Los Angeles is a famously dynamic region in Southern California and home to several major industries and tech giants. Some of the biggest companies reside in this city, and it has a leading creative economy. Los Angeles’ proximity to Silicon Valley and San Diego means it benefits from a high-tech industry that houses some of the biggest tech companies.
It can be difficult to know where to find a job in Los Angeles due to its sheer size. There are a lot of skilled professionals residing in this city since its most successful companies are continuing to grow and expand their workforces. This article will cover the biggest companies in Los Angeles to help you succeed in your job search.
Los Angeles Job Market
The Los Angeles job market may be best known for its entertainment companies, but it comprises many different sectors, such as business services, construction, real estate services, consumer services, and finance and insurance. Other industries in Los Angeles also include healthcare, food services, production, retail, public services, tech, trade, and transportation.
The sector with the most open jobs and the most extensive opportunities is the healthcare sector, with companies like Blue Shield, City of Hope, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Los Angeles had 24,768 available healthcare jobs as of November 2020, according to Glassdoor.
Los Angeles Key Industries
- Finance and Insurance
- Food Services
- Health Care
What Is Los Angeles’s Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate of Los Angeles in November 2021 was 7.1 percent. This number has dropped slightly since October, when the unemployment rate was 7.8 percent. Despite its numerous private and public companies, this city in Southern California still suffers from a significantly higher unemployment rate when compared to the United States as a whole.
According to figures published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in November 2021, the average unemployment rate for US citizens was 4.2 percent. Despite LA’s high unemployment rate, there are an array of companies that are regularly hiring in the area.
Who Is the Largest Employer in Los Angeles?
According to the LA Business Journal, the largest employer in Los Angeles is Kaiser Permanente, which added 1,000 jobs between July 2019 and July 2020. This company offers healthcare and serves millions of members across the United States. As of November 2020, Kaiser Permanente has 216,776 employees, working in hospitals, private research universities, and other healthcare facilities.
Top Employers in Los Angeles: At a Glance
| Company | Industry | Global Headcount | Hiring For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starbucks | Fast-Food and Quick-Service Restaurants | 349,000 | Barista, shift supervisor |
| Deloitte | Accounting | 345,000 | Data Scientist, developer, UX designer |
| Walt Disney Company | Motion Picture Production and Distribution | 190,000 | Assistant manager (Partnerships) |
| Apple | Technology | 147,000 | Technical specialist, financial analyst, data scientist |
| Bank of America | Banks and Credit Unions | 140,198 | Data support analyst, data scientist, credit risk officer |
| Technology | 135,301 | Software engineer, data analyst, developer | |
| NBCUniversal | TV Broadcast and Cable Networks | 53,000 | Business analyst, financial analyst, data engineer |
| UC Irvine | College/University | 24,949 | Research assistant, social media manager, application developer |
| Amgen | Biotech and Pharmaceuticals | 24,000 | Scientist, quality assurance, data engineer |
| UCLA | College / University | 7,790 | Student affairs officer, administrative assistant, business development officer |
Largest Los Angeles Companies to Work For
Starbucks
The company started in 1971 and began as a ground coffee and whole bean retailer, according to Starbucks itself. Now, the Starbucks brand has surpassed the United States, offering products in more than 30,000 retail stores, with millions of customers worldwide. As an equal opportunity employer, Starbucks’ culture is inclusive and everyone is welcome.
What Is It Like to Work at Starbucks
As a trusted partner at Starbucks, you’ll be in a positive working environment if you work in a corporate office. Starbucks coffee shops are also always hiring. You’ll be able to meet friendly people, and there’s a good management team.
According to employee reviews on Glassdoor, at Starbucks, you’ll often feel supported by your colleagues, but it can be difficult dealing with rude customers while maintaining a pleasant attitude. Baristas get free coffee and can work flexible hours, which is an advantage when you are studying simultaneously.
Top Reasons to Work at Starbucks
- Great team spirit.
- Flexible hours.
- Fast-paced environment.
Deloitte
Deloitte is a famous company where thousands of professionals collaborate to provide various professional services like consulting, financial advisory services, audit and assurance, and risk management. The company has provided services to clients for more than 150 years. Its vision is to be a standard of excellence and improve the quality of life of its clients.
What Is It Like to Work at Deloitte
When working at Deloitte, you’ll feel that the company supports work-life balance, as they are very generous in giving paid time off. They value their employees’ well-being and encourage them to live healthier lives. The top management has been influential in sharing the plans and visions of the company.
