Over the next five years, Santa Cruz County is projected to add more than 2,800 jobs. The occupations within the industry sectors identified by the Workforce Development Board of Santa Cruz County that have the best job prospects are shown below.
These occupations are in industries with projected growth from 2021-2026, that pay a wage of at least $15.50/hour, or $32,200 annually, have an education/experience level at or below the Bachelor's Degree level, and currently have at least 100 employed in Santa Cruz County.
Industries
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Agricultural Equipment Operators
Nonfarm Animal Caretakers
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
General and Operations Managers
Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other
Accountants and Auditors
Management Analysts
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Financial Managers
Human Resources Specialists
Training and Development Specialists
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Logisticians
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Tutors and Teachers and Instructors, All Other
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
Education, Training, and Library Workers, All Other
Self-Enrichment Education Teachers
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service
Civil Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Industrial Engineers
Registered Nurses
Medical Assistants
Medical Secretaries
Nursing Assistants
Personal Service Managers, All Other; Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling; and Managers, All Other
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Social and Human Service Assistants
Dental Assistants
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder, and Metal Health Counselors
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Medical and Health Services Managers
Social and Community Service Managers
Massage Therapists
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Occupations, All Other
Computer User Support Specialists
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer Systems Analysts
Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
Construction Laborers
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Construction Managers
Passenger Vehicle Drivers, Except Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
Driver/Sales Workers
Electricians
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Coaches and Scouts
Waiters and Waitresses
Cooks, Restaurant
Food Preparation Workers
Receptionists and Information Clerks
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
Bartenders
Food Service Managers
Bakers
Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks
Chefs and Head Cooks
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Recreation Workers
Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors
Photographers