What You Need to Know: This Veterans Day, the Employment Development Department honors America’s veterans, service members, and their military spouses for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve. California provides veterans and their eligible spouses with priority of service to jobs, training, and employment resources. An updated From Service to Success webpage features information about these valuable resources, video success stories, and the annual California Veterans in the Workforce (PDF) report highlighting the latest, statewide veteran employment data.
SACRAMENTO — As we take time this Veterans Day to honor the men and women who have served our country, the Employment Development Department (EDD) stands ready to serve them in their transition from military duties to civilian life. The Department offers veterans and their eligible spouses priority services in job referrals, referrals to training, and other employment related services. Veterans with disabilities receive the highest priority in all employment services.
"Veterans have given so much in service to our country. We are proud to support them as they transition to a civilian career. Veterans’ specialized skills and abilities are a true benefit to California’s economy."
About 1.3 million veterans call California home and more than 534,000 of them are part of the State’s civilian labor force, according to the most recent EDD data. Research finds that veterans transitioning from military service to civilian careers bring with them extensive experience and valuable skills for California employers across virtually all industries.
EDD’s annual California Veterans in the Workforce (PDF) report shows that employers deeply value and appreciate veteran contributions. Their military background in teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving catapults them into becoming efficient team members in any organization.
"Leaving the military means saying goodbye to a mission and a team—and transitioning to civilian life. But meaningful employment helps veterans find a sense of purpose again. When veterans are empowered to use their skills and leadership in the workforce, our communities grow stronger," said California Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Lindsey Sin, a U.S. Navy veteran. "At CalVet, we are grateful for our partnership with the EDD who are helping usher veterans into the next chapter of their careers."
California’s Veteran Workforce
According to the most recent summary data from 2024, California’s approximately 1.3 million veterans make up about 7.4 percent of all US veterans. The veteran unemployment rate was 4.4 percent by the end of 2024. The State’s overall unemployment rate was 5.5 percent in December 2024.
The most popular career fields for veterans in California include:
- Management and professional roles.
- Financial services and business.
- Service and sales industries.
- Skilled trades, including statisticians and computer technicians.
- Service occupations focused on healthcare support.
Veteran-Focused Services
- Dedicated EDD veterans’ employment representatives at America’s Job Center of California℠ locations statewide provide job and career assistance to veterans.
- CalJOBS℠ - EDD’s online job search tool, where veterans can match their military experience with open civilian jobs.
Additional Services for Employers
- Local EDD business services representatives at America’s Job Center of California locations work with employers and help match their employment needs with qualified veterans.
- CalJOBS is available to employers to post job openings. Employers can also refine their candidate searches to focus on veterans.
- The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program provides employers a tax credit for hiring veterans who face special obstacles as they try to reenter the workforce.
Media Package
- Video success stories are available that demonstrate how EDD and its partners help train, prepare, and connect California veterans with employers who value their unique skills. Contact MediaInquiries@edd.ca.gov for broadcast quality video.
- Social Media: EDD’s Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube channels will post veteran-focused content including informational posts and testimonials explaining how EDD and its partners assist veterans and connect them with veterans services.
Visit the updated From Service to Success webpage to learn more: edd.ca.gov/Veterans