However, some employees on Glassdoor complained that they are expected to work long hours at Deloitte, with lower pay than expected. Regardless, at Deloitte, you’ll be surrounded by excellent people, which will inspire you to do your best in your job.
Top Reasons to Work at Deloitte
- Flexible work culture.
- Supportive environment.
- Good benefits.
Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company started as a simple idea and grew to become a global leader in family entertainment and media enterprises. The company has been vastly growing with its Disney amusement parks and Disney media and entertainment distribution, and it manages an array of entertainment clients in the United States and beyond.
What Is It Like to Work at Walt Disney Company
Working at the Walt Disney Company means being surrounded by strong company values that set you up to become a great leader. The people and staff are supportive and very welcoming, but you’ll often be expected to work long hours for comparatively low pay, according to Glassdoor reviews.
Top Reasons to Work at Walt Disney Company
- Enthusiastic employees.
- Good benefits.
- Has great values.
Apple
Many customers recognize this tech company for its personal computers, tablet computers, smartphones, computer software, and computer peripherals. Apple has been clear that it wants to continually provide power and flexibility to its customers through both world and business changes. Tech minds worldwide are eager to start a career at Apple.
What Is It Like to Work at Apple
Working with one of North America’s biggest tech companies has lots of benefits. First, at Apple, you’re able to work with skilled professionals who will inspire you to hone your craft. Employees working with adaptable tech platforms are always learning and improving their skills.
Employees at this tech company also feel independent, and they don’t think they are micromanaged. However, Apple employees on Glassdoor complain of long working hours for certain projects, and retail staff feel that the hours are inconsistent.
Top Reasons to Work at Apple
- Great company with a strong culture.
- Surrounded by talented professionals.
- Good company compensation.
Bank of America
This bank is part of the world’s leading financial institutions and it’s one of North America’s biggest banks. The Bank of America serves individuals, small to middle-market businesses, private companies, and even large corporations. The company offers an all-inclusive service, including banking and other investment services and financial and risk management.
The Bank of America values excellence, and it wants to deliver its contemporary services through responsible growth worldwide. This major legacy banking company has existed for 240 years.
What Is It Like to Work at Bank of America
Working at the Bank of America has great benefits, although some employees on Glassdoor report a competitive environment when it comes to promotions. You’ll feel that there’s a work-life balance at this company and there are lots of learning opportunities. In addition, the management communicates well with the employees, especially when it comes to company values.
Top Reasons to Work at Bank of America
- Great benefits and company compensation.
- Collaborative environment.
- Family-oriented culture.
Google’s mission is to sort and organize the world’s information and make that accessible to everyone. It was founded in 1998 and started as an online search firm. Now it’s able to offer 50 contemporary services and products like email, online document creation, software for mobile phones, and tablet computers with its various business partners.
What Is It Like to Work at Google
At Google, you’ll be surrounded by good people that will support and encourage you to keep on growing, as there is always a new and innovative product to work on. The company also provides free snacks, and there are perks like a bowling alley and a volleyball court.
The pay at Google is also competitive, and you can work with the most creative and innovative experts in the tech field, although you might find that you’re under a lot of work pressure in this huge corporation.
Top Reasons to Work at Google
- Excellent professionals.
- Strong company culture.
- Good pay.
NBCUniversal
NBCUniversal was formed in 2004, and it is now one of the leading entertainment and media companies. NBCUniversal’s mission is to deliver quality products to its audience. It doesn’t just provide entertainment. It also provides news and valuable information through its stations, programs, and online contemporary services.
What Is It Like to Work at NBCUniversal
Working at NBCUniversal is great because of its inclusivity. When working with this equal opportunity employer, you’ll be part of an excellent workplace where the company is diverse and transparent. You’ll also feel that there is generally a decent work-life balance, although the work and hours can be demanding. At this company, you’ll be surrounded by helpful managers.
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Top Reasons to Work at NBCUniversal
- Lots of opportunities to grow.
- Good benefits.
- The company cares about its employees.
UC Irvine
UC Irvine is a known school institution with many curricular offerings. Its mission is to provide excellence and a positive social impact for every student enrolled in its university. Its vision is to see the world enriched by science and learning, alongside creating a cultural hub of art.
What Is It Like to Work at UC Irvine
The pay at UC Irvine is competitive, but some employees on Glassdoor felt it was too low for the stressful workloads. At UCIrvine, you’ll get to meet interesting people who can help you learn. Furthermore, there are also a lot of resources around you that you can access to further your professional growth.
