Economy

Biotech + California = Economic Engine

California is home to several of the nation’s largest life sciences clusters. This thriving industry is a leading employer, a powerful economic engine and a driving force behind developing the state’s biomedical workforce. Our state’s prosperity is closely linked to the ongoing contributions of the growing biotechnology industry, which generated a total of $395.7 billion in economic output last year alone.

By The Numbers

452k

Californians directly employed by the biotechnology industry in 2024

$5.7B

Overall funding from the NIH and NSF

$157.5k

Average salary California biotech employees were paid in 2024

$13.1B

Total estimate venture capital raised in California life science companies

1.15 M

Californians directly and indirectly employed by the biotechnology industry in 2024

$395.7B

Total economic output generated by California’s biotech industry

17.2k

Number of life science establishments in California, the birthplace of the biotech industry

GDP of California Life Science vs. Other California Industries

Regional Snapshots

San Diego Cluster

$54.1B in Economic Output
166.9k Total Jobs Supported
2,042 Life Science Establishments

With 2,042 life science establishments and research institutes, San Diego County’s life science industry provides over 166,907 direct and indirect jobs. It generates $54.1 billion in economic output and adds $17 billion in total labor income. Life science establishments brought almost $1.13 billion in NIH and NSF grants to San Diego in 2024.

Bay Area Cluster

$123.6B Economic Output
254k Jobs
3,809 Life Science Establishments

The nine counties that comprise Northern California’s life science industry generate over $123.6 billion in economic output and supports over 254,000 direct and indirect jobs. Northern California’s 3,809 life science establishments are spread among nine counties including Alameda County, San Francisco County, San Mateo County, Sonoma County, Solano County, Contra Costa County, Marin County, Napa County and Santa Clara County. Its local establishments were awarded over $2 billion in NIH and NSF research awards in 2024.

Greater Los Angeles Cluster

$60.2B Economic Output
195k Total Jobs Supported
3,966 Life Science Establishments

The Greater Los Angeles Biotech Cluster (Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County and Ventura County) is home to 3,966 life science establishments. It supports over 195,373 direct and indirect jobs, generates $60.2 billion in direct economic output and increases labor income by $17.4 billion. Its local establishments were awarded over $1.5 billion in NIH and NSF research awards in 2024.