To find a job in Los Angeles, you need to be prepared for a competitive market. It will take some time to secure a role, but rest assured that there are many opportunities in industries like IT, healthcare, entertainment, green energy, and aerospace.
Once you have a position in mind, you will need to create a targeted resume, explore job boards and platforms, reach out to your network to discover opportunities, and complete a few more steps. This guide teaches you how to do all that and land a nice job in LA in your industry!
Key Takeaways
In-demand industries in LA include IT, healthcare, entertainment, green energy, aerospace, transportation, trade, and logistics.
To find a job in LA, determine what type of job you want, create a resume, and look for opportunities on job boards and platforms or with the help of a recruitment agency.
It helps to focus on companies that are actively hiring in your area. Tailoring each application and brushing up on common interview questions can also make a difference.
It is normal not to land a job right away, so do not be discouraged; just continue to apply early and often. If you relocate to LA for work, keep the cost of living in mind.
Los Angeles Job Market in 2025
The Los Angeles job market in 2025 is competitive; unemployment hovers around 5%, which is higher than the national rate of about 4%. It can take a long time for job seekers to land roles, but there are many industries that are hiring steadily across experience levels.
In-Demand Industries
Information technology. Tech continues to be a thriving industry in LA, projected to grow by 8.6% annually. With the rise of AI, newer roles like AI engineers ($115,000–$150,000) are in high demand at LA tech companies.
Healthcare. Driven by an aging population and expanding services, there is a growing demand for registered nurses, medical assistants, and home health aids. The annual pay range for LA healthcare positions is between $80,000 and $120,000 (specialists’ salaries go even beyond that, up to $200,000+).
Entertainment. LA producers and directors earn roughly $97,000 annually, while video editors average $93,000, and animators average $82,000. New opportunities in entertainment center around streaming, gaming, and digital platforms.
Green energy. The LA Green New Deal’s goal is to create 400,000 LA County jobs by 2050, and there is already steady progress towards this. The most common roles are solar installers ($65,000/year), environmental engineers ($131,000/year), energy auditors ($109,000/year), and sustainability consultants ($162,000/year).
Aerospace. LA’s aerospace cluster employs over 60,000 people. Aerospace engineers earn $100,000–$140,000, and other in-demand positions include avionics specialists, composite technicians, and industrial designers.
Transportation, trade, and logistics. LA is home to the country's busiest ports, and they fuel demand for supply chain managers ($123,500/year), warehouse supervisors ($73,000/year), and truck drivers ($80,000/year). Moreover, thanks to the growth of e-commerce, transportation, trade, and logistics continue to account for hundreds of thousands of jobs in LA.
How to Find a Job in Los Angeles in 8 Steps
To find a job in Los Angeles, start by identifying the type of role you want, putting together a tailored resume, and exploring local job boards or platforms. Additionally, tapping into your network and connecting with a recruitment agency may also improve your chances. Let’s look at each step in more detail:
#1. Know What You’re Looking for
Knowing what you are looking for allows you to focus your efforts. First, think about the work environment that suits you. Do you like fast-paced settings with lots of innovation and collaborative spaces? Or do you prefer structured hours, strict protocols, and straightforward tasks?
Once you have an idea of where you thrive, consider your skills, career goals, and salary expectations. In a spreadsheet, keep a shortlist of specific industries, companies, or roles that match your preferences. This way, you can keep everything organized and will not waste time applying for jobs that are not a good fit.
#2. Perfect Your Resume
Perfecting your resume is crucial because hundreds of candidates might be applying for the same role as you. A targeted resume that clearly shows you understand what the role requires will help you stand out. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Resume Tips
Look at resume examples for your industry to see what good ones look like.
Lead with your most relevant achievements, skills, and experience.
Begin bullet points with strong action verbs, like "managed," "developed," and "improved."
Quantify your impact by including numbers (e.g., “Increased revenue by 30%”).
Use just one professional font and plenty of white space to maintain a clean and consistent format.
Use a resume builder like Resume.co to craft a polished, ATS-friendly resume.
#3. Use Local Job Boards and Platforms
Use local job boards and platforms to discover roles in your preferred industry. Indeed Los Angeles and Built In LA are among the best job boards for LA; each features thousands of positions across experience levels.
Visit EntertainmentCareers.net if you are interested in film, TV, or media jobs in LA. You can look at LAJobs.com for city and county openings or AngelList if you want to join an early-stage company.
LinkedIn is also worth exploring; you can filter by location to find jobs in Los Angeles or jobs in California if you want to broaden your search. By checking the “Insights” tab on company pages, you can stay updated on LA hiring trends and companies that are expanding and more likely to be hiring.
#4. Use Your Network and Referrals
Professional networking is one of the most effective ways to find jobs, especially entry-level ones in LA. A lot of the time, positions are filled through personal connections before they are advertised.
Begin by letting former colleagues, classmates, friends, and mentors know you are looking for a new job. Then, attend offline and online meetups and networking events to build visibility; even a short conversation can lead to valuable referrals.
