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JULY 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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Careers in science are on the rise in San Bernardino County and Inland Empire
From laboratory research to environmental preservation and higher education, science-related careers are rapidly emerging as a force in the Inland Empire economy. With thousands of new jobs expected over the next decade and strong earning potential across the board, science professions offer exciting opportunities for local job seekers in San Bernardino County.
According to the California Employment Development Department, science-related occupations in the Inland Empire are projected to grow significantly through 2032. Leading the way are College Biology Teachers, with a projected 22% increase in employment, followed closely by Forensic Science Technicians (17%) and Medical Scientists (15%). Overall, the Inland Empire is expected to see more than 13,000 jobs in life, physical, and social science occupations by 2032, an increase of 12% over current levels. Factoring in turnover and new positions, the total number of actual job openings is expected to exceed 12,000.
These careers aren’t just growing, they’re also well-compensated. Medical Scientists and College Biology Teachers both report median annual salaries exceeding $129,000. Chemists, Environmental Scientists and College Chemistry Teachers also earn six-figure salaries or close to it. Even Forensic Science Technicians, often seen on the front lines of law enforcement support, command median pay of over $82,000 annually.
This growth reflects the increasing need for skilled professionals across industries, as employers in fields such as health care, clean technology, education and public safety demand science expertise. San Bernardino County, with its large labor pool and expanding infrastructure, is becoming a magnet for companies seeking to build science-focused operations close to home.
While many of these roles require college degrees, the educational pathways vary and can be tailored to individual goals, from associate degrees and certifications to advanced degrees in specialized scientific disciplines.
The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) is here to support programs, career counseling, job matching services and employer connections designed to launch and sustain careers in this vital sector. To learn more about how WDB can help you pursue a rewarding future in science, visit our website.
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Demand for Science Professionals, Inland Empire
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Projected Employment 2032
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Percentage Increase 2022-2032
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Median Annual Salary
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Life, Physical and Social Science Occupations
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13,110
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12%
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$84,168
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Medical Scientists
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1,020
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15%
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$129,847
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Chemists
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520
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11%
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$96,839
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Environmental Scientists
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620
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7%
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$89,504
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College Biology Teachers
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340
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22%
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$129,713
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College Chemistry Teachers
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150
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15%
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$122,833
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Forensic Science Technicians
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290
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17%
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$82,416
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SOURCE: California Employment Development Department, 2022-2032 Occupational Employment Projections
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 Robert Sherwood (above): Workforce Development Specialist Tamika Tonge "re-energized me when I needed it most."
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Finding purpose after a career setback
After more than 20 years in a director-level role, Robert Sherwood of Chino Hills was laid off in early 2023. With 40-plus years of retail experience, he expected a smooth return to work, but the modern job market, reshaped by technology and artificial intelligence, proved difficult to navigate.
“I hadn’t applied for a job in nearly 25 years,” Robert said. “The resume, the interviews, even the application process – it had all changed.”
After 15 months of searching, Robert met Workforce Development Specialist Tamika Tonge at a job fair. With her guidance, he refreshed his resume, accessed recertification programs, and earned certification as a Project Management Professional.
“Tamika re-energized me at a time when I needed it most,” Robert said. “She offered resume advice, helped me understand today’s job market, and supported me through recertification programs that added new value to my resume.”
With renewed confidence, Robert connected with the founder of Vegas Tiny Homes, where he first volunteered and later accepted a paid leadership position. Today, he serves as Executive Business Developer, using his skills to support a startup with a social mission.
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The unemployment rate in San Bernardino County held steady in May as the local job market continues to outperform the state. Employers in the county have added more than 19,000 jobs during the past 12 months, with healthcare, government and logistics leading the way.
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May 2024
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March 2025
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April 2025
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May 2025
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San Bernardino County Unemployment Rate
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4.4%
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5.0%
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4.8%
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4.8%
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California Unemployment Rate*
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4.7%
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5.3%
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5.0%
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4.9%
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United States Unemployment Rate*
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3.7%
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4.2%
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3.9%
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4.0%
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People Employed in San Bernardino County
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969,800
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994,200
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989,900
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988,900
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San Bernardino County Labor Force
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1,014,500
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1,046,200
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1,040,000
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1,038,500
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* Rates Not Seasonally Adjusted
SOURCE: California Employment Development Department
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San Bernardino County is an ideal location for businesses, and we’re here to help
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By William Sterling
WDB Chair
As we continue to navigate a dynamic economic landscape, the resiliency of San Bernardino County’s economy has never been more evident.
Across the Inland Empire, our key employment sectors, from healthcare to logistics, are leading the way in driving growth and opportunity. In fact, the healthcare sector alone added nearly 15,000 new jobs over the past year, reflecting both the demand for skilled talent and the strength of this critical industry. Logistics, manufacturing and other vital sectors continue to create pathways to employment, helping our region remain one of the fastest-growing in California.
With a labor pool of more than 1 million right here in San Bernardino County, we are an ideal location for businesses seeking to expand, invest and thrive. And behind the scenes, the Workforce Development Board is proud to be a partner in this growth, connecting employers with resources, talent and training solutions that fuel success.
If you’re an employer looking to grow, or a business seeking new opportunities, I encourage you to connect with our team. Together, we can help you build for the future.
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So many lessons learned from typing math quizzes
By Julie Michaels
Executive Director, Inland Action
My first job was typing math quizzes and tests for the University of the Pacific (UOP) Math Department. I later learned that I was hired because (a) I had taken typing in junior high school and could type quickly and accurately; (b) I was taking higher mathematics in high school and could understand the mathematical equations for the non-major students; and (c) I did not know any of the students at the university.
While this job added to my personal college fund, it also provided exposure and understanding that women could study science and math in college. This was not something I was exposed to previously. I continued to work at UOP and later accepted summer jobs measuring and hanging dry wall with a maintenance team as well as grounds work. Through these part-time jobs, my college work study, plus Cal and Pell grants, I was able to afford college. With support and mentoring, I was confident when I stepped into my Organic Chemistry class and was the only female in the class.
Through these experiences, I work to never limit myself. More importantly, I look for ways to inspire and mentor the next generations, perhaps seeing in individuals what they do not see in themselves. That is one of my greatest joys.
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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:
Thursday, July 17: Career Fair, West Valley AJCC, 9650 9th Street, Suite A, Rancho Cucamonga. 9 a.m.-Noon.
Thursday, July 24: Career Fair, High Desert Destiny Christian Center, 14380 Amargosa Road, Victorville. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thursday, August 21: Career Fair, West Valley AJCC, 9650 9th Street, Suite A, Rancho Cucamonga. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thursday, September 4: Career Fair, East Valley AJCC, 500 Inland Center Drive, Space 508, San Bernardino. 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, July 18: California Employment Development Department releases its June jobs report.
Friday, August 1: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its July jobs report.
Wednesday, August 13: WDB Executive Committee, Fiscal Committee and General Board Meetings, 290 North D Street, San Bernardino. 8 -11:30 a.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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