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APRIL 2025
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Col. Paul Cook (Ret.) District 1
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Jesse Armendarez District 2
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Dawn Rowe
Chairman
District 3
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Curt Hagman
District 4
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Joe Baca Jr.
Vice Chair
District 5
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Luther Snoke – Chief Executive Officer, San Bernardino County
Bradley Gates – Director, Workforce Development Department
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Demand for these skilled professionals is higher than ever across the region
Few careers have as much impact on daily life as engineering. Whether designing roads and bridges, improving energy efficiency, or developing advanced aerospace technology, engineers are at the forefront of innovation. With San Bernardino County and the broader Inland Empire (IE) experiencing rapid growth, the demand for skilled engineers is stronger than ever, offering exciting career prospects and competitive salaries.
According to the California Employment Development Department, the IE is projected to have nearly 16,000 engineering-related job openings during the current decade (2020-2030). Civil engineering leads the way, with nearly 3,000 openings expected, reflecting the region’s rapid population growth and infrastructure needs. Other in-demand fields include mechanical, electrical and industrial engineering, as well as architectural drafting and electronics technology.
The earning potential in engineering is significant. Median annual salaries in the Inland Empire range from around $61,000 for mechanical drafters to more than $105,000 for environmental engineers. Many engineering roles require a bachelor’s degree, but there are also opportunities for those with associate’s degrees, particularly in drafting and technician roles.
With the region’s expanding economy and ongoing development, careers in engineering offer stability, growth and the chance to contribute to the future of our dynamic region. The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) proudly supports job seekers and businesses by providing training programs, labor market insights, and employment services.
For more information about WDB’s programs and services, visit our website.
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Projected Job Openings, 2020-2030, Across the Inland Empire
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Median Salary
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Education Required
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Environmental Engineers
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$105,443
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Bachelor’s
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Civil Engineers
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$103,402
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Bachelor’s
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Aerospace Engineers
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$102,915
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Bachelor’s
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Electrical Engineers
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$101,165
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Bachelor’s
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Architects
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$82,372
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Bachelor’s
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Electronic Engineering Technicians
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$76,974
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Associate’s
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Civil Engineering Technicians
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$70,810
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Associate’s
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Architectural Drafters
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$62,273
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Associate’s
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Mechanical Drafters
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$61,237
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Associate’s
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SOURCE: California Employment Development Department, 2020-2030 Occupational Employment Projections
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‘Compassion and respect for all people is absolutely necessary’
By Greg Bradbard
Chief Executive Officer, Inland Empire Health Plan Foundation
My first notable job in high school was serving guests at Baker’s Square restaurant in West Covina. I was initially hired as a host, responsible for seating guests and cleaning tables, and later had the opportunity to become a waiter.
One detail that still stands out: I was old enough to take an order for beer or wine, but not old enough to legally serve it. More importantly, that job taught me the value of respecting and valuing all people. We had a diverse mix of guests, including a few regulars who would spend hours sitting alone at their preferred table each day.
As I got to know them, I realized that everyone has a unique story, and those who are struggling have often faced significant hardships that shaped their journey.
That early experience stayed with me as I built a career in nonprofits, working with low-income and underserved communities. Bringing compassion to my work and respecting every individual has been essential, not just in serving them, but in believing in their future potential.
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How WDB’s Business Services Team continues to help this local company grow |
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For several years, GT United Imaging and Construction Inc. in Redlands has relied on the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) for Business Service support.
“Ever since I met (WDB Business Services Specialist) Carmela Gilbert, I’ve been able to hire employees, provide On-the-Job Training, attend job fairs and take advantage of their free Human Resources Hotline,” said Alejandra Moreno, Human Resources Director for GT United. “These services are invaluable for small businesses like ours, helping us navigate hiring procedures and workforce needs.”
More recently, WDB assisted the Redlands-based company in developing a marketing plan, including support for a social media program, the company’s website and business cards. With the help of a consulting firm contracted by Workforce Development, GT United now has a comprehensive marketing strategy that it can leverage across its business units, from general contracting to project management to design-build services.
“I want to thank the Workforce Development Board for helping us grow as a small business. Every time I meet another small company, I make sure to tell them about the services the County has to offer,” Moreno said.
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ABOVE: Rob Andrade and Alejandra Moreno from GT United Imaging and Construction are joined by WDB Chair William Sterling (left) and Director Bradley Gates (right).