#5. Target Companies That Are Hiring Locally
Companies that are hiring locally are often your best bet for finding stable, long-term roles in Los Angeles. You should spend time researching those growing or regularly posting new openings. Bookmark their websites, as many list jobs on their own career pages before sharing them on public job boards or with LA recruitment agencies.
Examples
In technology, there are Snap Inc., Google’s Silicon Beach offices, and Salesforce.
In entertainment, there are Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros.
In healthcare, there are Kaiser Permanente and Cedars-Sinai.
#6. Consider Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies, like Robert Half, Aerotek, and Creative Circle, connect you with roles that are not always advertised publicly.
These agencies have strong relationships with hiring managers across industries and can match you with jobs that suit your skills and goals. Moreover, they can help you refine your resume and prepare with mock interviews.
When choosing an LA recruitment agency, look for one that specializes in your industry and has a solid track record of placing candidates in roles you are interested in.
#7. Tailor Your Application
Rather than sending the same resume and cover letter to every employer, you should customize them to match the position.
You can do this by pulling words and phrases from the job description and weaving them naturally into your application. For example, if it mentions "cross-functional collaboration,” use those exact terms when describing your experience or skills. This not only shows alignment but also helps applicant tracking systems (ATS) identify you as a strong match.
If you are applying for jobs in LA as a foreigner, be sure to clearly mention your work authorization or visa status so employers know you are eligible to be hired.
Hiring managers can tell when you have taken the time to craft a thoughtful application, and they are more likely to call you in for an interview.
#8. Prepare for the LA Interview Scene
The LA interview scene is competitive but varies a lot by industry.
In creative roles, interviews might include take-home tasks, portfolio reviews, or multiple rounds with cross-functional teams.
In corporate roles, you should prepare for common interview questions about your soft skills, how you handle pressure, and how you work with others.
Generally, no matter the field, employers are not just looking for a summary of your qualifications; they also want to see how well you fit into their team.
Make sure you research the company thoroughly, practice your answers with real examples, and be ready for both in-person and on-screen interviews.
What’s the Best Time to Apply for a Job in LA?
The best time to apply for a job in LA is usually between January and March, when companies have new budgets and hiring plans in place. Fall is another active hiring season as employers try to fill positions before the holidays.
LA tech companies usually hire steadily year-round, while those in entertainment hire in the spring and early summer. You should apply from Mondays to Wednesdays before 11 AM to catch recruiters when they are most active. It is also best to submit applications within the first few days of a job’s posting.
Since job openings in LA can attract hundreds of applicants within days, you will have fewer chances of being noticed if your application is not near the top of the pile. Therefore, you should set up alerts on major job boards and company websites so you never miss a fresh opening.
Relocating to LA for Work? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you are relocating to LA for work, there are a few things you should know before you pack your bags.
The cost of living is high, especially housing. The average rent in LA is $2,145 for a one-bedroom property, which is 35-36% higher than the national average. Make sure you research carefully to find a balance between commute times, amenities, and affordability.
The traffic is notoriously heavy. Depending on where you live and work, your commute can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. That is why many professionals choose to live closer to their offices or near public transit lines.
The job hiring process takes time. According to Glassdoor, it often takes around 90.15 days to secure a role, so do not be discouraged. However, because it can take weeks or months to get a response, you should apply to multiple jobs at once instead of waiting to hear back from just one.
3 Final Tips for Job Hunting in LA
Keep these final tips for job hunting in LA in mind to stay organized and motivated:
Consider contract roles. Short-term projects and gigs are common in LA, especially in entertainment and technology. These freelance positions can help you build experience, expand your professional network, and even lead to permanent jobs.
Invest in upskilling or reskilling. LA’s job market rewards candidates who stay current, so consider taking an online course or obtaining a certification in your field; even a short program can strengthen your resume.
Be clear about your commitment. If you are relocating to LA for work, mention any local connections or planned move-in dates. Employers may wonder if you are just testing the waters, so reassure them that you are serious about building a long-term career.
Ready to secure a job in Los Angeles?
Build a polished resume with Resume.co.Final Thoughts
Finding a job in Los Angeles can feel daunting, but with the right approach, you can surely stand out in this competitive market. Set your goal, tailor each application to a specific job ad, and use every resource available, from local job boards and platforms to referrals and recruitment agencies.
Regardless of whether you are applying for your first job or changing careers, persistence and preparation will help you land a role that fits your skills and ambitions.
How to Find a Job in LA FAQs
#1. Is it easy to find a job in LA?
It is not easy to find a job in LA because the competition is currently quite high. However, it also depends on the industry you are in and your experience, so you can improve your chances by writing a targeted resume.
#2. How can I work in California as a foreigner?
To work in California as a foreigner, you will need valid work authorization, such as an H-1B visa or another appropriate permit. Research your visa options early and consult an immigration professional to ensure you can prove you are legally allowed to work in the U.S.
#3. Is LA a good place for remote work?
Yes, LA is a good place for remote work. There are many opportunities, especially with LA tech companies and those in entertainment, and some employers are open to hybrid remote roles as well. However, be sure to clarify expectations and time zone requirements before you accept an offer.
