Best Places to Work for Immigrants in California

California draws people from all over the world. In 2023, about 27.3 % of the state’s population was foreign-born; that’s the highest share of any U.S. state. The state hosts roughly 10.6 million immigrants, which is about 22 % of all immigrants in the U.S.

Immigrants make up a large part of the workforce in California. In fact, more than half of all workers in the state are immigrants or children of immigrants. Their presence strengthens communities, industries, and the economic fabric of the state.

California’s economy is huge and diverse. Its tech industry alone adds an estimated $542.5 billion in direct economic impact; that’s around 16.7 % of the state’s economy. Tech jobs currently account for roughly 7.8 % of all employment in California.

Meanwhile, agriculture plays a critical role too. In 2022, California’s agricultural production exceeded $59 billion. The state remains the top agricultural producer in the U.S.

Healthcare and education are also big employers. The state projects total employment will grow by about 8.8 % between 2023 and 2033. The fastest growth is expected in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and information/tech sectors.

So it’s no wonder many immigrants set their eyes on California. The mix of booming industries, large immigrant communities, and a culture of diversity creates real pathways to success.

In this article, we’ll talk about why California draws immigrants, which industries offer jobs, and the companies that support immigrants’ career growth. We’ll also share resources and tips to help newcomers build a strong future in the Golden State.

Why California Attracts Immigrants from Around the World

California is more than just a beautiful place. It offers real opportunities for immigrants who want to build a better future. People go there for jobs, community, and hope.

The state has many thriving industries that draw workers from across the globe. The tech world in Silicon Valley is world-famous and continues to grow, with startups and large firms hiring engineers, IT staff, and support teams. Healthcare is booming too, with strong demand for nurses, caregivers, therapists, and researchers. Agriculture is another key industry. California remains the top producer in the nation, and more than 80 % of hired farm workers in the state are immigrants. Hospitality and food services also provide steady opportunities, with restaurants, hotels, and tourism businesses needing cooks, servers, cleaners, and maintenance staff.

One reason California stands out is its demand for both skilled and unskilled workers. Construction, transportation, packaging, and cleaning jobs welcome newcomers who are building their lives. In fact, immigrants make up about 41 % of construction workers in the state. Many others find work in retail and service jobs, where immigrants make up a significant share of the workforce. This balance creates opportunities for people at many different skill levels.

Supportive communities make the transition easier. California is home to many cultural centers, immigrant groups, and language programs. Cities and towns often have neighborhoods with strong immigrant ties, where newcomers can find familiar food, shared language, and community support. These networks help people find jobs, housing, and friendships, making California feel like home much faster.

What’s the Work Permit Process for Immigrants in California

A work permit is one of the most important steps for immigrants who want to work legally in California. It shows that you have permission to be employed there. Most employers will ask for it before offering a job. Having a valid work permit gives you access to more opportunities and protects you from unsafe or unfair work conditions.

The basic requirements depend on your immigration status. Many immigrants apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You may be eligible if you are waiting on a green card, have asylum status, hold DACA status, or meet another qualifying category. You’ll generally need to fill out Form I-765, submit identification, show proof of eligibility, and pay the application fee (unless it is waived).

If you want more detailed guidance on completing Form I-765, check out our full article about the form.

Once approved, the permit lets you work for any employer in California. Most permits last one to two years, and you can renew if you still qualify. The process can be overwhelming, but many community centers, legal clinics, and immigration attorneys in California help immigrants with their applications.

With a valid work permit, immigrants can secure stable employment in industries like tech, healthcare, construction, or hospitality. That stability helps workers earn fair wages, get benefits, and plan for long-term career growth.

High-Demand Industries Offering Jobs for Immigrants in California

California’s economy is broad and full of opportunity. Immigrants play a huge role in many of its fastest-growing sectors. Whether someone arrives with advanced skills or is just starting their career, there are jobs across the state. Below are the industries where immigrants often find steady work and long-term growth.

Technology and Innovation

California’s tech industry is massive. The state’s “Information” sector contributes over $538 billion to its economy. Immigrants often fill roles in software engineering, IT support, cloud services, and data analytics. Many tech firms, especially in the Bay Area, sponsor visas for skilled workers. Within the state’s job growth outlook, the “Information” sector is one of the three industries projected for the fastest growth between 2023 and 2033.

Healthcare and Life Sciences

Healthcare is a leading employer in California. By 2033, the Education and Health Services sector is expected to grow by 18.4%, adding over 572,000 jobs. Many immigrants work as nurses, home health aides, lab techs, and research assistants. For roles like nursing, immigrants can pursue state licensing and certification pathways.

Agriculture and Food Production

Agriculture remains central to California’s economy. In 2022, agricultural sales topped $59 billion. Farms and food production operations employ nearly 420,000 workers across the state. Immigrants are heavily represented in farm labor, packaging, and logistics roles, often forming the backbone of seasonal labor.

Hospitality and Tourism

Leisure and hospitality is another sector set for strong job growth, projected at 14.6% growth by 2033 in California. A large share of new jobs in this industry will be in food services and restaurants. Many immigrants find jobs in hotels, events, restaurants, and related services.

