Known for its cultural diversity, rich history, high quality of life, and sunny and mild climate, San Jose is the largest city in Northern California, the third largest in the state, and the tenth most populous city in the U.S. Located in Santa Clara County—approximately 50 miles from San Francisco—San Jose is tucked between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Bay Area.

Highly skilled workers from all over the nation and the world are drawn to San Jose, including aspiring entrepreneurs who want to take advantage of the city’s forward-thinking culture and the opportunities presented by the high-tech and internet sectors. However, the tech industry is constantly evolving, and the skills required for these jobs are also continually changing, making it difficult for universities and other educational institutions to keep up with the demand for new skills and technologies.

What attracts employers to San Jose?

If you’re a business owner or executive, there are several reasons why you might want to consider locating your company in San Jose.

• Tech and innovation hub: San Jose is known as the capital of Silicon Valley, the global hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement culture. Home to 6,500+ technology companies—including Google, Apple, and Facebook—the region offers access to a vibrant ecosystem of startups, investors, and other businesses.
• Skilled workforce: Having one of the world’s largest concentrations of highly educated and skilled workers, the city is home to several universities—including San Jose State University and Santa Clara University—providing a talent pipeline for local companies.
• Infrastructure: A robust infrastructure—including an international airport, major highways, and a public transportation system providing buses, light rail, and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)—makes it easy for companies to move goods and people in and out of San Jose.
• Business-friendly environment: San Jose has a business-friendly environment—with a streamlined permitting process, tax incentives, and a supportive local government—making it easier for companies to start and grow their businesses in the city.

What attracts job seekers to San Jose?

In addition to being the second happiest city in the U.S., San Jose has many draws for job seekers.

• Job opportunities: Besides being home to many of the world’s leading technology companies, San Jose has over 1,800 tech startups, meaning you’ll live and work in one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic regions. Job growth has increased by 7 percent in the past ten years—more than double the national average—and future job growth is estimated at 38.9 percent.
• High wages: Salaries in San Jose are among the highest in the United States—averaging 71 percent above the nationwide average—which means you may earn a higher salary in San Jose than in other cities.
• A large city with a small-town feel: San Jose is the largest city in Northern California and the third-largest in the state, with a buzzing downtown district. Yet it maintains a friendly, small-town feel with a laid-back atmosphere and diverse neighborhoods.
• High quality of life: San Jose consistently ranks among the top cities in the United States for quality of life. In fact, the U.S. News and World Report ranked San Jose number three in its 2022-2023 Best Places to Live for Quality of Life list and number one on its Best Places to Live in California The city has a strong economy, excellent public schools, and a thriving arts and culture scene.
• Cultural diversity: San Jose is the ninth most culturally diverse city in the United States, with a population that includes people from all over the world. The city’s diverse population includes people of different races, ethnicities, nationalities, and religions.
• Rich history: Despite its modern, forward-thinking culture, the city remains proud of its rich history dating back to the Spanish colonial era. The city celebrates this diversity through its many cultural events and festivals—such as the San Jose Jazz Festival and Silicon Valley Pride Parade—and landmarks—including the historic Peralta Adobe and Fallon House, the San Jose Museum of Art, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library.
  
• Proximity to nature: Surrounded by beautiful nature—including the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west—San Jose offers hiking and biking trails, several parks and green spaces, and the nearby beaches of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Francisco.

Are you an employer or job seeker contemplating expanding or relocating to the San Jose area? Download Acara’s latest infographic for more labor force statistics—including top growing occupations, largest industries, and employment data.

This blog was authored by Acara Account Executive Han Tang.