Are you considering moving to Pasadena and looking for information about the top employers?
We created a detailed list of the top employers in Pasadena. With a wide range of industries, including education, healthcare, aerospace, and design, Pasadena provides several career options to people from all backgrounds.
Best employers in Pasadena
California Institute of Technology (Caltech): One of Pasadena’s best employers
Industry: Higher Education
Caltech is a world-renowned institution in the fields of science and engineering and is also one of the top employers in Pasadena. Caltech is located on a 124-acre campus that includes state-of-the-art research facilities, cutting-edge laboratories, and world-class academic programs.
Caltech offers a wide range of job opportunities for professionals in various fields, including academic and research positions, administrative roles, and support staff.
In addition to its academic and research programs, Caltech is also involved in a variety of community outreach initiatives and partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
Caltech manages the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for NASA, which is a leading organization in the field of robotic space exploration. This partnership creates even more job opportunities for scientists, engineers, and other professionals in the Pasadena area.
Caltech community outreach initiatives
Caltech provides different types of jobs via its community outreach initiatives. These initiatives are focused on promoting science education and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. Some of these initiatives include:
- The Caltech Y: The Caltech Y is a student-run community service organization that provides a range of volunteer opportunities for Caltech students, staff, and faculty. The organization partners with Pasadena and Los Angeles schools, non-profits, and community groups to provide tutoring, mentoring, and other educational programs.
- The Caltech Science Olympiad: The Caltech Science Olympiad is an annual event that brings together middle and high school students from across Southern California to compete in a variety of science and engineering challenges.
- The Caltech Entrepreneurs Forum: The Caltech Entrepreneurs Forum is a networking and educational organization that supports entrepreneurship and innovation in the Pasadena area. The forum hosts regular events and workshops that bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to share ideas and best practices.
Huntington Hospital: One of Pasadena’s best employers
Industry: Healthcare
The Huntington Hospital is the largest healthcare provider in Pasadena. Huntington Hospital is a trauma 11 care center with 619 beds. It is more than just a hospital; it’s a comprehensive healthcare system that includes several specialized buildings and facilities.
Huntington Hospital’s comprehensive healthcare system includes several specialized buildings and facilities that cater to different healthcare needs. For example, the hospital’s cancer center offers state-of-the-art treatments and support services for patients with cancer, while its heart and vascular center provides advanced care for heart-related conditions.
Huntington hospital also has a women’s center that offers a range of services for women, including obstetrics and gynecology, breast health, and pelvic health. In addition to these specialized centers, Huntington Hospital also has several outpatient clinics and urgent care centers throughout the Pasadena area, making it easy for patients to access care close to home.
Main Hospital Building
The heart of the hospital, this building houses the maternity ward, the neonatal ward, many of the critical care units, surgical suites, and the majority of inpatient rooms. Huntington Hospital’s main building is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology to provide the best care possible to its patients.
Wingate Building
Wingate Building (named after the late Dr. Robert Wingate, a longtime supporter of Huntington Hospital and a prominent physician in the Pasadena community) houses a wide range of clinics, physician offices, and specialized treatment centers to provide patients with the care they need.
Some of the services offered at the Wingate Building include primary care, cardiology, orthopedics, gastroenterology, neurology, and dermatology, among others.
Della Martin Center
The Della Martin Center has a team of highly trained mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and addiction specialists, who work together to provide personalized care to each patient. The center also offers a variety of support services, such as group therapy, family therapy, and educational programs, to help patients on their journey to recovery.
Huntington Pavilion
This modern facility is home to a range of services, including the hospital’s advanced imaging center, outpatient surgical suites, and a host of specialty clinics.
Huntington Collection
Not directly related to patient care, the Huntington Collection is a resale shop where proceeds go towards the Senior Care Network, a Huntington Hospital community outreach service.
Each building within the Huntington Hospital complex is designed with patient care at its core. The facilities ensure that all health needs — from routine check-ups and outpatient procedures to critical care and specialized treatments — are met with the highest standards.
Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD): On of Pasadena’s largest employers
Industry: Education
The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is one the largest employers in Pasadena and provides essential services to students and families in Pasadena, Altadena, and parts of Sierra Madre.
As one of the largest employers in the area, PUSD offers a variety of job opportunities for individuals who are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of young people. Whether you’re interested in teaching, administration, or support staff roles, PUSD provides a supportive and inclusive work environment, as well as opportunities for professional growth and development.
Educational jobs at Pasadena Unified School districts
Teaching jobs
At the core of PUSD are its teachers, spanning grades from kindergarten through high school and subjects from mathematics and sciences to arts and humanities. Teachers may also be responsible for leading sports teams, chairing school clubs and mentoring students.
Special Education & Support
Catering to the diverse needs of its student population, PUSD employs a range of professionals specialized in special education, speech therapy, counseling, and school psychology. These roles ensure that every student has access to support for their unique needs.
Administrative & Management Positions
Beyond the classrooms, the district operates efficiently thanks to its administrative staff. Roles in this administration include school principals, vice-principals, district administrators, human resources professionals, and finance managers.
Athletics & Extracurricular Activities
PUSD has a solid athletic and extracurricular culture.
PUSD offers a wide range of athletic programs, including basketball, football, soccer, swimming, volleyball, and track and field. Students can participate in these programs at various levels, from middle school to high school varsity teams, and can compete against other schools in the region.
In addition to athletics, PUSD also offers a variety of extracurricular programs, such as music, theater, debate, robotics, and community service clubs. These programs provide students with opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and connect with other students who share similar passions.
Facilities, Maintenance & Operations
PUSD’s facilities management, maintenance, and operations staff are responsible for maintaining the district’s school buildings, grounds, and facilities. This includes janitors, groundskeepers, technicians, and safety officers, who work together to ensure that the district’s facilities are clean, safe, and well-maintained.
Starting a career with the Pasadena Unified School District is an opportunity to make a positive impact on students’ lives. Whether in the classroom, behind the scenes, or on the field, every role in PUSD contributes to creating an inclusive, enriching, and innovative educational environment.
City of Pasadena: One of Pasadena’s largest employers
Industry: Public Administration & Civic Services
The City of Pasadena is a major employer in the region, offering a wide range of job opportunities across various departments and fields. As the city’s government entity, the City of Pasadena is responsible for providing essential services to residents, including public safety, public works, parks and recreation, and community development.
Public Safety
One of the primary roles within the City of Pasadena is in public safety. This includes positions in the Pasadena Police Department, the Fire Department, and emergency management services. These roles ensure the safety and security of the city’s inhabitants, handling everything from community policing to disaster response.
Public Works & Infrastructure
Keeping Pasadena running smoothly requires a dedicated team handling roads, bridges, public buildings, and more. Jobs in this sector can range from civil engineers and architects to maintenance workers and sanitation experts.
Recreation and Community Services
Pasadena recreation and community services jobs include roles in managing public parks, community centers, and events. These jobs ensure that Pasadena residents have access to recreational facilities, organized events, and other community-building activities.
Health and Human Services
Catering to the well-being of its residents, the city offers positions in public health, housing, and community services. These roles aim to support residents in various capacities, from health campaigns to affordable housing initiatives.
Some of the job opportunities available with the City of Pasadena include positions in administration, finance, human resources, information technology, engineering, planning, and public safety.
Planning and Development
The City of Pasadena’s Planning and Community Development Department is responsible for overseeing the city’s planning and development activities, including land use planning, zoning, building permits, and code enforcement.
Library and Information Services
Pasadena’s Library and Information Services (PLIS) is a vital resource for the community, providing access to a wide range of books, digital resources, and educational programs.
PLIS also offers a variety of educational programs and events for people of all ages. These programs include storytimes for children, book clubs for adults, and workshops on various topics such as job searching, computer skills, and financial literacy.
Administrative Roles
Beyond these specialized departments, the City of Pasadena also hires for various administrative roles in finance, human resources, and communications.
