encounter in this role include:

• Respond to forest fires.

• Use firefighting tools like shovels, chainsaws, and Pulaskis

• Cut down trees and remove grass and dirt to create fire lines

• Control fire fuels by conducting prescribed burns

• Educate the public about wildland fire safety

Getting started on Coursera 

With many in-demand careers to choose from, the time to start sharpening your skills and preparing your resume is now. Before applying for high-demand jobs in California, consider taking Land Your Next Role, a course offered by the experts at Aptly on Coursera. This beginner-level course will help you explore conducting a job search. You’ll also learn how to network and discover how to write an impactful resume while getting tips for improving your interviewing skills.