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MAY 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 mirrors region’s strong business and economic growth
Marketing professionals play a vital role in helping businesses connect with customers, build brand awareness and grow revenue, all of which are especially important in a fast-growing region like San Bernardino County and the broader Inland Empire (IE).
According to statistics from the California Employment Development Department, marketing jobs in the IE are projected to increase by 10% from 2020 to 2030, with nearly 34,000 total job openings when factoring in new positions and replacement needs. This surge reflects the region’s robust economic expansion and the growing need for strategic communication and brand development across industries.
Among the most in-demand roles are Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists, with a projected 6,070 jobs by 2030, the highest in the field. Other top positions include Marketing Managers (median salary: $138,313), Public Relations Specialists ($68,117) and Art Directors ($109,243).
Career pathways in marketing vary. While many positions require a bachelor’s degree, there are also opportunities for individuals with associate degrees or certifications, particularly in digital marketing, public relations and multimedia production.
As the Inland Empire’s economy continues to grow and diversify, marketing careers offer dynamic opportunities, competitive pay, and the chance to shape how organizations communicate and succeed.
The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) supports this growth by connecting talent with opportunity, offering training programs, labor market insights and business services.
For more information about WDB’s programs and services, visit our website.
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Demand for Marketing Professionals, Inland Empire
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Projected Employment 2030
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Percentage Increase 2020-2030
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Median Annual Salary
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Marketing Managers
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2,260
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9%
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$138,313
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Public Relations Managers
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370
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12%
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$131,604
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Fundraising Managers
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240
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14%
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$113,135
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Art Directors
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750
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9%
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$109,243
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Special Effects Artists and Animators
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190
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12%
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$107,162
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Advertising and Promotions Managers
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120
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No change
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$107,030
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Public Relations Specialists
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1,630
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12%
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$68,117
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Market Research Analysts, Marketing Specialists
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6,070
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17%
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$67,717
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Film and Video Editors
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190
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12%
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$66,345
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SOURCE: California Employment Development Department, 2020-2030 Occupational Employment Projections
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What to look for in a marketing professional |
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We asked Michael Krouse (above), President and CEO of GOCAL (Greater Ontario California), what he looks for when hiring in the field of marketing. Here’s what he said:
Creativity with Purpose. Marketing is about telling a story, but it’s also about driving results. I look for people who can bring fresh, original ideas and tie them back to a strategic objective.
Adaptability. The marketing world changes fast, from digital platforms to audience expectations. A good marketing professional doesn’t just keep up, he or she anticipates what’s next.
Strong Communication Skills. Whether it's writing, presenting, or crafting messages for social media, marketers need to be clear, compelling and consistent across every channel.
Data-Driven Thinking. Great marketing isn't just about flair, it's about effectiveness. I value people who know how to analyze results, measure performance, and adjust tactics accordingly.
Collaboration. Marketing doesn’t work in a vacuum. I want team players who can partner with others – across departments, with vendors, and in the community – to elevate our message and mission.
Passion for the Brand. Finally, I look for professionals who believe in what we’re promoting. When someone truly understands and cares about our region, it comes through in every campaign.
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How WDB helped him pursue a new career opportunity
Brian Smith wanted to change things up. He had a steady job at a building materials company, earning $50,000 per year, but he was looking for something more. He wasn’t sure where to turn until he heard a co-worker talking about the services provided by the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB).
“I contacted them and found out about opportunities in the trucking industry. It sounded like a great opportunity to better myself, so I started following through with the things I needed to become a driver. Thanks to you guys, I graduated from trucking school and am about to go on the road for the first time,” Smith said.
He credited WDB with helping him navigate the process of securing a Commercial Driver’s License with Endorsements, which allows him to operate specific types of vehicles. “I’m now eligible to make $70,000 to maybe $100,000 per year,” he said.
The biggest challenge during his training? “Backing up, with a trailer. Learning that was the hardest part.”
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Brian Smith (right): “I appreciate everything the county did for me.”
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March was a record-setting month for San Bernardino County's job market as both employment levels and the size of the labor force reached all-time highs. The county added nearly 9,000 jobs during the month, pushing total employment to nearly 1 million jobs. That helped to drive down the unemployment rate even as the labor force jumped to 1.046 million, reflecting the county’s continued economic growth. Year-over-year, employment levels are up 16,000 jobs, driven largely by increases in the healthcare sector.
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March 2024
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January 2025
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February 2025
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March 2025
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San Bernardino County Unemployment Rate
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4.9%
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5.2%
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5.1%
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5.0%
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California Unemployment Rate*
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5.2%
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5.5%
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5.5%
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5.3%
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United States Unemployment Rate*
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3.9%
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4.4%
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4.5%
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4.2%
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People Employed in San Bernardino County
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978,100
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984,900
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985,500
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994,200
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San Bernardino County Labor Force
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1,028,300
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1,039,100
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1,038,200
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1,046,100
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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 is on the move, and I’m proud of the role the Workforce Development Board (WDB) is playing to help shape a more inclusive, innovative and opportunity-rich future.
To that end, one of the greatest privileges of serving as WDB Chair is collaborating with a group of business owners and community leaders who generously volunteer their time to strengthen our region’s economic future.
That spirit of partnership and innovation was front and center at our recent annual strategy session, where Board members came together to chart the course for the year ahead. The discussions were dynamic and forward-looking, from how we can better align our programs with the needs of employers, to how we can expand access to meaningful opportunities for job seekers across all corners of the county.
As we now transition from planning to action, I’m inspired by the depth of expertise on our Board and by the unwavering support of our Workforce Development Department team. Together, through committee work and stakeholder collaboration, we’ll bring these priorities to life and continue building on the momentum we’ve created.
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How that 1st job nurtured an entrepreneur spirit and strong work ethic
By Peggi Hazlett
Chief Executive Officer, Greater Ontario Business Council
Oh, the things that we did when we were young! When I think back to my first job beyond babysitting and house cleaning, I have such wonderful memories of Decker Corn. Farmer Decker hired me at the ripe young age of 15 to shuck, pack and sell corn at the corner of Mountain Avenue and Riverside Drive in Chino.
Fresh from the fields throughout the Chino Valley, wagons pulled by trustworthy John Deer tractors would deposit corn to our corner vegetable stand. My job was to open each ear to inspect for fat little caterpillars known as corn borer worms. If any were found, I would snap off the affected and damaged kernels and pack the still delicious fresh corn for our waiting customers.
Even then I had an entrepreneurial spirit and suggested to Farmer Decker that we should market and sell the corn to local restaurants. He allowed me full rein to explore the possibility, and I was able to successfully contract with two local Cask ‘n Cleaver locations. I learned so many fundamental traits and established a strong work ethic from my “first job” and am ever grateful for the opportunities to think outside the “packing” box.
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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:
Wednesday, May 28: Career Fair, Ontario International Airport, Old Terminal 1, 1940 Moore Way, Ontario. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thursday, July 17: Career Fair, West Valley AJCC, 9650 9th Street, Suite A, Rancho Cucamonga. 9 a.m.-Noon.
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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, May 16: California Employment Development Department releases its April jobs report.
Friday, June 6: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its May jobs report.
Wednesday, June 11: WDB Executive Committee Meeting, 290 North D Street, San Bernardino. 8:30-10 a.m.
Friday, June 20: California Employment Development Department releases its May jobs report.
Thursday, July 3: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its June jobs report.
Wednesday, July 9: WDB Committee Meetings, 290 North D Street, San Bernardino. 8:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
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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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