Employment in California’s largest counties saw varied growth from March 2024 to March 2025, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The report shows that out of the 29 largest counties in the state, 11 experienced employment increases during this period.
Regional Commissioner Chris Rosenlund stated, “San Joaquin County had the largest over-the-year increase in employment, with a gain of 1.2 percent.”
Los Angeles County reported the highest employment figure among these large counties, with 4,504,700 employed as of March 2025. These 29 largest counties collectively represented more than nine-tenths—specifically, 93.1 percent—of all covered employment within California. In comparison, the largest counties nationwide account for just over seven-tenths (73.4 percent) of total covered U.S. employment.
The definition for “large” county includes those with annual average employment levels of at least 75,000 in 2024.
All large California counties for which data was published recorded year-over-year increases in average weekly wages. San Mateo County led wage growth with an increase of 11.4 percent over the previous year. Other large counties posted wage gains ranging between 6.9 and 1.5 percent.
Ten out of the state’s largest counties had average weekly wages higher than the national average ($1,589). The range for average weekly wages extended from $4,379 in San Mateo County to $1,035 in Tulare County.
For California’s smaller counties—those with fewer than 75,000 employees—employment and wage level data were also made available but did not include changes from year to year. In this group, every county had an average weekly wage below the national mark; Yuba County reported the highest at $1,335 while Alpine County had the lowest at $837.
A breakdown across all California’s 58 counties showed that:
– Eighteen reported average weekly wages under $1,100,
– Fourteen fell between $1,100 and $1,199,
– Seven ranged from $1,200 to $1,299,
– Three were between $1,300 and $1,399,
– Sixteen reported wages at or above $1,400.
QCEW (Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages) data for states are included within this release as well.
Nationwide figures on county-level employment and wages are provided separately through the County Employment and Wages news release series published by BLS. Additional information can be found on their website.
The next scheduled release covering second quarter data is set for December 3rd.
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