A paralegal at work. Typically, paralegals & legal assistants must have at least an associate's degree. Courtesy of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education Needed:
Occupations projected to grow at least 12% from 2020 to 2040 and to add at least 1,000 new positions by 2030.
Wage entries are blank where they could not be estimated.
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooks, Restaurant | 33,500 | 59,830 | 78.6% | $18.66 | $38,797 |
| Bartenders | 8,450 | 14,790 | 75.0% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| Amusement & Recreation Attendants | 5,880 | 10,050 | 70.9% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, & Ticket Takers | 1,540 | 2,620 | 70.1% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| Dining Room & Cafeteria Attendants & Bartender Helpers | 9,020 | 14,060 | 55.9% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Food Preparation & Serving Related Workers, All Other | 6,130 | 9,320 | 52.0% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| Hosts & Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, & Coffee Shop | 6,800 | 10,190 | 49.9% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| Waiters & Waitresses | 41,680 | 60,150 | 44.3% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| Dishwashers | 14,930 | 21,300 | 42.7% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| Musicians & Singers | 3,220 | 4,380 | 36.0% | $47.50 | $--- |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Fast Food & Counter Workers | 92,480 | 124,120 | 34.2% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| Passenger Vehicle Drivers, Except Bus Drivers, Transit & Intercity | 8,860 | 11,630 | 31.3% | $--- | $--- |
| Food Preparation Workers | 23,040 | 30,040 | 30.4% | $16.02 | $33,332 |
| Laundry & Dry-Cleaning Workers | 3,860 | 4,940 | 28.0% | $15.61 | $32,459 |
| Parking Lot Attendants | 6,900 | 8,780 | 27.2% | $15.75 | $32,769 |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Cooks, Institution & Cafeteria | 5,030 | 6,190 | 23.1% | $19.57 | $40,706 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | 5,960 | 7,280 | 22.1% | $16.32 | $33,940 |
| Counter & Rental Clerks | 20,020 | 23,820 | 19.0% | $15.78 | $32,823 |
| Bakers | 6,560 | 7,780 | 18.6% | $18.04 | $37,514 |
| Laborers & Freight, Stock, & Material Movers, Hand | 93,510 | 110,550 | 18.2% | $18.19 | $37,835 |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Maids & Housekeeping Cleaners | 28,370 | 33,430 | 17.8% | $16.01 | $33,312 |
| Construction Laborers | 21,980 | 25,630 | 16.6% | $23.55 | $48,985 |
| Landscaping & Groundskeeping Workers | 19,280 | 22,460 | 16.5% | $19.23 | $40,007 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 28,620 | 33,200 | 16.0% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| Industrial Truck & Tractor Operators | 15,810 | 18,220 | 15.2% | $19.54 | $40,625 |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Retail Salespersons | 84,340 | 96,950 | 15.0% | $15.62 | $32,499 |
| Painters, Construction & Maintenance | 9,340 | 10,730 | 14.9% | $23.81 | $49,533 |
| Janitors & Cleaners, Except Maids & Housekeeping Cleaners | 54,470 | 62,270 | 14.3% | $17.57 | $36,532 |
| Butchers & Meat Cutters | 7,530 | 8,570 | 13.8% | $18.74 | $38,973 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles & Equipment | 13,030 | 14,660 | 12.5% | $15.75 | $32,769 |
Occupations projected to grow at least 12% from 2020 to 2040 and to add at least 1,000 new positions by 2030.
Wage entries are blank where they could not be estimated.
