Located in Kern County, Bakersfield, California, is a suburban area ideal for those looking to start or raise a family. With an average home income between $35,000 and $37,000, the demographic that tops the income for this area are those working in the trades and those with an associate degree.
Considering the average income for those with a 2-year degree is just shy of $36,500, it's little surprise why many individuals are asking why is Bakersfield good for vocational students and for people looking to add to their skillsets.
Top Industries and Employers in Bakersfield
What drives Bakersfield, California's economy? When it comes to the fastest-growing industries in the area, Bakersfield is seeing substantial growth in the following areas:
- Health Care
- Government
- Energy
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing.
When it comes to the highest-paying vocational careers for those searching for employment in the Bakersfield area, some of the highest paying positions include:
- Management Occupations
- Health Care Practitioners & Technical Occupations
- Architecture & Engineering Occupations
- Computer & Mathematical Occupations
- Business Operations Specialists
- Business & Financial Operations Occupations
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
- Correctional Officers and Jailers
Many of the technical schools in Bakersfield offer the necessary training to help individuals either enter one of these industries or help them get the training needed in securing promotions at their job. This is especially important to remember when finding positions with some of the highest-paying, fastest-growing companies in the Bakersfield Area. These companies are as follows:
- Adventist Health Bakersfield
- Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
- Chevron
- Ensign United States Drilling
- Sun Pacific
- Wm Bolthouse Farms Inc.
Why is Bakersfield good for trade/vocational students?
Attending a trade school in Bakersfield or the surrounding areas can help students master the skillsets required for many of the highest-paying vocational careers in the city. Whether in medical assistance or in becoming an HVAC technician, there are plenty of options available.
Some of the trade schools in Bakersfield include the following:
- UEI College
- Unitek College
- San Joaquin Valley College
Learn more about trade education and read about vocational and trade schools in California.
Learn More about Bakersfield
Demographics | Total Population | 375,699 |
Education and Earnings | # Enrolled in College | 23,961 |
Median Earnings Without High School Degree | $22,169 | |
Median Earnings With High School Degree | $32,454 | |
Median Earnings With Associate Degree | $36,984 |
Commute | Average Commute Time | 23 minutes |
% Commutes by Walking | 0.8% | |
% Commutes by Bicycle | 0.4% | |
% Commutes by Public Transportation | 1% |
Housing | Median Housing Cost | $1,243 |
Median Gross Rent | $1,078 | |
Median House Value | $240,900 |