Construction and Skilled Trades

Immigrants make up about 41% of the construction workforce in California. Many immigrants are carpenters, electricians, plumbers, or general laborers. Because of labor demand, wages can be competitive, and apprenticeships are often available. Construction trades are projected to remain in demand as California builds and renovates infrastructure.

Education and Community Services

Education and community service jobs are also growing rapidly. A large share of California’s projected job growth is in education, health services, and human services. Immigrants often bring language or cultural skills that are valuable in bilingual education, community outreach, and social services roles. These roles let immigrants contribute to their communities while building rewarding careers.

Job Opportunities for New Immigrants in California

Starting fresh in a new country can feel hard, but there are many accessible entry-level roles for immigrants in California. These jobs often require less experience, yet offer a stepping stone into higher-paying work. Below are common paths and sectors where new immigrants often begin their careers.

Many immigrants already play a big role in California’s workforce. In 2023, immigrants held about 33.3 % of jobs in the state. That means roughly one in three workers is foreign-born.
Also, over half of all California workers are either immigrants or children of immigrants.

Accessible Jobs & Entry-Level Roles

Here are some of the roles that new immigrants often take up:

• Retail jobs (cashiers, stocking, floor staff)
• Food services (servers, kitchen helpers, dishwashers)
• Cleaning, janitorial, and maintenance roles
• Warehouse, packaging, and logistics work
• Delivery and driver jobs (where permitted)
• Home care and caregiving roles

These jobs often allow flexible hours and may not require advanced credentials.

Apprenticeships, Training, and On-the-Job Learning

Because many immigrants bring a strong work ethic, several trades and skilled roles accept apprentices. You might start as a helper or assistant and learn the trade while working. Fields like construction, electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC often offer this path.

Community colleges, workforce development centers, and nonprofit organizations in California also provide training and certificate courses that align with high-demand jobs.

How Immigrants Transition into the Workforce

New immigrants can use the following strategies:

1. Network locally — community centers, faith groups, and immigrant organizations often share job leads.
2. Volunteer or intern — sometimes unpaid or low-pay roles can lead to paid work.
3. Improve English and soft skills — language ability, communication, punctuality, and reliability help a lot.
4. Use job placement programs — many nonprofits in California help immigrants get matched with employers.
5. Apply widely — it might take many applications before getting the right match, so persistence matters.

Over time, immigrants can move from entry-level roles into mid-level positions, supervisory roles, or entirely new fields, especially if they continue training or earn certifications.

Career Growth: From Entry-Level to Skilled Roles

Many immigrants start with entry-level jobs, but wages increase significantly as they move into skilled or licensed roles. The chart below shows average annual salaries for common paths in California (2023 data).

This comparison highlights how apprenticeships, licensing, and additional training can lead to higher-paying, stable jobs. For example, a construction helper might earn around $42,000 a year, but after training as a licensed electrician or plumber, wages can rise to $65,000 or more. Healthcare and tech roles show even greater growth potential.

Leading Employers in California That Hire Immigrants

Below are notable employers in California with recent visa sponsorship activity or formal immigrant hiring programs. This list focuses on 2024–2025 signals like H-1B filings, PERM green-card sponsorship, and public refugee hiring efforts.

Technology

• Google: Very high H-1B activity in California; also a top green-card sponsor in 2024.
• Apple: Among California’s top green-card sponsors in 2024; strong H-1B presence.
• Meta: Large California H-1B footprint in 2024.
• Amazon and Amazon Web Services: Significant CA H-1B filings in 2024; also public refugee hiring program.
• NVIDIA, Salesforce, Adobe, LinkedIn, Tesla, Qualcomm, Intel, Microsoft, ServiceNow, ByteDance/TikTok, Palo Alto Networks: All showed meaningful 2024 H-1B or PERM activity in California.

Healthcare and Life Sciences

• Amgen, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cepheid, Intuitive Surgical, Edwards Lifesciences: Ongoing skilled hiring; each appears in 2024 CA PERM or H-1B data.
• University of California health systems (e.g., UCSF, UCSD): Sponsor foreign workers across research and clinical roles.

Hospitality and Tourism

• Marriott — Public refugee hiring initiative with a large California footprint.
• Hilton — Public commitments to hire and support refugees; many CA locations.
• Disney — Broad hospitality hiring in California across parks, hotels, and events.

Professional and Financial Services

• Ernst & Young, Deloitte, Accenture, KPMG: Regular visa sponsorship reflected in CA H-1B and PERM data.

Automotive, Energy, and Advanced Manufacturing

• Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, Applied Materials, Lam Research, Western Digital: Notable 2024 CA sponsorship signals across engineering and manufacturing roles.

Education and Research

• Stanford University, The Leland Stanford Jr. University/SLAC, University of Southern California: Regular sponsorship for researchers, faculty, and specialized staff in California.

Agriculture and Food Production

• California agriculture relies on immigrant labor. H-2A filings are concentrated among farm labor contractors and growers in key regions, such as Monterey County and the San Joaquin Valley. Specific farm-sector sponsorships are fragmented; however, statewide 2024–2025 data confirm the heavy use of H-2A and strong farm employment needs.

