A Skilled, Educated Labor Force
Oakland's population has grown 7% since 2010, from 391,000 people to 420,000, while the number of working Oaklanders has grown almost 20% from 170,000 to 215,300.
Through regional partnerships with local educational institutions and industry leaders, we're working to address current and future talent needs for the Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, Information, Communication & Technology, and Transportation & Logistics industry sectors. The Oakland Workforce Development Board offers services to connect businesses with skilled local talent.
Oakland's labor pool ranks eighth in the United States in overall educational achievement. More than one-third of Oakland residents have a college degree – twice the national average.
The Oakland Metro Area is a fertile intellectual environment. Approximately 100,000 students attend local universities and colleges such as:
- University of California-Berkeley
- California State University-East Bay
- Samuel Merritt University
- Mills College
- Patten University
- Holy Names University
- Expression College for Digital Arts
- Lincoln University
Unemployment Rate in Oakland
June 2022: 3.4%
Source: California EDD, preliminary, not seasonally adjusted
Annual Average Unemployment Rate in Oakland
2021: 7.3%
2020: 10.9%
2019: 3.4%
2018: 3.5%
2017: 4.2%
2016: 4.9%
2015: 5.9%
2014: 7.3%
2013: 9.0%
2012: 10.8%
2011: 12.5%
2010: 13.6%