Solano County Jobs: Complete Guide to Employment Opportunities (2025)
Published: May 3, 2025 | Last Updated: May 3, 2025
Located in the heart of Northern California between San Francisco and Sacramento, Solano County offers a diverse and growing job market with opportunities spanning numerous industries. Whether you’re a recent graduate, mid-career professional seeking advancement, or someone looking to transition to a new field, understanding the employment landscape in Solano County is the first step toward securing your ideal position.
This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about finding and thriving in Solano County’s job market, from key employment sectors and major employers to valuable training resources and future growth prospects.
Upcoming NorCal Career Fair in Solano County – A prime opportunity for job seekers
Overview of Solano County Job Market
Solano County’s strategic location between the Bay Area and Sacramento makes it an attractive hub for businesses and job seekers alike. With a population of approximately 447,000 residents, the county has experienced steady growth and development in its employment sectors.
Current Employment Statistics
According to recent labor market data, Solano County has a labor force of approximately 199,200 workers, with an unemployment rate of around 5.1% as of early 2025. This figure represents a significant improvement from the pandemic-era highs but indicates there’s still room for economic expansion.
Key Labor Force Statistics:
- Total Labor Force: 199,200 (as of 2025)
- Employment Rate: 57.8%
- Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
- Average Annual Household Income: $87,770
- Poverty Rate: 7% of families
Geographical Advantage
Solano County’s position within the greater Bay Area economic region gives residents access to a labor pool of approximately 2.8 million workers within a 50-mile radius. This strategic location provides both employers and employees with significant opportunities for growth and development.
Key Employment Sectors in Solano County
The county’s economy is diversified across several key sectors, providing stability and various career paths for job seekers with different skills and interests.
Employment statistics across California counties – Solano shows steady growth
Primary Industry Sectors
| Industry Sector | Total Establishments | Employment Significance | Growth Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare & Social Assistance | High | Major employer | Growing |
| Government (including Travis AFB) | Medium | Largest single employer | Stable |
| Retail Trade | High | Significant | Stable |
| Education Services | Medium | Significant | Stable |
| Manufacturing | 248 | Growing | Expanding |
| Construction | 800 | Significant | Growing |
| Transportation & Warehousing | Medium | Growing | Expanding |
| Food & Beverage Production | Low | Specialized | Stable |
Healthcare & Social Assistance
The healthcare sector represents one of the largest and fastest-growing employment sectors in Solano County. With major facilities like NorthBay Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente, opportunities span from clinical roles to administrative positions.
Government & Defense
Travis Air Force Base stands as the county’s largest single employer, providing thousands of civilian and military jobs. Additionally, local government positions across Solano County’s cities and the county itself offer stable employment with competitive benefits.
Manufacturing & Energy
With companies like Valero Refining and Anheuser-Busch operating major facilities, the manufacturing sector provides well-paying jobs requiring various skill levels. The county’s 248 manufacturing establishments create a diverse industrial base.
“Solano County’s manufacturing sector continues to evolve, embracing advanced technologies while maintaining its traditional strengths in food processing and industrial production.” – Solano Economic Development Corporation
Major Employers in Solano County
Understanding the major employers in the region helps job seekers target their applications effectively. Here are some of the leading organizations providing significant employment opportunities in Solano County:
Public Sector
- Travis Air Force Base (largest single employer)
- County of Solano (2,633+ employees)
- Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (2,213+ employees)
- California Medical Facility
- Solano Community College (750+ employees)
- City governments (Fairfield, Vacaville, Vallejo)
Private Sector
- NorthBay Medical Center (1,969+ employees)
- Kaiser Permanente
- Valero Refining Company (400+ employees)
- Anheuser-Busch
- Collins Aerospace
- Jelly Belly Candy Company
- Guittard Chocolate
- Genentech (biotech)
Emerging Employers
Beyond established organizations, Solano County is attracting new employers across several innovative sectors:
- Advanced Manufacturing: Aerospace and defense-related industries
- Drone Technology: Companies specializing in logistics and medical delivery
- Environmental Technologies: Green energy and sustainability-focused businesses
- Biotech and Life Sciences: Research and development facilities
Solano County offers diverse employment opportunities across multiple sectors
Job Statistics and Employment Trends
Understanding current statistics and trends can help job seekers make informed decisions about their career paths in Solano County.
