Making a career change in California can feel like a big decision, especially if you’re not sure where to start or what paths actually make sense for you. A helpful first step is getting clear on what you want your next career to give you.
At the core, most career changers are looking for a few key things:
- Higher pay with room to grow over time
- Training that fits your budget and schedule—whether it’s a few months or a multi-year path
- Reasonable work/life balance
- A profession in a field that California employers are actively hiring for
- A stable, full-time career that provides consistent hours and income
The good news is that California has many careers that check these boxes. Industries like tech, healthcare, skilled trades, and clean energy are actively growing, and you can start many of these roles through short-term, affordable (or free!) training programs.
That’s where we come in.
Climb Hire is our nonprofit organization that helps low-income working adults make a career change into tech by building the skills and confidence needed to land their first job.
We offer free training programs in IT Support and Paid Search Marketing that can be completed in six months or less. Alongside learning the core skills you need to land a job, you’ll also receive personalized career coaching and job placement support that will help you get hired quickly.
This combination of training and support is why over 80% of our graduates land jobs within a year—often with starting salaries of $50k or more.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the early steps for switching careers in California. Then, we’ll share seven beginner-friendly options that offer stability, strong pay, and a clear path into the workforce—even if you’re starting from scratch. For each role, we’ll also show you exactly where Californians can train.
Interested in training for high-paying jobs in the tech industry? Sign up for Climb Hire today.
4 practical steps to changing careers
To make the process of changing careers less overwhelming, it helps to break the process into manageable pieces. These steps can help you sort through your options, understand what’s realistic for your situation, and move toward a path that actually fits your budget and goals.
- Get clear on what you want from a new career—whether that’s higher pay, more flexibility, stable hours, remote work, or something that feels more meaningful. You’ll also want to consider how the job fits your lifestyle and whether there’s potential for long-term growth.
- Look at which career options are actually in demand in California, so you’re picking from fields with real hiring needs, not ones that are shrinking or oversaturated. For example, IT Support is a strong option because entry-level positions often start around $24 to $30 per hour in California, and there’s clear room to grow into advanced roles.
- Check what training you need, how long it will take, and what it will cost. For some people, a four-year degree may be completely doable in terms of time and budget, but that’s not realistic for everyone. If you need something more flexible or affordable, free or low-cost options through nonprofits, workforce programs, and community colleges can make a big difference.
- Apply to a training program that fits your needs.Once you’ve narrowed your options, pick the program that matches your priorities and take the first step by submitting an application or signing up for an info session.
Doing all of this on your own can feel like a lot, especially when you’re not yet sure which path is right for you. To make things easier, we’ve narrowed down seven in-demand careers in California that match the criteria above—jobs with reliable pay, strong growth potential, and training options that are accessible even if you’re starting from scratch.
7 in-demand California careers (and where to train for them)
We’ll start with two career paths we offer at Climb Hire—IT support and digital marketing—because we know first-hand that these roles are strong options for career changers. They’re beginner-friendly, well-paid even at the entry level, in demand across California, and offer clear pathways to long-term career growth.
Plus, our training programs are completely free, so they’re accessible options for anyone who wants a better career without taking on debt.
From there, we’ll explore several other in-demand careers in California, along with reputable places where you can train for each one.
1. IT support
If you’re interested in the tech world but don’t have experience, IT support is the most natural entry point. You can learn the core skills through short, beginner-friendly training and proven through an IT certification. Plus, the work exists in nearly every industry, giving you a wide range of available job opportunities.
The starting yearly salary for entry-level IT support roles in California is typically $52k–$70k. Beginners tend to start in positions like IT support specialist or desktop support technician.
Most hiring managers expect CompTIA A+ certification, an industry-recognized credential that signals you have the core technical skills needed for these roles. The training you need to pass the certification exams is relatively quick compared to many career paths, usually just a few months.
