California has long been known as a hub for innovation and creativity in the US. The state's major cities, like Los Angeles and San Francisco, are popular destinations for ambitious new graduates and experienced professionals wanting to make their mark or advance their careers. If you already have a job waiting for you before departing for Los Angeles, then you know exactly what your next steps will be. However, if you are still in the process of looking for job opportunities in the city, this article aims to provide some helpful information about the specifics of job hunting in Los Angeles.
The labor market in Los Angeles
The job market in Los Angeles is dynamic, with opportunities available across various industries. If you are from a small city, the variety of positions available will be a little daunting. However, it can also be competitive and subject to economic fluctuations and extremes. This is the city where people go to hit the big time but it's also a place where it's possible to fall on hard times
Popular industries in Los Angeles
As you will already know, many people come to LA for stardom. Home to Hollywood and the birthplace of the modern movie industry, Los Angeles is indeed the Mecca of the entertainment industry. However, there is way more to this city than Hollywood – some of the most significant contributors to the city's economy are business services, trade, financial services and tech. Los Angeles is also a key hub for clean energy and sustainability industries, aerospace and defense (with companies like SpaceX and Northrop Grumman), biotechnology, and AI/tech startups.
LA's economy
With an unemployment rate of 5.2%, finding a job in Los Angeles can be competitive. However, the city is renowned for its unrivalled support of creativity, innovation, commerce, and entrepreneurship, boasting still a slew of full-blown industries.
The real challenge for job seekers in Los Angeles may not be employment itself but rather getting a job with a decent salary to support a desired lifestyle. Over half of LA's residents do not earn incomes that support a comfortable lifestyle in a city that is one of the most expensive in the US. Around 57% of households in Los Angeles County are considered “cost-burdened” by housing, i.e., spending more than 30% of their income on rent or a mortgage.
Los Angeles' economy is one of the biggest and most enviable in the country, but not everyone benefits from this; poverty and homelessness are quite visible in the city, especially in neighborhoods like Venice Beach and South LA.
Competition in LA's labor market
LA is synonymous with the entertainment industry, but other popular industries in the city, as mentioned above, include IT, clean energy, aerospace, biotechnology, trade and logistics, healthcare, and data science.
The biggest challenge in the job market for expats in Los Angeles is obtaining a work permit. Another challenge is the need to convince employers to sponsor your work visa. You will find it even harder to get a job in Los Angeles if you are not proficient in English.
It is always advisable for expats to secure a job before they arrive in the city, as this is the easiest way to get a visa and work permit. If you don't have a job waiting for you, then you must be prepared for a rigorous job search to find the perfect job.
Wages in Los Angeles
The median household income in Los Angeles County is around $78,700, and salaries vary significantly by sector. Software engineers now earn a median of about $115,000; mechanical engineers, around $92,000; and executive assistants, about $71,000.
According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator (2024–25), a single adult in Los Angeles needs about $83,600 post-tax to meet basic expenses. This figure is higher for households with children.
While average salaries in Los Angeles are thankfully higher than national averages, the city's high housing, transport, and healthcare costs mean that professionals still need to budget carefully to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Finding a job in Los Angeles
From job boards and career fairs to networking and temp roles, there are many ways to start your job search in LA. Knowing how applications are expected to look in the US will also boost your chances.
Where to start your job search
The easiest route is to begin your job search in your current country and explore companies with branches or offices in Los Angeles. If you secure a position with such a company, you can later request a transfer to Los Angeles.
Alternatively, you can directly search for job opportunities within Los Angeles, although this can be a bit more challenging. It's crucial to remember that you can only apply for a US work visa once you have a valid job offer from a US employer. Only a few companies are willing to hire foreign workers and act as visa sponsors. Currently, expats with STEM backgrounds, particularly in AI, clean energy, and biotech, have better odds of sponsorship due to labor shortages.
Another path you can take is to study in the United States first. Attending an American university, either for a graduate or undergraduate degree, can significantly improve your job prospects. While studying in the US, you can also network and connect with future employers. Additionally, an option called OPT (Optional Practical Training) allows F1 visa graduates to work in the US after completing their studies. STEM graduates may qualify for a three-year OPT extension, giving them more time to secure a longer-term visa.
Job hunting resources
There are lots of online and offline resources that can be helpful in your job search strategies.