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitness Trainers & Aerobics Instructors | 6,840 | 11,570 | 69.2% | $24.99 | $51,983 |
| Chefs & Head Cooks | 4,070 | 6,330 | 55.5% | $30.63 | $63,714 |
| Nonfarm Animal Caretakers | 8,170 | 12,340 | 51.0% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation & Serving Workers | 26,860 | 38,870 | 44.7% | $19.80 | $41,173 |
| Food Service Managers | 12,660 | 17,750 | 40.2% | $29.51 | $61,400 |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service & Entertainment & Recreation Workers, Exc Gambling Services | 5,310 | 7,430 | 39.9% | $--- | $--- |
| Hotel, Motel, & Resort Desk Clerks | 3,910 | 5,470 | 39.9% | $15.71 | $32,670 |
| Flight Attendants | 8,910 | 11,990 | 34.6% | $--- | $64,985 |
| Self-Enrichment Education Teachers | 9,730 | 13,060 | 34.2% | $23.56 | $49,004 |
| Home Health & Personal Care Aides | 254,860 | 341,840 | 34.1% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Driver/Sales Workers | 12,910 | 17,070 | 32.2% | $15.88 | $33,024 |
| Photographers | 5,560 | 7,300 | 31.3% | $23.19 | $48,226 |
| Transportation Attendants, Except Flight Attendants | 8,600 | 10,810 | 25.7% | $15.75 | $32,769 |
| Recreation Workers | 9,880 | 12,160 | 23.1% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| Stockers & Order Fillers | 59,460 | 70,890 | 19.2% | $16.46 | $34,222 |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Maintenance & Repair Workers, General | 30,400 | 35,830 | 17.9% | $23.49 | $48,856 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | 5,630 | 6,630 | 17.8% | $30.63 | $63,708 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 10,250 | 12,060 | 17.7% | $23.30 | $48,456 |
| Electricians | 13,100 | 15,360 | 17.3% | $34.67 | $72,113 |
| Transportation, Storage, & Distribution Managers | 7,420 | 8,690 | 17.1% | $49.68 | $103,324 |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Security Guards | 48,230 | 56,290 | 16.7% | $18.03 | $37,489 |
| Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers | 34,540 | 40,170 | 16.3% | $20.21 | $42,042 |
| Sales & Related Workers, All Other | 9,900 | 11,510 | 16.3% | $23.22 | $48,290 |
| Social & Human Service Assistants | 15,500 | 17,980 | 16.0% | $23.28 | $48,427 |
| Production Workers, All Other | 7,330 | 8,490 | 15.8% | $18.41 | $38,307 |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Cargo & Freight Agents | 7,210 | 8,350 | 15.8% | $23.74 | $49,382 |
| Medical Secretaries | 22,300 | 25,560 | 14.6% | $23.50 | $48,889 |
| Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, & Travel | 28,450 | 32,600 | 14.6% | $30.81 | $64,086 |
| FirstLine Supervisors of Transportation & Material Moving Workers, Exc Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisor | 18,460 | 21,020 | 13.9% | $26.87 | $55,876 |
| Real Estate Sales Agents | 10,360 | 11,790 | 13.8% | $30.01 | $62,415 |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades & Extraction Workers | 12,960 | 14,720 | 13.6% | $39.30 | $81,740 |
| Production, Planning, & Expediting Clerks | 15,740 | 17,850 | 13.4% | $24.04 | $50,022 |
| Property, Real Estate, & Community Association Managers | 17,790 | 20,010 | 12.5% | $29.70 | $61,778 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters | 9,100 | 10,220 | 12.3% | $30.37 | $63,164 |
Occupations projected to grow at least 12% from 2020 to 2040 and to add at least 1,000 new positions by 2030.
Wage entries are blank where they could not be estimated.
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer User Support Specialists | 13,960 | 15,660 | 12.2% | $30.49 | $63,428 |
Occupations projected to grow at least 12% from 2020 to 2040 and to add at least 1,000 new positions by 2030.
Wage entries are blank where they could not be estimated.
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manicurists & Pedicurists | 8,120 | 14,530 | 78.9% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| Massage Therapists | 2,690 | 4,530 | 68.4% | $24.23 | $50,396 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, & Cosmetologists | 6,200 | 9,400 | 51.6% | $16.40 | $34,107 |
| Audio & Video Equipment Technicians | 4,350 | 5,620 | 29.2% | $30.62 | $63,703 |
| Dental Assistants | 9,760 | 12,280 | 25.8% | $24.16 | $50,244 |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Medical Assistants | 21,620 | 26,040 | 20.4% | $19.52 | $40,603 |
| Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 42,520 | 49,530 | 16.5% | $24.84 | $51,672 |
| Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses | 23,450 | 26,830 | 14.4% | $30.57 | $63,586 |
| Nursing Assistants | 31,380 | 35,620 | 13.5% | $19.19 | $39,905 |
Occupations projected to grow at least 12% from 2020 to 2040 and to add at least 1,000 new positions by 2030.
Wage entries are blank where they could not be estimated.
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienists | 6,290 | 7,990 | 27.0% | $49.21 | $102,362 |
| Respiratory Therapists | 4,900 | 6,160 | 25.7% | $40.41 | $84,067 |
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | 14,040 | 17,370 | 23.7% | $18.37 | $38,204 |
| Paralegals & Legal Assistants | 11,490 | 13,300 | 15.8% | $31.15 | $64,800 |
Occupations projected to grow at least 12% from 2020 to 2040 and to add at least 1,000 new positions by 2030.