Top Reasons to Work at UC Irvine
- Flexible hours.
- Great resources and facilities.
- Supportive colleagues.
Amgen
Amgen has played a significant role in healthcare through science and biotechnology. This company is value-based and is finding ways to transform ideas and make discoveries within medicine. Amgen uses tools like advanced human genetics to resolve the complexities of diseases. This company has contributed to Los Angeles county’s revenue since 1980.
What Is It Like to Work at Amgen
Working at Amgen makes you feel very welcome, and you’ll enjoy working with others, although some employees feel that decision-making processes are inefficient at this company. Amgen has good retirement benefits, and the work hours are also just balanced enough for you to comfortably spend your free time outside of the office.
Top Reasons to Work at Amgen
- Work-life balance.
- Great work environment.
- Great benefits.
UCLA
UCLA is a public research university that shares its knowledge for the advancement of global society. Right now, it has 40,000 students. This university has changed the world and its alumni include Nobel Laureates and MacArthur Fellows.
What Is It Like to Work at UCLA
UCLA is a great place to work. You’ll be surrounded by people who share your academic interests. However, Los Angeles has famously expensive living spaces. According to Glassdoor reviewers, UCLA pays lower wages than its competitors, such as the University of Southern California and UC Irvine.
Top Reasons to Work at UCLA
- Great opportunities.
- Flexible hours.
- Good benefits.
Other Big Companies Headquartered in Los Angeles
- CBRE Group
- AECOM
- Forever 21
- VCA Animal Hospitals
- Wells Fargo & Co.
- FedEx Corp.
- SoCalGas
- JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
- City National Bank
Where to Find a Job in Los Angeles: Top Los Angeles Job Boards
Google for Jobs
Google for Jobs brings together various job postings across the web, whether posted by small businesses or other websites. This is a good place to find a job in the city because you can directly set the filters to the job you’re looking for and specifically search within Los Angeles.
Furthermore, Google Jobs has a feature where you can input your skills and qualifications. Once you do so, it’s easier for you to find a job that suits your skills near your area in Los Angeles.
HomeTown Careers Network
This website has a link directing to all Los Angeles careers. This is a helpful job board because you can choose what type of industry you’re looking for and your preferred location. You can also select the size of the company, letting you easily see new opportunities.
Indeed
This job board is popular among job seekers because it gives you almost limitless information. Indeed will tell you who’s hiring and it can also provide insights on the compensation and salaries of companies. In addition, using this to find a Los Angeles job is easy because you’ll see salary estimates and even the experience level required for certain career openings.
What Is Los Angeles’ Tech Scene Like?
The tech scene in Los Angeles keeps on growing. Recently, 7,000 investors helped out 4,768 local startups. The tech scene in LA is known for its consumer standouts, including Dollar Shave Club, Snap, and Riot Games. The city is expected to generate more successful technology companies in the future, boosting the Los Angeles county revenue and providing services to clients worldwide.
Can a Bootcamp Help Me Get a Job with a Top Los Angeles Employer?
Yes, a bootcamp can help you get a job with a top Los Angeles employer, primarily those specializing in coding, programming, and data science. Bootcamps have fast and intensive curricula that can equip you with programming, web development, cloud computing, and cloud engineering skills. Once you have these skills, it’s easy to apply to different employers.
Top Coding Bootcamps in Los Angeles
Why Los Angeles Is a Great Place to Achieve Your Career Goals
Los Angeles is a great place to achieve your career goals because it is a fast-growing city with many investors. Startups are popular, which means the employment rate is also increasing. Once you fit company requirements and meet the desired qualifications, it’ll be easier for you to land a job in Los Angeles and start accomplishing your career goals.
Biggest Companies in Los Angeles FAQ
What major companies are in Los Angeles?
Major companies in Los Angeles are The Walt Disney Co., Edison International, Molina Healthcare, Inc., CBRE Group, Inc., and Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.
What Fortune 500 companies are in Los Angeles?
Fortune 500 companies in Los Angeles include CBRE group, KB Home, Mercury General, Guess, and Air Lease.
What tech companies are in Los Angeles?
A few tech companies in Los Angeles include Disney Interactive, Google, Apple, Snap, GumGum, WeVR, StackCommerce, and AECOM.
Best Companies to Work for in Los Angeles?
The best companies to work for in Los Angeles are dependent on what you are looking for in your career. Companies are considered to be among the best if they compensate their employees well or have a strong company culture where each employee feels included. Look at the list above to see which top Los Angeles company fits your preferences.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
