Top Oakland Employers: What You Need to Know

If you live in Oakland and are searching for a new job, or if you are planning an upcoming move to Oakland, it is important to have a handle on the employment opportunities in the area. Knowing top employers and industries will make your job hunt easier and your transition smoother.

Fortunately, Oakland has plenty of diverse employers for those looking for employment opportunities. Since it is so close to San Francisco, Oakland has all the benefits of employment opportunities similar to a major city. If you are on the hunt for a job in Oakland, consider these top employers:

Companies and Local Employment in the Area

Oakland is a major West Coast city, as well as a major West Coast port. These facts have drawn many companies to the area to set up headquarters and offices. If you are planning a move to Oakland, some of the top companies in the area for employment include: Kaiser Permanente, Clorox, and Dreyer’s ice cream.

Other top employers in the area are local government, agencies, and hospitals. Top employers in government and local agencies include the city of Oakland, the County of Alameda, the State of California, Oakland Unified School District, and Bay Area Rapid Transit. Top hospital employers include: Sutter Bay Hospitals and Foundation, Alameda County Medical Center, and the Children’s Hospital of Oakland.

Technology

Given the proximity to San Francisco, Oakland is also becoming known for employment in the technology sector. Ask.com and Pandora Radio are headquartered in Oakland. In addition, many start-ups are beginning to pop up in Oakland as well as several green technology companies. 

If you are hoping to find a career in the technology field, Oakland is certainly an option with growing employment in that sector. That combined with a slightly more reasonable cost-of-living than San Francisco along with sunnier weather than San Francisco, may make Oakland a top contender. If you find that you do prefer Oakland, there are plenty of Oakland houses for sale.

Tourism

Along with growth in the technology sector, Oakland also has a hugely expanding tourism industry. So if you enjoy working in hospitality, Oakland may be the place for you. Due to the increase in tourism in the city, there is a growing demand for hotels, which means a growing need for employees in the hotel industry.

Other industries also expand along with tourism, including the restaurant industry. So if you are a chef or have any experience in food service, you will certainly be able to find employment in Oakland.

With so many options for employment, Oakland is certainly a solid option for a move if you are hoping to find a good job. From local and state government to healthcare to technology to tourism and beyond, there are employment options for everyone in Oakland.

Consider where your skills are and what industry in Oakland is best suited for you and begin your job search there. You are sure to find something in Oakland in no time at all.