Employment Growth Areas
According to the most recent labor market data, certain occupations in Solano County are experiencing higher demand:
Fastest-Growing Occupations
- Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
- Computer and mathematical occupations
- Construction and extraction occupations
- Transportation and material moving
- Business and financial operations
Occupations with Most Job Openings
- Retail salespersons
- Food preparation and serving workers
- Cashiers
- Registered nurses
- Office and administrative support
Wage and Salary Information
Compensation in Solano County varies significantly by industry, occupation, and experience level:
| Occupation Category | Average Annual Salary | Entry Level | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners | $96,000+ | $75,000 | $120,000+ |
| Management Positions | $110,000+ | $85,000 | $150,000+ |
| Education, Training | $65,000 | $45,000 | $90,000 |
| Production & Manufacturing | $55,000 | $35,000 | $75,000 |
| Office & Administrative | $48,000 | $35,000 | $65,000 |
| Food Service & Retail | $38,000 | $30,000 | $50,000 |
Training and Educational Resources
Solano County offers numerous resources for job seekers looking to enhance their skills or transition to new careers.
Educational Institutions
Several educational institutions in and around Solano County provide valuable training and certification programs:
- Solano Community College – Offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs in areas like nursing, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing
- Napa Valley College – Located near Solano County with programs in hospitality, culinary arts, and healthcare
- California State University, Sacramento – Provides bachelor’s and master’s programs accessible to Solano residents
- UC Davis – Offers world-class education in numerous fields, particularly agriculture, biotech, and healthcare
Workforce Development Programs
The Workforce Development Board of Solano County provides critical services to help residents prepare for and find employment:
Workshops and resources available through the Workforce Development Board of Solano County
Free Job Training Programs
Several no-cost training opportunities are available to Solano County residents:
- Adult Programs – Career counseling, skills assessment, and training for adults seeking employment
- Youth Programs – Work experience and educational support for young adults aged 16-24
- On-the-Job Training – Partnerships with employers to provide paid training while working
- Specialized Workshops – Resume building, interview skills, and digital literacy training
- Vocational Training – Industry-specific training programs in high-demand fields
“The Workforce Development programs provide our job seekers with hands-on training that leads to successful employment. There is no cost to participate in these programs.” – Solano County Office of Education
Job Search Resources in Solano County
Finding the right job opportunity often requires utilizing multiple resources. Solano County offers several platforms and services to connect job seekers with employers.
Official Job Portals
- Solano County Government Jobs – For county positions across various departments
- Workforce Development Board of Solano County – Comprehensive job listings and resources
- Solano County HR Department – Information on county employment opportunities
- Solano Community College Career Center – Job listings and career services
Job Fairs and Networking Events
Regular events provide opportunities to connect directly with employers:
Annual Events
- NorCal Career Fair (Sponsored by WDB Solano)
- Vallejo Career Fair
- Solano County Job Fair
- Industry-specific hiring events
Career Counseling Services
Free career counseling is available through several organizations in Solano County:
- Workforce Development Board – One-on-one career counseling sessions
- Solano Community College Career Center – Career exploration and guidance
- America’s Job Center of California – Career assessment and coaching
⚠️ Important Notice for Job Seekers
Be cautious of job scams that request payment for job placement or ask for sensitive personal information during initial contacts. Legitimate employers and government agencies will never request payment for job applications or interviews.
Future Employment Outlook for Solano County
Several factors are shaping the future of employment in Solano County, creating both opportunities and challenges for job seekers.