Working for the City of Pasadena means being directly involved in shaping the Pasadena’s future, ensuring it remains a vibrant, safe, and prosperous place to live. The diversity of roles available ensures that, regardless of one’s professional background, there’s a place for dedicated individuals to contribute to the city’s ongoing success.
Parsons Corporation: One of Pasadena’s largest employers
Industry: Engineering and Construction Services
Established in 1944, Parsons Corporation is a global engineering and construction firm that is headquartered in Pasadena. Parsons provides a wide range of services to clients around the world, including engineering, construction, environmental services, and project management.
Infrastructure
Parsons is known for its expertise in infrastructure development. The company has worked on many high-profile infrastructure projects around the world, including highways, bridges, airports, and mass transit systems.
Parsons’ infrastructure services include planning, design, construction, and maintenance. Parsons is committed to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions that meet the needs of its clients and the communities they serve.
Defense
Parsons’ defense services include cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, logistics support, and mission-critical systems engineering, among others. The company has a long history of working with defense and intelligence agencies, and has provided services to the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Air Force, among others.
One of the key areas of focus for Parsons’ defense offerings is cybersecurity. The company provides a range of cybersecurity services to help protect critical infrastructure and sensitive information from cyber threats. These services include risk assessments, vulnerability assessments, and incident response planning, among others
Energy
In an era striving for sustainability, Parsons is at the forefront of delivering resilient, environmentally friendly energy solutions. Whether it’s harnessing renewable sources or innovating in traditional energy sectors, the company has been instrumental in shaping the future of energy.
Smart Cities
Parsons’ smart city services include planning, design, and implementation of various technologies and systems to improve city operations and enhance the quality of life for residents. One of the key technologies that Parsons uses to develop smart cities is the Internet of Things (IoT). Parsons helps cities to deploy IoT sensors and devices to collect and analyze data in real-time, which can be used to optimize city operations and improve service delivery to residents.
Parsons Corporation, based in Pasadena, offers a wide range of career opportunities and is committed to making a positive impact on the local community through sustainability and outreach initiatives.
Kaiser Permanente: One of Pasadena’s largest employers
Industry: Healthcare
Kaiser Permanente offers a range of job opportunities across various fields, including healthcare, administration, information technology, and customer service. Kaiser has corporate offices in Pasadena. It is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment and offers its employees opportunities for career growth and development.
Kaiser Permanente also offers internships, fellowships, and volunteer opportunities for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare or related fields.
Clinical Positions
At the core of Kaiser Permanente’s operations are its clinicians. This encompasses physicians spanning various specialties, nurses in both general care and specialized departments, pharmacists, radiologists, and therapists. Together, they form the front line in delivering patient care.
Research and Development
Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to advancing healthcare means there’s a significant emphasis on research. Jobs in this sector include medical researchers, lab technicians, data analysts, and clinical trial coordinators.
Administration and Operations
Some of the administration and operations jobs available at Kaiser Permanente include positions in finance, human resources, information technology, marketing, and customer service. These jobs are responsible for ensuring that the organization’s operations run smoothly and efficiently, and that patients receive the highest level of care.
In addition to traditional administration and operations jobs, Kaiser Permanente also offers positions in areas such as supply chain management, facilities management, and project management. These jobs are responsible for managing the organization’s physical assets, including buildings, equipment, and supplies, and ensuring that they are maintained and utilized in the most efficient and effective way possible.
IT and Digital Health
Some of the IT and digital health jobs available at Kaiser Permanente include positions in software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and project management. These jobs are responsible for developing and maintaining the organization’s digital infrastructure, including electronic health records, patient portals, and mobile health applications.
In addition to traditional IT jobs, Kaiser Permanente also offers positions in areas such as telemedicine and virtual care. These jobs are responsible for developing and implementing innovative digital health solutions that improve patient access to care and enhance the overall patient experience.
Support Services
Some of the support role jobs available at Kaiser Permanente include positions in customer service, medical billing and coding, medical assisting, and pharmacy technician. These jobs are responsible for providing support to patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that patients receive the highest level of care.