Wage entries are blank where they could not be estimated.
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social & Community Service Managers | 6,960 | 8,120 | 16.7% | $38.78 | $80,666 |
| Training & Development Specialists | 7,470 | 8,690 | 16.3% | $31.93 | $66,424 |
| Management Analysts | 28,230 | 32,620 | 15.6% | $48.64 | $101,174 |
| Multimedia Artists & Animators | 10,160 | 11,730 | 15.5% | $44.74 | $93,063 |
| Administrative Services & Facilities Managers | 12,450 | 14,370 | 15.4% | $--- | $--- |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Sales Managers | 22,050 | 25,360 | 15.0% | $60.68 | $126,216 |
| Project Management Specialists & Business Operations Specialists, All Other | 75,190 | 85,030 | 13.1% | $--- | $--- |
| Accountants & Auditors | 45,880 | 51,780 | 12.9% | $39.17 | $81,470 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | 19,310 | 22,180 | 14.9% | $39.84 | $82,872 |
| Art Directors | 10,250 | 11,740 | 14.5% | $64.49 | $134,131 |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Child, Family, & School Social Workers | 17,460 | 19,610 | 12.3% | $31.54 | $65,592 |
| Financial & Investment Analysts, Financial Risk Specialists, & Financial Specialists, All Other | 13,540 | 15,180 | 12.1% | $--- | $--- |
| Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | 17,600 | 19,720 | 12.0% | $23.16 | $48,193 |
Occupations projected to grow at least 12% from 2020 to 2040 and to add at least 1,000 new positions by 2030.
Wage entries are blank where they could not be estimated.
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 3,870 | 6,030 | 55.8% | $67.62 | $140,643 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | 3,740 | 4,910 | 31.3% | $50.08 | $104,160 |
| Educational, Guidance, School, & Vocational Counselors | 8,430 | 9,690 | 14.9% | $33.56 | $69,801 |
| Marriage & Family Therapists | 8,600 | 9,800 | 14.0% | $24.72 | $51,419 |
Occupations projected to grow at least 12% from 2020 to 2040 and to add at least 1,000 new positions by 2030.
Wage entries are blank where they could not be estimated.
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapists | 7,020 | 8,350 | 18.9% | $49.66 | $103,284 |
| Lawyers | 38,390 | 43,300 | 12.8% | $81.41 | $169,338 |
Occupations projected to grow at least 12% from 2020 to 2040 and to add at least 1,000 new positions by 2030.
Wage entries are blank where they could not be estimated.
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entertainment Attendants & Related Workers | 10,670 | 19,070 | 78.7% | $--- | $--- |
| Personal Appearance Workers | 18,970 | 30,220 | 59.3% | $--- | $--- |
| Animal Care & Service Workers | 8,740 | 13,170 | 50.7% | $--- | $--- |
| Other Food Preparation & Serving Related Workers | 36,880 | 54,870 | 48.8% | $--- | $--- |
| Supervisors of Food Preparation & Serving Workers | 30,930 | 45,190 | 46.1% | $--- | $--- |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Personal Care & Service Occupations | 84,880 | 121,740 | 43.4% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| Cooks & Food Preparation Workers | 95,270 | 135,470 | 42.2% | $--- | $--- |
| Supervisors of Personal Care & Service Workers | 5,500 | 7,810 | 42.0% | $--- | $--- |
| Food Preparation & Serving Related Occupations | 311,640 | 441,860 | 41.8% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| Food & Beverage Serving Workers | 148,560 | 206,330 | 38.9% | $--- | $--- |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Mathematical Science Occupations | 5,340 | 7,350 | 37.6% | $--- | $--- |
| Occupational Therapy & Physical Therapist Assistants & Aides | 3,730 | 5,030 | 34.9% | $--- | $--- |
| Home Health & Personal Care Aides; & Nursing Assistants, Orderlies, & Psychiatric Aides | 288,040 | 379,470 | 31.7% | $--- | $--- |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 342,030 | 445,660 | 30.3% | $15.99 | $33,261 |
| Air Transportation Workers | 18,610 | 23,690 | 27.3% | $--- | $--- |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Other Personal Care & Service Workers | 36,010 | 45,020 | 25.0% | $--- | $--- |
| Other Transportation Workers | 18,300 | 22,720 | 24.2% | $--- | $--- |
