The California Business Roundtable puts out interesting facts and figures concerning the California economy. Consider the example from its latest report (June, 2016).
http://www.centerforjobs.org/job-reports/june-2016/
While the number of jobs in California has grown since the peak 2007 level, it’s rather disheartening to to look at which INDUSTRIES have had the job growth — and where the jobs have actually decreased. See the chart below.
Sadly, the main growth has been in the lower income jobs, while the job loss has been mostly in the higher income occupations. There are exceptions in both directions, but the overall pattern is unsettling.
Five Industries Below 2007 Pre-Recession Job Levels
Source: California Employment Development Department, Wage & Salary Jobs (seasonally adjusted), wages are running 4 quarter average from QCEW wage data
Comparing the number of jobs by industry in June 2016 (not seasonally adjusted), five industries showed employment below the 2007 pre-recession levels. In the highest gain industries, Accommodation & Food Services—the second lowest wage industry—became the leading industry as a result of seasonal tourism. The highest wage blue collar industry—Mining & Logging—remained slightly in negative territory as oil prices remained low.