- Online resources: Careerbuilder, Monster, LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, industry-specific boards. Industry-specific sites include Starwood Jobs for hospitality roles and EntertainmentCareers.net for film and media positions.
- Headhunting agencies: for senior/experienced hires.
- Career fairs: a good way to meet recruiters face-to-face. Check out the National Career Fairs calendar for up to date info.
- Contact employers directly: email, LinkedIn, professional networks.
- Temp agencies and staffing companies: a common pathway to permanent work.
Applying for a job in Los Angeles
CVs and cover letters
US employers expect a resume (CV) that is usually one to two pages, in reverse chronological format, and focused on clear achievements. Avoid including personal details like marital status or religion. Cover letters should be tailored to each role, around 300 words, highlighting your motivation and personality.
Tips for landing a job in Los Angeles
Landing a job in Los Angeles can take persistence and preparation. You will be up against a lot of talented competitors. Here are a few practical tips to help you stand out:
- Research the company before applying to understand its culture, mission, and dress code.
- Tailor each application to the role, especially your cover letter. If you are using AI to help with CV or cover letter organisation, make sure you rewrite it in your own words.
- Arrive early for interviews, bring printed copies of any relevant materials or qualifications, and complete any online tasks well in advance.
- Dress appropriately: most workplaces follow a business-casual or smart-casual code. If you're not sure, err on the side of dressing smartly.
- Follow up with a short thank-you email after interviews to signal ongoing interest.
- Be patient and persistent. Hiring can take time, and securing sponsorship adds an extra step. Don't be afraid to follow up with an email, checking in or requesting an update, but definitely avoid hassling employers or repeatedly contacting them.
Work culture in Los Angeles
Workplaces in Los Angeles tend to reflect the city's laid-back but ambitious spirit. For expats, understanding local norms around communication, dress, diversity, and networking is key to thriving in this environment.
Interviewing and hiring culture
Job interviews may take place in person or remotely. Many companies require several rounds of interviews. Research the company's mission and values before applying, and be prepared to demonstrate how your skills match their needs. Los Angeles workplaces tend to lean towards business casual dress, though industries vary. Clarify your visa status early, and be ready with questions for the employer.
Communication
Given the city's multicultural nature, it is normal to greet people cheerfully in the workplace. Remain calm, positive, and professional. Avoid foul language or raising your voice, and pay attention to body language cues.
Dress code
Los Angeles' demeanor is laid back and affable, and this is reflected in the predominant workspace dress code: casual and business casual. However, neat, tidy clothing is always expected. The creative vibe often blends business with pleasure, with work events happening over meals, sports games, or informal gatherings.
Gender equality and inclusion
Gender equality is a core expectation. Behaviour in the workplace is gender-neutral, and confidence (such as offering a handshake) is valued equally by men and women.
Moreover, Los Angeles boasts a remarkably diverse workforce, reflecting the city's multicultural population.
Social media
Employees are expected not to post anything on social media that conflicts with company culture. Keep posts moderate and respectful.
Work and play in Los Angeles
Work-life balance is important. While LA has ambitious professionals, leisure and outside interests are also valued. Expect colleagues to share personal hobbies and weekend activities.
Networking
Networking is central to success. Building a professional network is considered as important as skills and qualifications. Opportunities exist at formal events, social gatherings, and even informal settings like cafés or hiking trails.
Networking opportunities in LA extend beyond the office or conference spaces. Many professionals build connections at local meetups, coworking spaces, and alumni events. Joining LinkedIn groups or Meetup.com networks can also help you connect with others in your field. Because the city's industries are so intertwined, a casual chat can sometimes lead to career opportunities.
Work visas and sponsorship for professionals in LA
Working legally in Los Angeles requires the right visa, which usually depends on having a confirmed job offer from a US employer willing to act as your sponsor. You cannot arrive on a tourist or family visa and then look for work, as this is against immigration law. The main pathway for working in the US is what is called the H-1B Visa. However, there are other options, such as the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability; the E-2 investor visa; the L-1 visa for intra-company transfers; and the F-1 student visa with Optional Practical Training (OPT).
The process for obtaining a work visa can be lengthy and costly, but with the right preparation it is definitely achievable. Demand for the H-1B visa continues to far exceed supply, with only about 85,000 slots available annually compared to more than 750,000 registrations. Make sure to prepare any application materials well in advance and be prepared for multiple attempts.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