IT support is a great career path if you want:
- A job that doesn’t require a college degree or long-term training
- Predictable hours and good starting pay
- A long-term pathway into higher-level tech roles
- The potential to work remotely for a work–life balance
If this feels like a good fit, Climb Hire offers a free IT Support training program that takes you from beginner to job-ready quickly.
IT support training with Climb Hire
Climb Hire’s IT Support program is a six-month, fully remote training course that leads directly to entry-level IT roles. The program covers everything you need to pass the two CompTIA A+ certification exams. Tuition is free for all students, and we cover the A+ exam fees too, which normally cost over $500.
During the program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of IT support, including all the skills and knowledge you need to earn the certification. Expert instructors teach live on Zoom, so you can ask questions in real time and learn alongside classmates, which helps ensure you’re truly understanding the material.
You’ll also complete hands-on labs and practice scenarios modeled after the kinds of IT tickets you’ll see on the job, so you can step in feeling prepared.
On top of that, the program teaches soft skills—like communication and problem-solving—that make it easier to stand out in interviews and handle real IT support conversations with confidence.
Once the training is complete, you’ll receive targeted career support to help you land your first role. This includes:
- Personalized support from a Career Development advisor to help build your resume, LinkedIn profile, and elevator pitch
- Interview practice and guidance on how to talk about your new skills
- A refined job search strategy tailored to your goals
- A free year of LinkedIn Premium to expand your professional reach
- Access to Climb Hire’s Alumni Portal with curated job posts, tracking tools, and AI-powered resources
- Networking opportunities through Climb Hire’s employer partners, alumni, and broader professional community
Over 80% of Climb Hire graduates secure full-time roles at companies such as Google, BetterUp, and IBM within a year of completing the program. This is a direct reflection of how practical, supportive, and job-focused the training is.
Here’s what that looks like in real life:
“Right before the program even finished, I had secured a job at a premier private equity firm called TPG, where I started working a couple months ago,” shares alumni Lucy Sithole.
If a career change into IT support aligns with what you’re looking for, sign up to get notified when our next cohort begins.
2. Digital marketing
A digital marketing career in California offers a solid starting pay, lots of flexibility, and room to grow without needing a four-year degree. Almost all companies rely on digital marketers to reach new audiences and drive sales, so beginners can find opportunities across industries, not just in tech. Digital marketing is also a great fit if you want a role that blends creativity and problem-solving.
There are several digital marketing specializations to choose from, including:
- SEO: Improving how well a website ranks on Google so more people can find it.
- Paid search marketing: Running ads on Google and other platforms to bring in targeted traffic and track which campaigns perform best.
- Social media: Creating content and managing accounts to engage audiences on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
- Content marketing: Writing or producing helpful articles, emails, or resources that attract and build trust with potential customers.
For most specializations, early-career roles often start around $58k to $91k, and many offer hybrid or remote schedules.
Overall, digital marketing is a strong option if you want:
- A strong starting salary across California
- A career you can break into without a college degree
- Flexible or remote work options
- A creative field with clear advancement paths into higher-level roles
If this career path aligns with what you’re looking for, Climb Hire offers a free Paid Search Marketing training program that fully prepares you to land your first industry role.
Paid Search Marketing training with Climb Hire
Climb Hire’s Paid Search Marketing program is a four-month, fully remote course that teaches you how to run and improve paid ad campaigns—one of the fastest ways to break into digital marketing. Tuition is completely free for every student.
The curriculum includes three industry-recognized certifications: Google Ads, Meta Digital Marketing Associate, and HubSpot Inbound Marketing Optimization. Together, they signal to employers that you can work with the core tools used in paid search roles.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn how to set up campaigns, choose keywords, manage budgets, analyze performance data, and use the popular tools of the industry.
Classes take place live on Zoom with an expert instructor, and much of the learning happens through practical projects—such as building a mock Google Ads campaign—so you gain hands-on experience, not just theory.
You’ll also practice transferable skills that matter in interviews and marketing roles, like clear communication and collaborating with others on strategy.
