COSTA MESA, Calif. (December 4, 2025) – The County of Orange, in partnership with Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley, will host a Career Fair in Costa Mesa for job seekers and employers on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Registration, admission, and parking are free.
“Investing in our workforce means investing in the future of Orange County,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley, Fifth District Supervisor. “The Fifth District continues leading the County in job generation with the lowest unemployment numbers and most opportunities for job seekers. This career fair opens doors, connects talent with opportunity, and provides residents with resources to thrive.”
Job seekers are highly encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of their resumes as they interact with over 100 prospective employers, interview for open positions, and potentially be hired on the spot. Participating employers will include in-demand employment sector companies ranging from service industries to high-level corporate and technical organizations.
| Date: | Tuesday, December 9, 2025 |
| Time: | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Location: | OC Fairgrounds; 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626 |
| Registration: | bit.ly/2025CareerFairCM |
To help participants prepare for the Career Fair, the Orange County Workforce Solutions centers are offering free workshops including resume writing and interview techniques. For a full list of online and in-person workshops available, visit ocworkforcesolutions.com/workshops.
For questions or more information, email info@ocworkforcesolutions.com or call (866) 500-6587. Details will also be posted as they emerge on OC Workforce & Economic Development Division’s social media pages at facebook.com/orangecountyworkforce, @ocworkforce on Instagram, and linkedin.com/company/ocworkforce.
This WIOA Title I financially assisted program or activity is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you need special assistance to participate in this program, please call (866) 500-6587. TDD/TTY users, please call the California Relay Service at (800) 735- 2922 or 711. Please call 48 hours in advance to allow reasonable arrangements to be made to ensure accessibility to this program.
Here’s a snapshot of the Orange County job market as of December 2025:
Current Conditions
- Unemployment Rate: Around 4.2%–4.6%, slightly higher than earlier in the year but still below California’s statewide average of about 4.9%.
- Labor Force Trends: Employment growth has slowed compared to national trends; OC is about 1% above pre-pandemic levels, while the U.S. is up over 5%.
- Job Growth Outlook: Modest growth projected—about 1.0% in 2025 and 0.8% in 2026, better than the historical average of 0.2%.
Top Hiring Industries
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: Strongest growth driver; hospitals, clinics, and specialty care facilities are adding jobs.
- Education Services: Private education and health services combined added over 12,000 jobs year-over-year.
- Leisure and Hospitality: Continues to recover, adding jobs in food service and tourism-related roles.
- Technology and Professional Services: Demand for software engineers, IT specialists, and data analysts remains strong.
- Finance and Corporate Services: Hiring for accountants, analysts, and management roles.
Challenges
- Construction and Manufacturing: Both sectors have seen job losses in 2025.
- Labor Supply: Tight labor market and high cost of living make recruitment competitive.
- Economic Outlook: UCLA forecast suggests a “soft patch” through early 2026 before stronger growth resumes later in the year.
Here are estimated salary ranges for top job categories in Orange County, CA:
Healthcare
- Registered Nurse (RN): $72,600 – $129,000 per year (average around $100,800)
- Medical Assistant: $23 – $33 per hour (roughly $48,000 – $68,000 annually)
- Physicians and Surgeons: $250,000 – $305,000 annually
Technology
- Software Engineer: $128,000 – $185,000 annually (average around $158,000)
- Senior Software Engineer: $117,000 – $156,000 annually
Finance & Accounting
- Accountant: $65,000 – $115,000 annually (average around $81,000)
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant): $86,000 – $133,000 annually (average around $98,500)
Education
- Public School Teacher: $51,600 – $68,300 annually (median around $58,800)
- High School Teacher: About $61,000 annually
Hospitality
- Entry-Level Hospitality Roles (e.g., front desk, concierge): $22 – $27 per hour (roughly $45,000 – $56,000 annually)
- Hospitality Sales Manager: $116,000 – $183,000 annually (average around $142,000)