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These Are The 10 Best Jobs in California For Recent College Grads

By Chris Kolmar
Nov. 7, 2016
Last Modified and Fact Checked on:

Find a Job You Really Want In

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Fastest Growing Jobs In California

Source: Wikipedia

As a recent college graduate in 2026, you’re likely contemplating your next steps in a rapidly evolving job market. With the landscape of employment transformed by technology and new work models, it’s crucial to identify the best opportunities available to you.

The search for your first job can feel overwhelming, especially with tales of limited options for new grads. To help you navigate this journey, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 jobs for recent college graduates in California, based on current market analysis and trends.

  1. Sales Engineer
  2. Business Analyst
  3. Epic Consultant
  4. Imagery Analyst
  5. Web Developer
  6. Technical Writer
  7. Manager
  8. Animator
  9. Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist
  10. Mediator

Curious about why sales engineering tops this list? Continue reading to discover the rationale behind our selections and the unique advantages of each role.

How We Determined the Best Entry-Level Jobs in California

Our insights stem from conversations with recent college graduates, allowing us to understand their priorities when seeking employment. Generally, their criteria include:

  1. Job Availability
  2. Location Preferences
  3. Salary Expectations
  4. Opportunities for Advancement
  5. Work-Life Balance

Thanks to data from various sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET Online, we were able to analyze each of these factors comprehensively.

We compiled a master database to evaluate professions based on the following criteria:

  • Location Quotient: Indicates the prevalence of a job in California compared to the national average.
  • Job Requirement: We focused on roles requiring a bachelor’s degree.
  • Average Annual Entry-Level Salary.
  • Projected Industry Growth Over the Next Decade.

Narrowing our dataset led us to 51 relevant jobs that we ranked based on these criteria, ultimately calculating a “Job Score” for each position.

One Job, Please!

Graduating from college is a thrilling yet daunting experience. With numerous career paths to explore, the job market is filled with possibilities. Whether you choose to jump straight into a career or take time to travel, our list will help you make informed decisions about your professional future.

Below is a detailed overview of the best entry-level jobs for recent college graduates in California.

Detailed List of the Best Entry-Level Jobs in California for Recent College Grads

Rank Job Growth % Entry Wage Jobs in 2024
1 Sales Engineer 20.16% $63,370 15,500
2 Business Analyst 23.45% $51,440 146,900
3 Epic Consultant 35.36% $57,180 102,200
4 Imagery Analyst 44.44% $43,750 2,600
5 Web Developer 48.35% $37,060 35,900
6 Technical Writer 22.37% $50,620 9,300
7 Manager 32.0% $24,740 9,900
8 Animator 15.14% $42,270 25,100
9 Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialist 5.99% $70,500 33,600
10 Mediator 16.67% $42,930 1,400
11 Systems Administrator 20.65% $50,860 52,000
12 Finance Aid Advisor 23.26% $33,870 5,300
13 Database Administrator 23.97% $49,950 15,000
14 Video Editor 13.92% $33,040 18,000
15 Estimator 23.83% $34,850 31,700
16 Flight Technician 9.52% $48,670 2,300
17 Sales Representative 14.71% $40,810 53,800
18 Pilot 19.44% $64,440 8,600
19 Network Technician 19.8% $43,800 23,600
20 Field Technician 25.0% $26,670 5,500
21 Cytotechnologist 19.44% $52,640 12,900
22 Engineering Technician 20.0% $36,100 2,400
23 Audio Visual Specialist 10.0% $32,130 2,200
24 Laboratory Technician 23.3% $29,040 21,700
25 Programmer 2.27% $46,510 40,600
26 Process Engineer 10.12% $62,960 27,200
27 Buyer 16.67% $30,420 2,100
28 Case Manager 19.7% $22,110 56,500
29 Instructor 26.63% $20,520 44,700
30 Coach 16.97% $20,380 38,600
31 Recruiter 14.15% $39,050 62,100
32 Event Coordinator 16.94% $28,170 14,500
33 Kindergarten Teacher 9.73% $40,140 20,300
34 Designer 5.66% $39,360 5,600
35 Tax Examiner 0.0% $36,650 8,500
36 Credit Analyst 13.51% $41,700 8,400
37 Mental Health Technician 1.22% $35,560 8,300
38 Crew Member 10.0% $18,870 3,300
39 Community Health Worker 18.33% $25,420 7,100
40 Camp Counselor 12.43% $19,290 57,000
41 Surveyor 2.33% $52,480 4,400
42 Safety Technician 18.18% $32,320 1,300
43 Interior Designer 4.65% $31,810 9,000
44 Account Executive 9.55% $28,350 21,800
45 Director 5.68% $19,730 9,300
46 Legal Assistant 13.22% $31,770 33,400
47 Job Coach 16.28% $20,160 15,000
48 Counselor 18.09% $23,700 11,100
49 Insurance Agent 12.32% $27,970 45,600
50 Resident Advisor 15.52% $19,990 6,700
51 Pastor 6.4% $22,170 13,300

In conclusion, embarking on your career journey in 2026 presents a wealth of opportunities for recent graduates. By leveraging the information in this article, you can confidently explore the job market in California and find a fulfilling role that aligns with your skills and aspirations. Whether you pursue a position in technology, business, or the creative sector, there is a place for you to thrive in the evolving workforce.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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