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 $414.2 billion in economic output last year alone.

By The Numbers

467k

Californians directly employed by the biotechnology industry in 2023

$6.02B

Overall funding from the NIH and NSF

$146k

Average salary California biotech employees were paid in 2023

$34.1B

Total estimate venture capital raised in California life science companies

1.2 M

Californians directly and indirectly employed by the biotechnology industry in 2023

$414.2B

Total economic output generated by California’s biotech industry

16.6k

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

Regional Snapshots

San Diego Cluster

$56.6B in Economic Output
178k Total Jobs Supported
1,966 Life Science Establishments

With 1,966 life science establishments and research institutes, San Diego County’s life science industry provides over 178,000 direct and indirect jobs. It generates $56.6 billion in economic output and adds $17.6 billion in total labor income. Life science establishments brought almost $2.2 billion in NIH grants to San Diego in 2023.

Bay Area Cluster

$142.7B Economic Output
328k Jobs
3,741 Life Science Establishments

The nine counties that comprise Northern California’s life science industry generate over $142.7 billion in economic output and supports over 328,000 direct and indirect jobs. Northern California’s 3,741 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 $2.3 billion in NIH research awards in 2023.

Los Angeles Cluster

$66.9B Economic Output
224k Total Jobs Supported
3,858 Life Science Establishments

The Los Angeles Biotech Cluster (Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County and Ventura County) is home to 3,858 life science establishments. It supports over 223,000 direct and indirect jobs, generates $66.9 billion in direct economic output and increases labor income by $19.1 billion. Its local establishments were awarded over $1.6 billion in NIH research awards in 2023.