Explore Ventura’s Leading Employers, Industries, and Careers
Ventura, California, also known as the City of San Buenaventura, blends coastal living with a diverse and growing economy. While it is famous for its beaches and outdoor lifestyle, Ventura also provides thousands of jobs across public administration, healthcare, education, retail, and technology. This guide highlights the city’s largest employers and the key industries shaping its workforce.
County of Ventura
The County of Ventura is the largest employer in the city, with over 8,000 employees working in public safety, health and social services, transportation, and administration. Jobs offer stability, benefits, and the opportunity to serve the community directly.
Ventura Unified School District
The Ventura Unified School District employs approximately 2,600 staff including teachers, administrators, and support personnel. These professionals ensure students receive quality education from kindergarten through high school while maintaining smooth district operations.
Community Memorial Health System
Community Memorial Health System employs roughly 2,130 healthcare and administrative staff who provide inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care services. This health system plays a central role in the community and the local economy.
The Trade Desk
The Trade Desk is a global advertising technology company headquartered in Ventura. Its Ventura offices support hundreds of technology, data, product, and operations professionals, bringing high-skilled tech jobs to the region.
Patagonia (Lost Arrow Corp.)
Patagonia employs approximately 650 staff in design, development, retail, and corporate support at its Ventura campus. The company is known for sustainability-focused outdoor apparel and lifestyle products.
Ventura County Community College District
The Ventura County Community College District employs around 645 faculty and staff to support higher education and campus operations, contributing to workforce development and local education opportunities.
Kaiser Permanente (Ventura Medical Office)
Kaiser Permanente Ventura employs roughly 640 healthcare professionals including nurses, administrative staff, and patient service coordinators. The medical office provides integrated healthcare services for the local community.
City of Ventura
The City of Ventura employs approximately 610 staff across public safety, parks, libraries, public works, and administrative departments, providing stable careers in municipal government.
Target (Ventura Locations)
Target employs about 370 employees in sales, management, and logistics roles. Retail positions provide flexible and entry-level opportunities for part-time and full-time workers.
Superior Court of California, County of Ventura
The Superior Court employs around 318 staff, including administrators, clerks, and support personnel who maintain the local judicial system.
Top Industries in Ventura, CA
Ventura’s economy is supported by several thriving industries:
- Public Administration: Government roles, including county and city positions in public safety, health, and community services.
- Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, and medical offices provide clinical, technical, and administrative jobs.
- Education: Schools and colleges employ teachers, administrators, and support staff.
- Technology: Companies like The Trade Desk provide roles in software, data, and digital marketing.
- Retail: Major retail chains and specialty stores employ staff in operations, management, and customer service.
- Specialty & Lifestyle Brands: Companies like Patagonia offer creative and operational jobs with an emphasis on sustainability.
Ventura’s Employment Landscape
Ventura’s workforce benefits from a balance of stable government and healthcare jobs with growing opportunities in technology, retail, and specialty sectors. Residents have access to diverse careers in public service, healthcare, education, tech, and retail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the largest employer in Ventura, CA?
The County of Ventura is the largest employer, employing over 8,000 people in various public-sector roles.
Does Ventura have technology jobs?
Yes, The Trade Desk and other tech companies provide software, data, and digital marketing positions in Ventura.
Are healthcare roles abundant in Ventura?
Healthcare is a major sector, with Community Memorial Health System and Kaiser Permanente employing thousands of professionals across clinical, administrative, and support roles.
What industries are growing in Ventura?
Public administration, healthcare, education, technology, retail, and specialty lifestyle brands are the key industries shaping Ventura’s workforce.
About Ventura, CA
Ventura is located on California’s Central Coast, offering a Mediterranean climate, beaches, a historic downtown, and an active arts scene. The city combines a high quality of life with employment in public administration, healthcare, education, technology, and specialty businesses, making it an attractive location for residents and professionals.