Growth Projections
Economic forecasts suggest Solano County will experience job growth of approximately 39.72% over the next decade, outpacing many neighboring counties. This growth is expected to be distributed across multiple sectors, with healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and technology leading the expansion.
Emerging Industries
Several industries are poised for significant growth in Solano County:
- Clean Energy and Sustainability – Solar installation, energy-efficient construction, and green technology
- Advanced Manufacturing – Precision components, aerospace, and defense-related technologies
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences – Research, development, and production facilities
- Logistics and Transportation – Distribution centers leveraging Solano’s strategic location
“As the Bay Area’s northeast county, Solano has the potential to draw from a huge labor pool and continues to position itself as an attractive location for business expansion and relocation.” – Solano Economic Development Corporation
Skills in Demand
To remain competitive in Solano County’s evolving job market, job seekers should consider developing skills in:
Technical Skills
- Healthcare technologies and electronic medical records
- Advanced manufacturing processes
- Computer programming and data analysis
- Digital marketing and e-commerce
- Renewable energy technologies
Soft Skills
- Adaptability and continuous learning
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Cross-cultural communication
- Project management
- Remote work collaboration
Frequently Asked Questions About Solano County Jobs
What is the largest employer in Solano County?
Travis Air Force Base is the largest single employer in Solano County, providing thousands of military and civilian jobs. The base has a significant economic impact on the region and offers diverse employment opportunities in administration, logistics, healthcare, and specialized technical roles.
What is the current unemployment rate in Solano County?
As of early 2025, Solano County’s unemployment rate is approximately 5.1%, which is slightly higher than the California state average but has been steadily improving. The rate varies seasonally and by specific regions within the county.
How can I find government jobs in Solano County?
Government jobs in Solano County can be found through the official county job portal at GovernmentJobs.com/careers/solanocounty. The site allows you to search for positions, set up job alerts, and apply online. Additionally, each city within the county (Fairfield, Vacaville, Vallejo, etc.) has its own employment portal for municipal positions.
What free job training programs are available in Solano County?
The Workforce Development Board of Solano County offers numerous free training programs, including career counseling, skills assessment, vocational training, and on-the-job training opportunities. These programs are designed to help residents gain the skills needed for in-demand occupations. Contact the Workforce Development Board at (707) 863-3500 or visit their website to learn about eligibility and enrollment.
What are the fastest-growing industries in Solano County?
Healthcare, advanced manufacturing, construction, and transportation/logistics are currently among the fastest-growing industries in Solano County. Emerging sectors include clean energy, biotechnology, and technology services that support the region’s established industries.
When and where are job fairs held in Solano County?
Solano County hosts several job fairs throughout the year, with the largest being the NorCal Career Fair typically held in the spring. The Workforce Development Board of Solano County organizes regular hiring events in Fairfield, Vacaville, and Vallejo. Information about upcoming job fairs can be found on the Workforce Development Board’s website or by following their social media channels.
Conclusion: Your Path to Employment in Solano County
Solano County offers a dynamic and diverse job market with opportunities spanning numerous industries and skill levels. From government and healthcare to manufacturing and emerging technologies, the county’s strategic location and economic development initiatives continue to create new employment prospects for residents.
By leveraging the resources available through the Workforce Development Board, educational institutions, and other support services, job seekers can position themselves effectively for both current openings and future opportunities. The county’s projected growth, combined with its quality of life advantages, makes it an attractive location for career development and advancement.
Whether you’re entering the job market for the first time, seeking advancement in your current field, or planning a career change, Solano County’s employment landscape offers promising possibilities for your professional future.
Ready to Start Your Job Search?
Connect with these key resources to begin your employment journey in Solano County:
- Workforce Development Board of Solano County – Job listings, training programs, and career counseling
- Solano County Careers Portal – Government employment opportunities
- Solano County Human Resources – Information on county positions and benefits
- Explore More Job Resources – Additional career guidance and opportunities
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