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 California’s life science industry, which generated a total of $394 billion in economic output last year alone.

By The Numbers

406.5k

Californians directly employed by the life science industry in 2025

$6.26B

Overall funding from the NIH and NSF

$192.2k

Average salary California biotech employees were paid in 2025

$20.6B

Total estimate venture capital raised in California life science companies

1.08 M

Californians directly and indirectly employed by the biotechnology industry in 2025

$394B

Total economic output generated by California’s biotech industry in 2025

15.7k

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

$55.2B in Economic Output
155,621k Total Jobs Supported
1,919 Life Science Establishments

With 1,919 life science establishments and research institutes, San Diego County’s life science industry provides 155,621 direct and indirect jobs. It generates $55.2 billion in total economic output and adds $17.2 billion in total labor income. Life science establishments brought $1.1 billion in NIH and NSF grants to San Diego in 2025.

Bay Area Cluster

$121.6B in Economic Output
237,150k Total Jobs Supported
3,516 Life Science Establishments

The nine counties that comprise Northern California’s life science industry generate over $121.6 billion in economic output and supports 237,150 direct and indirect jobs. Northern California’s 3,516 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 $2.2 billion in NIH and NSF research awards in 2025.

Greater Los Angeles Cluster

$59.7B in Economic Output
181,612k Total Jobs Supported
3,509 Life Science Establishments

The Greater Los Angeles Biotech Cluster (Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County and Ventura County) is home to 3,509 life science establishments. It supports 181,612 direct and indirect jobs, generates $59.7 billion in total economic output and $17.4 billion in total labor income. The regions establishments were awarded $1.5 billion in NIH and NSF research grants in 2025.

Orange County Cluster

$43.9B in Economic Output
126,576k Total Jobs Supported
1,793 Life Science Establishments

Orange County’s life science industry is home to 1,793 life science establishments and supports 126,576 direct and indirect jobs. The industry generates $43.9 billion in total economic output and contributes $14.2 billion in total labor income. In 2025, Orange County’s life science establishments received $304 million in NIH and NSF research funding, supporting continued innovation and scientific advancement.