When you finish training, you’ll receive dedicated job search support to help you land a job quickly. This includes:
- A one-on-one Career Development Advisor who will work with you to build a polished resume, LinkedIn profile, and elevator pitch
- Practicing interviews focused on marketing scenarios
- A job search strategy built around your strengths and interests
- One year of LinkedIn Premium to expand your reach with recruiters
- Access to Climb Hire’s Alumni Portal with curated job postings, tracking tools, and AI-powered resources
- A built-in advantage in the job search through our extensive network of industry professionals and early notice of openings from employer partners and alumni
It’s because of the blend of hands-on skills training and dedicated career coaching that 80% of Climb Hire graduates find jobs within a year of completing the program.
One example is Jenny Lai, a Paid Search Marketing alum:
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“I recently stepped into a new role as a Meta Ads Manager for a lifestyle brand, where I not only design but also run and optimize ad campaigns that help the company grow through strategic, data-driven storytelling.”
If paid search marketing feels like the direction you want to pursue, join the waitlist to be notified when the next cohort opens.
3. Medical technology
Medical tech roles are a strong option for job seekers who want stable, meaningful work without spending years in school. Because healthcare is growing quickly in California, beginners can find opportunities across hospitals, outpatient clinics, labs, dental offices, and community health centers.
Entry-level roles generally start between $50k and $85k, depending on the exact role and region.
Common beginner-friendly paths include:
- Medical Assistant (MA): Supports physicians with basic clinical and administrative tasks.
- Pharmacy Technician: Helps pharmacists prepare medications and assist customers.
- Dental Assistant: Supports dentists during procedures and handles patient prep.
- Phlebotomy Technician: Specializes in drawing blood for tests or donations.
- Behavioral Health Technician: Works with patients receiving mental health and addiction treatment.
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ultrasound): Uses ultrasound equipment to capture internal images that assist physicians in diagnosing medical conditions.
Medical tech roles are especially good for career changers because the training is relatively short, the work is steady, and you often don’t need prior experience to get started. Training typically ranges from four months to about a year for most entry-level programs.
Where to train in California:
Here are some beginner-friendly medical tech programs in the state of California:
- InterCoast Colleges
- Blake Austin College
- California Institute of Medical Science
- Institute of Technology
- American Career College
Tuition for medical tech programs typically ranges from $3k to $20k, with shorter programs on the lower end and more advanced programs (like sonography) on the higher end. Many schools accept WIOA or offer financial aid.
4. Skilled trades
Skilled trades offer a clear path into steady, well-paid work in California without having to pursue a two or four-year degree. Trades jobs are consistently in demand in California, especially with ongoing construction, infrastructure upgrades, and a growing need for qualified technicians across the state.
Getting into a trade is an attractive option if you like hands-on physical work. The training is relatively short, the work can’t be automated, and some roles allow you to “earn while you learn” through apprenticeships.
Common beginner-friendly paths include:
- HVAC Technician: Installs, maintains, and repairs heating and cooling systems.
- Electrician: Works with electrical components, including wiring and lighting systems.
- Plumber: Installs and repairs pipes and water systems.
- Automotive Technician: Diagnoses and repairs vehicles, from basic maintenance to complex issues.
- Construction Technician: Assists with building, demolition, site preparation, and equipment operation on residential and commercial projects.
Entry-level roles typically start between $50k and $89k in California, with room to grow into higher-paying positions as you gain experience. Training typically ranges from six months to a year for classroom-based programs, while apprenticeships can take longer.
Where to train in California:
You can find beginner-friendly skilled trade programs at:
- Charter College
- Institute for Business & Technology
- InterCoast Colleges
- California Department of Industrial Relations Apprenticeship Program
- California Apprenticeship Coordinators Association Apprenticeship Program
Tuition for trade programs can range from around $2k to $22k, depending on the school and specialization. Many programs offer financial aid. Apprenticeship programs are typically free and allow you to earn a wage while you train.