| Media & Communication Equipment Workers | 38,890 | 47,580 | 22.3% | $--- | $--- |
| Other Healthcare Support Occupations | 50,270 | 61,160 | 21.7% | $--- | $--- |
| Entertainers & Performers, Sports & Related Workers | 57,170 | 68,700 | 20.2% | $--- | $--- |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Other Teachers & Instructors | 51,440 | 61,730 | 20.0% | $--- | $--- |
| Other Management Occupations | 119,480 | 143,360 | 20.0% | $--- | $--- |
| Motor Vehicle Operators | 104,480 | 124,880 | 19.5% | $--- | $--- |
| Computer & Mathematical Occupations | 132,530 | 158,320 | 19.5% | $49.75 | $103,471 |
| Computer Occupations | 127,190 | 150,980 | 18.7% | $--- | $--- |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Operations Specialties Managers | 80,180 | 94,900 | 18.4% | $--- | $--- |
| Transportation & Material Moving Occupations | 373,210 | 441,430 | 18.3% | $18.88 | $39,277 |
| Management Occupations | 323,510 | 382,160 | 18.1% | $62.23 | $129,439 |
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, & Sales Managers | 39,780 | 46,750 | 17.5% | $--- | $--- |
| Supervisors of Building & Grounds Cleaning & Maintenance Workers | 7,730 | 9,070 | 17.3% | $--- | $--- |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, & Media Occupations | 192,600 | 225,100 | 16.9% | $38.31 | $79,693 |
| Material Moving Workers | 209,070 | 244,190 | 16.8% | $--- | $--- |
| Life Scientists | 7,200 | 8,390 | 16.5% | $--- | $--- |
| Business Operations Specialists | 222,650 | 259,300 | 16.5% | $--- | $--- |
| Grounds Maintenance Workers | 21,520 | 25,040 | 16.4% | $--- | $--- |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Building & Grounds Cleaning & Maintenance Occupations | 114,870 | 133,170 | 15.9% | $18.65 | $38,780 |
| Building Cleaning & Pest Control Workers | 85,620 | 99,060 | 15.7% | $--- | $--- |
| Top Executives | 84,070 | 97,160 | 15.6% | $--- | $--- |
| Other Protective Service Workers | 69,080 | 79,500 | 15.1% | $--- | $--- |
| Business & Financial Operations Occupations | 315,090 | 360,600 | 14.4% | $38.65 | $80,388 |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Supervisors of Transportation & Material Moving Workers | 19,050 | 21,710 | 14.0% | $--- | $--- |
| Counselors, Social Workers, & Other Community & Social Service Specialists | 92,630 | 105,480 | 13.9% | $--- | $--- |
| Community & Social Service Occupations | 101,480 | 115,350 | 13.7% | $29.99 | $62,378 |
| Media & Communication Workers | 42,350 | 48,130 | 13.6% | $--- | $--- |
| Health Diagnosing & Treating Practitioners | 161,900 | 183,970 | 13.6% | $--- | $--- |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Supervisors of Construction & Extraction Workers | 12,960 | 14,720 | 13.6% | $--- | $--- |
| Life, Physical, & Social Science Occupations | 36,990 | 42,010 | 13.6% | $39.01 | $81,122 |
| Healthcare Practitioners & Technical Occupations | 243,050 | 275,620 | 13.4% | $49.52 | $102,992 |
| Other Installation, Maintenance, & Repair Occupations | 61,080 | 69,220 | 13.3% | $--- | $--- |
| Construction Trades Workers | 109,850 | 124,370 | 13.2% | $--- | $--- |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Postsecondary Teachers | 59,930 | 67,740 | 13.0% | $--- | $--- |
| Life, Physical, & Social Science Technicians | 9,930 | 11,220 | 13.0% | $--- | $--- |
| Food Processing Workers | 26,080 | 29,450 | 12.9% | $--- | $--- |
| Health Technologists & Technicians | 77,830 | 87,840 | 12.9% | $--- | $--- |
| Construction & Extraction Occupations | 134,680 | 151,970 | 12.8% | $29.93 | $62,254 |
| Occupation | Employment Estimate 2020 | Employment Estimate 2030 | Percent Change | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Lawyers, Judges, & Related Workers | 40,400 | 45,400 | 12.4% | $--- | $--- |
| Education, Training, & Library Occupations | 277,130 | 311,410 | 12.4% | $31.02 | $64,523 |
| Legal Occupations | 56,340 | 63,280 | 12.3% | $60.78 | $126,424 |
| Legal Support Workers | 15,940 | 17,890 | 12.2% | $--- | $--- |
| Art & Design Workers | 54,190 | 60,700 | 12.0% | $--- | $--- |
Source: California Employment Development Department.