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WDB’s Business Services Team is comprised of professionals ready to assist businesses, large and small, gain a competitive advantage and navigate the complex systems of a new economy. Among the services GT United Imaging and Construction Inc. has used to grow its business:
On-the-Job Training: This program provides funding to cover up to 50% of a qualified employee’s wages while in training.
Free Human Resources Hotline: (877) 287-3763
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San Bernardino County's unemployment rate edged lower in February, as the county and Inland Empire (IE) continued to outperform the state and nation as a whole. Across the IE, the healthcare sector has added more than 16,000 jobs over the past year to lead the way. Leisure and hospitality lost 10,600 jobs during the same period. Meanwhile, our labor force continues to reflect the strong overall growth of San Bernardino County, up by more than 10,000 workers during the past 12 months (see Message from the Chair, below).
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February 2024
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December 2024
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January 2025
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February 2025
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San Bernardino County Unemployment Rate
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4.5%
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4.8%
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5.2%
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5.1%
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California Unemployment Rate*
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5.4%
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5.2%
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5.5%
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5.5%
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United States Unemployment Rate*
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4.2%
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3.8%
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4.4%
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4.5%
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People Employed in San Bernardino County
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974,800
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989,600
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984,900
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985,600
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San Bernardino County Labor Force
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1,027,300
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1,040,000
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1,039,100
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1,038,200
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* Rates unadjusted
SOURCE: California Employment Development Department
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At WDB, we help businesses tap into one of the most robust talent pools in California
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By William Sterling
WDB Chair
San Bernardino County’s workforce continues to grow, solidifying our region as an economic powerhouse. With a labor pool now exceeding 1.038 million people, the fifth largest among counties in California, businesses here have access to an incredible depth of talent.
This growth reflects our county’s expanding economy and underscores the opportunity for businesses to thrive. Whether you’re looking for skilled workers in healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, technology or any other sector, our labor force is ready and growing.
At the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB), we’re committed to ensuring businesses can connect with job seekers who have the skills and training needed to succeed. Through On-the-Job Training programs, customized recruitment assistance and partnerships with local schools and colleges, we help prepare the workforce of today and tomorrow.
For businesses, this means access to a skilled, diverse and motivated workforce. For job seekers, it means pathways to better careers and economic mobility. Together, we are strengthening our local economy and positioning San Bernardino County as a top destination for business growth.
We invite you to partner with us as we continue building a workforce that drives success across our region.
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Stat of the Month
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The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board hosts hiring events at the County’s America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) and other venues throughout the year. Coming up:
Tuesday, April 15: Career Fair, Chaffey College, Chino Community Center, 5890 College Park Ave., Chino. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thursday, April 24: Career Fair, Mall of Victor Valley, 14400 Bear Valley Road, Suite 735, Victorville. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thursday, May 8: Career Fair, Inland Valley Mall, 500 Inland Center Drive, San Bernardino. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wednesday, May 28: Career Fair, Ontario International Airport, Old Terminal 1, 1940 Moore Way, Ontario. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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Coming Up
WDB hosts free virtual seminars throughout the week to help job seekers on topics such as interviewing skills, resume building and navigating the employment resources that are available. If you know of anyone who could use this valuable assistance, a calendar of upcoming sessions is available online.
In the meantime, here are some upcoming events and release dates:
Friday, April 18: California Employment Development Department releases its March jobs report.
Friday, May 2: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its April jobs report.
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 On any given day, San Bernardino County’s three America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) have access to 100 or more job seekers ready and able to fill your positions. To find that perfect employee for your business, please contact your local AJCC:
East Valley: 500 Inland Center Drive, Space 508, San Bernardino (909) 382-0440
West Valley: 9650 9th St., Suite A, Rancho Cucamonga (909) 941-6500
High Desert: 17310 Bear Valley Road, Suite 109, Victorville (760) 552-6550
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Stay up to date
Catch up on past editions of Workforce Update, WDB’s monthly e-newsletter and labor market intelligence report.
If you know others who would like to receive this timely and important information, please invite them to join our mailing list at info.workforce@wdd.sbcounty.gov.
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- WIOA Title I-financially assisted programs or activities are an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For federal funding disclosure information, visit: workforce.sbcounty.gov/about/ffd/
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