2023 Employment Trends in Bakersfield
Bakersfield Economy And Jobs Market
Bakersfield sits at the southern part of California’s Central Valley. Its job market is driven by the city's economic activities and demographics. As such, it’s not just a microcosm of the more diverse California job market.
Bakersfield’s economy has historically been fueled by agriculture, oil and gas production, and healthcare. Compare that with the broader economy of California, the fifth largest in the world, which draws more heavily than Bakersfield on technology, entertainment and tourism industries.
The average wage level in Bakersfield is lower than the average wage level in California as a whole. However, the cost of living in Bakersfield is also lower than in many other parts of California.
Bakersfield Job Market Areas Of Excellence
Compared to national averages, Bakersfield does well in hiring for educational instruction, architecture and engineering, and construction and extraction. In contrast, Bakersfield lags in relative hiring strengths for office and administrative support, production and computer associated jobs.
Bakersfield’s Most In-Demand Jobs In 2023
In 2023 Bakersfield, the top seven most in-demand jobs are:
Registered Nurse:
The healthcare industry is one of the biggest contributors to Bakersfield's economy, and Registered Nurses are in high demand in the city.
Top employers include:
-
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
-
Mercy Hospital
-
Bakersfield Heart Hospital
-
Kern Valley Hospital
Sales Associate:
Retail businesses in Bakersfield are always looking for Sales Associates to provide excellent customer service and sell products.
Biggest retail job sources include:
-
New automobile sales centers
-
Thuasne USA
-
Target
-
McDonald’s
Shift Supervisor:
Many businesses in Bakersfield, including fast-food restaurants and retail stores, require Shift Supervisors to manage staff and operations.
Businesses with shift supervisors:
-
McDonald’s
-
Starbucks
-
Amazon
-
Target
Customer Service Representative:
With a focus on customer satisfaction, many businesses in Bakersfield need Customer Service Representatives to provide support to their clients.
Here is a small sample of companies that typically hire customer service representatives:
-
Biolife Plasma Services
-
Smart ERC
-
VXI Global Solutions
-
UFW Foundation
-
Bunzl Distribution NA
-
Amazon
General Manager:
Companies in Bakersfield, including retail stores and restaurants, require General Managers to oversee operations, manage staff, and ensure profitability.
There are hundreds of businesses that employ general managers, including:
-
Grocery outlets
-
Senior living centers
-
Fitness centers and gyms
-
Restaurants
-
Construction
Licensed Practical Nurse:
The healthcare industry in Bakersfield needs Licensed Practical Nurses to provide nursing care and support to patients.
Besides the hospitals listed above for registered nurses, LPNs find work at:
-
Senior centers
-
Wellness centers
-
Psychiatric clinics
-
Children’s healthcare
-
Urgent care clinics
Construction Work:
New construction jobs continue growth in the Bakersfield-Delano metro area. Consistently ranking amongst the most predictable employers are the following.
Construction Laborer:
Various construction projects, including new homes, heavy lifting, digging, and carrying materials.
Electrician:
Installation and repair of electrical systems in new homes and commercial real estate structures.
Plumber:
Installation and repair of plumbing systems in residential and commercial buildings.
Welder:
Various construction projects, including heavy industry, metal structures and pipelines.
Carpenter:
Framing, roofing, and flooring for a range of construction projects, including new homes and commercial buildings.
HVAC Technician:
Installation, repair and maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in residential and commercial buildings.
Project Manager:
Management of construction projects from start to finish, including budgeting, scheduling, and supervising workers.
Concrete Finisher:
Sidewalks, driveways, and foundations multiple construction projects, including new homes, public developments and commercial buildings.
Heavy Equipment Operator:
Use of heavy machinery to move earth, rocks, and other materials on construction sites.