California’s Top 20 Industries: Driving Innovation, Growth, and Prosperity
California stands as the 5th largest economy in the world, fueled by diverse industries that
shape its economic dominance. From Hollywood’s entertainment empire to Silicon Valley’s
tech revolution, our industries lead in innovation, sustainability, and global influence.
As California moves towards a more independent and self-sustaining future, these 20
powerhouse industries will be at the forefront, creating jobs, fostering investment, and shaping
policies that reflect the state’s unique values.
This page highlights the key sectors driving California’s economy, their contributions, and how
we can strengthen them to secure our future. Join us as we build a stronger, more resilient
California—by Californians, for Californians.
California's Top Industries
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing
- Annual Contribution: Approximately $577 billion
- Details: This sector includes financial services, insurance companies, real estate activities, and rental and leasing services.
- Source: Statista
Information
- Annual Contribution: Approximately $452 billion
- Details: Includes software publishing, motion picture and sound recording, broadcasting, telecommunications, and data processing services.
- Source: Statista
Retail Trade
- Annual Contribution: Approximately $174 billion
- Details: Comprises businesses selling consumer goods such as clothing, electronics, and groceries.
- Source: Statista
Wholesale Trade
- Annual Contribution: Approximately $146 billion
- Details: Involves the distribution of goods to retailers, industrial, commercial, and institutional users.
- Source: Statista
Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, Accommodation, and Food Services
- Annual Contribution: Approximately $131 billion
- Details: Encompasses entertainment industries, recreational activities, hotels, and restaurants.
- Source: Statista
Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, Accommodation, and Food Services
- Annual Contribution: Approximately $131 billion
- Details: Encompasses entertainment industries, recreational activities, hotels, and restaurants.
- Source: Statista
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
- Annual Contribution: Approximately $30 billion
- Details: Involves extraction of minerals, oil, and natural gas.
- Source: Statista
Other Services (Except Government)
- Annual Contribution: Approximately $20 billion
- Details: Comprises repair and maintenance services, personal services, and religious organizations.
- Source: Statista
Insurance Carriers and Related Activities
- Annual Contribution:Included within Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing
- Details: Encompasses insurance underwriting and related services.
- Source: Statista
Management of Companies and Enterprises
- Annual Contribution:Approximately $15 billion
- Details: Includes establishments that hold securities of companies for ownership or control purposes.
- Source: Statista
Professional and Business Services
- Annual Contribution: Approximately $521 billion
- Details: Encompasses legal services, accounting, consulting, advertising, and other professional services.
- Source: Statista
Manufacturing
- Annual Contribution: Approximately $352 billion
- Details: Covers the production of goods such as electronics, machinery, chemicals, and food products.
- Source: Statista
Government and Government Enterprises
- Annual Contribution: Approximately $340 billion
- Details: Represents federal, state, and local government activities and services.
- Source: Statista
Educational Services, Health Care, and Social Assistance
- Annual Contribution: Approximately $255 billion
- Details: Includes private educational institutions, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and social assistance programs.
- Source: Statista
Construction
- Annual Contribution: Approximately $101 billion
- Details: Includes residential and non-residential building construction, as well as infrastructure projects.
- Source: Statista
Transportation and Warehousing
- Annual Contribution: Approximately $80 billion
- Details:Covers air, rail, water, and truck transportation, as well as warehousing and storage services.
- Source: Statista
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting
- Annual Contribution: Approximately $50 billion
- Details:Involves crop production, animal farming, forestry, and fishing activities.
- Source: Statista
Administrative and Support and Waste Management Services
- Annual Contribution: Approximately $25 billion
- Details: Includes employment services, security services, cleaning services, and waste disposal.
- Source: Statista
Real Estate
- Annual Contribution: Included within Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing
- Details: Focuses on real estate activities such as brokerage, management, and property sales.
- Source: Statista
Rental and Leasing Services
- Annual Contribution: Included within Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing
- Details: Involves renting and leasing of tangible goods and equipment.
- Source: Statista