How MotaWord Supports Immigrants and Employers in California

Starting a new job in California often means handling important documents. Immigration forms, resumes, transcripts, and employment paperwork need to be clear, accurate, and properly translated. That’s where we step in.

At MotaWord, we provide professional translation services for visa and employment documents. Whether you’re preparing Form I-765, a resume, or any other paperwork, we deliver fast and reliable translations. Employers also rely on us to ensure every document is accurate, making the hiring process smoother.

We also help with academic evaluation for immigrants who studied abroad. If you earned a degree in another country, we make sure your qualifications are properly recognized in California. This step helps immigrants apply for jobs in licensed fields like healthcare, education, and other professional sectors.

Here’s why thousands of immigrants and employers choose us:

• Speed: We complete translations and evaluations much faster than traditional agencies.
• Affordability: Our clear, competitive pricing keeps costs accessible.
• Accuracy: Our network of certified translators ensures every document is correct and ready to use.

Getting started is simple:

1. Upload your documents to our platform.
2. Select the service you need (translation or academic evaluation).
3. Receive your completed documents quickly, ready to submit to employers or immigration offices.

We’re here to make the process of joining California’s workforce easier, faster, and more affordable, for both immigrants and the companies that hire them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jobs for Immigrants in California

1. What jobs are most available for immigrants in California?

Immigrants in California work across nearly every industry, but some fields are especially open to newcomers. For entry-level roles, retail, food services, hospitality, caregiving, agriculture, and warehouse jobs are the most common starting points. For skilled roles, healthcare, technology, construction trades, and education offer strong opportunities for long-term careers.

2. Do all companies sponsor visas for immigrants?

Not all companies in California sponsor visas. Many employers hire only immigrants who already have a valid work permit or green card. Visa sponsorship is most common among large corporations, especially in technology, finance, healthcare, and professional services. Smaller companies are less likely to sponsor because of the cost and legal complexity.

3. How long does it take to get a work permit?

The timeline for a work permit can vary. On average, it takes 3 to 6 months for approval after submitting Form I-765. Delays may occur if documents are incomplete, if translations are incorrect, or if additional evidence is required. Using certified translation services, like those we provide at MotaWord, helps avoid mistakes that can slow the process.

4. What are the best resources for new immigrants in California?

New immigrants can find support from a variety of resources:

• Job boards like CalJOBS (the state’s employment system) and other online platforms.
• Community centers that host networking events, training, and language classes.
• Immigrant support groups that help with job placement and career advice.
• Government programs through the California Employment Development Department (EDD).
• Nonprofits that focus on immigrant workers, such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC) or local workforce development agencies.

These resources help newcomers find jobs, learn new skills, and connect with supportive communities.

5. What jobs pay $40 an hour in California?

Here is a list of jobs that consistently pay around $40 an hour (approximately $83,200 per year) in California, categorized by industry:

Healthcare

• Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): $35 – $45/hour (Higher in specialized clinics or home health).
• Dental Hygienist: $38 – $50/hour.
• Radiologic Technologist (X-Ray Tech): $37 – $45/hour.
• Physical Therapist Assistant: $35 – $45/hour.
• Surgical Technologist: $35 – $42/hour (with experience).

Skilled Trades (Journeyman Level)

• Electrician: $35 – $55/hour (Union rates are typically higher).
• Commercial Plumber: $35 – $50/hour.
• HVAC Service Technician: $30 – $45/hour (Leads earn the upper end).
• Elevator Mechanic Apprentice: Starts near $30, quickly rises to $40+.
• Fire Sprinkler Installer: $32 – $45/hour.

Corporate & Office

• Executive Assistant: $35 – $45/hour (Supporting C-suite executives).
• Human Resources Generalist: $30 – $42/hour.
• Paralegal: $30 – $45/hour (Litigation or Corporate Law).
• Payroll Specialist: $35 – $42/hour.

Technology & IT

• IT Support Specialist (Tier II/III): $35 – $45/hour.
• Junior Network Administrator: $38 – $48/hour.
• CAD Drafter / Designer: $30 – $42/hour.

Government & Public Sector

• Associate Governmental Program Analyst (State of CA): $35 – $43/hour.
• City Administrative Analyst: $38 – $45/hour (Entry-level for many cities).
• Postal Service (USPS) Maintenance Mechanic: $30 – $40/hour (after steps/overtime).

Building a Better Future in California

California’s story shows how immigrants and employers succeed together. With more than 10 million immigrants shaping the workforce, businesses rely on their skills, dedication, and diverse perspectives. In turn, employers who invest in immigrant workers through fair hiring practices, visa sponsorship, training, and support build stronger companies and stronger communities.

From tech and healthcare to agriculture, hospitality, and construction, immigrants are helping entire industries grow. That partnership fuels California’s economy while giving newcomers real opportunities to thrive.

At MotaWord, we make part of this journey easier by offering fast, accurate translation and academic evaluation services for immigrants and employers. Whether you’re preparing paperwork for a job, visa, or professional license, we help ensure your documents are clear, accurate, and ready to use.