5. Solar energy
California’s rapid shift toward clean energy has created steady demand for solar workers, especially entry-level installers and technicians. These roles focus on assembling, installing, and maintaining rooftop solar systems for homes and businesses.
Starting pay for solar installers in California generally ranges from $51k to 67k, with opportunities to advance into site assessment or crew leadership with experience.
Beginner-friendly roles include:
- Solar PV Installer: Installs and wires solar panels on residential and commercial rooftops.
- Solar Service Technician: Troubleshoots and maintains existing solar systems.
- Solar Construction Crew Member: Assists with racking, mounting, and on-site safety.
Solar is especially appealing for career changers because the field is growing fast and hiring is consistent. Most training programs only take a few months (at most) to complete and focus on hands-on skills rather than enrollment prerequisites.
Where to train in California:
You can find beginner-friendly solar training programs at:
Tuition ranges from free to about $1k–$5k for official state-recognized NABCEP preparation courses offered through colleges and training centers.
6. Real estate
Real estate appeals to many career changers because it offers flexible hours and the potential for a high income from the start. In California, licensed real estate agents help clients buy, sell, or rent homes and commercial properties. It’s a role that doesn’t require any education beyond a high school diploma and can be started relatively quickly.
Income varies widely since it’s commission-based, but many new agents in California earn around $85k or more in their first years, with higher earnings as they build a client base or specialize in high-demand job markets.
Most people complete the required California real estate coursework in two to six months. The classes are usually self-paced and completed independently. After finishing the coursework, you’ll take the California Salesperson Exam and apply for your real estate license.
Where to train in California:
You can find the required pre-licensing education through:
Tuition for pre-licensing courses generally ranges from $150 to $700, depending on the package and whether exam prep materials are included.
7. Nursing
Nursing is one of the most in-demand fields in California. The state currently faces one of the largest nursing shortages in the country.
If you’re starting from scratch, the most realistic way into the field is the CNA to LVN to RN pathway. It lets you begin working quickly as a CNA and then build toward higher-level nursing roles while earning income and gaining hands-on experience.
Entry-level CNA roles in California usually start around $48k to $56k, with clear-cut opportunities to move into higher-paying LVN and RN positions as you complete additional job training.
If you follow this pathway, here are the details of the different roles as you gain experience and education:
- CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant): Provides basic patient support in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
- LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse): Offers more advanced patient care after completing a one-year vocational nursing program.
- RN (Registered Nurse): A higher-level clinical role that requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Training timelines vary:
- CNA: Typically 6–12 weeks
- LVN: Usually 12–18 months
- RN: 2–4 years, depending on whether you pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree
Where to train in California:
You can find CNA, LVN, and RN training programs at:
Costs vary by credential. CNA programs are often $500 to $3k, LVN programs generally range from $20k to $40k, and RN programs typically run $4k to $20k. Many programs accept financial aid, Cal Grants, and WIOA funding. California also offers loan repayment programs for nurses that forgive a portion of your student loans if you work in underserved areas.
Take the first step toward your new career with Climb Hire
Thinking about a career change can feel stressful at first, but the process becomes much more manageable when you have a clear path and plenty of support. Plus, the right training can help you move into a more stable, better-paying field fairly quickly without breaking the bank.
Climb Hire makes that shift into a fulfilling tech career much more manageable. Our free IT Support and Paid Search Marketing programs give you in-demand skills, industry certifications, and hands-on experience—all taught live by expert instructors via Zoom.
Climb Hire offers much more than just technical training. You’ll also get:
- Hands-on experience that prepares you for real entry-level roles
- One-on-one career coaching for six months after graduation to help you find a new job
- Free tuition and exam fees covered
This level of support is why more than 80% of our alumni find well-paid jobs within a year of graduating, often earning $50k or more to start.
Ready to transition to a tech career? Apply to Climb Hire’s IT Support or Paid Search Marketing program now.