In addition to traditional support role jobs, Kaiser Permanente also offers positions in areas such as environmental services, food services, and facilities management. These jobs are responsible for maintaining the organization’s physical environment, including cleaning and maintaining facilities, preparing and serving food, and managing supplies and equipment.
Facilities and Maintenance
Some of the support role jobs available at Kaiser Permanente include positions in customer service, medical billing and coding, medical assisting, and pharmacy technician. These jobs are responsible for providing support to patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that patients receive the highest level of care.
In addition to traditional support role jobs, Kaiser Permanente also offers positions in areas such as environmental services, food services, and facilities management. These jobs are responsible for maintaining the organization’s physical environment, including cleaning and maintaining facilities, preparing and serving food, and managing supplies and equipment.
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL): One of Pasadena’s best employers
Industry: Aerospace and Space Exploration
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is located in Pasadena and is home to some of the world’s scientists, engineers, programmers, and software developers working on space exploration and earth sciences. As a key center under NASA and in partnership with Caltech, JPL offers a wide range of job opportunities for individuals who are passionate about science and space exploration.
Space Mission Specialists
Space Mission specialists work on a wide range of projects, including missions to explore other planets, study the Earth’s climate, and monitor space weather.
Space mission specialists at JPL are responsible for a variety of tasks, including mission planning, spacecraft design and development, and data analysis. They work in teams with other engineers and scientists to ensure that missions are executed safely and successfully.
One of the key roles of space mission specialists at JPL is to manage the various systems and instruments that are used in space missions. This includes everything from propulsion systems and navigation equipment to scientific instruments and communication systems.
Earth Scientists & Analysts
Earth scientists adn analysts who are responsible for analyzing data from various sources to better understand the Earth’s systems and processes. These analysts work on a range of projects related to climate change, natural disasters, and other environmental issues.
Earth scientists and analysts at JPL are responsible for a variety of tasks, including data analysis, modeling, and visualization. They work with large datasets from sources such as satellites, aircraft, and ground-based sensors, and use their expertise to extract meaningful insights from the data.
One of the key roles of earth scientists and analysts at JPL is to develop and refine models of the Earth’s systems. This includes models of the atmosphere, oceans, and land surface, as well as models of the interactions between these systems.
Engineers & Tech Developers
engineers and tech developers who are responsible for designing, building, and testing the spacecraft and instruments used in space exploration and Earth science research. These professionals work on a wide range of projects, from developing new technologies to exploring other planets and studying the Earth’s climate.
Engineers and tech developers at NASA JPL are responsible for a variety of tasks, including conceptual design, detailed engineering, and testing and validation. They work in teams with other engineers, scientists, and technicians to ensure that the spacecraft and instruments are designed and built to meet the specific needs of each mission.
One of the key roles of engineers and tech developers at NASA JPL is to develop new technologies and systems that can be used in space exploration and Earth science research. This includes everything from propulsion systems and navigation equipment to scientific instruments and communication systems.
Administrative & Support Roles
Administrative and support staff are responsible for providing a wide range of services that support the organization’s mission of exploring space and studying the Earth’s systems.
Some of the administrative and support roles available at NASA JPL include positions in human resources, finance, procurement, information technology, and facilities management. These roles are essential to the smooth operation of the organization and help to ensure that the technical and scientific staff can focus on their work.
Administrative and support staff at NASA JPL are responsible for a variety of tasks, including managing budgets and contracts, providing IT support, maintaining facilities, and managing personnel and benefits. They work in teams with other administrative and support staff and technical and scientific staff to ensure that the organization runs smoothly and efficiently.
Education & Outreach Coordinators
education and outreach workers who are responsible for communicating the organization’s work to the public and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. These professionals work on a range of projects related to science education, public outreach, and community engagement.
Education and outreach workers at JPL are responsible for a variety of tasks, including developing educational materials, organizing public events, and collaborating with schools and community organizations. They work in teams with other education and outreach staff, as well as with technical and scientific staff, to ensure that the organization’s work is communicated effectively to the public.
One of the key roles of education and outreach workers at JPL is to inspire and engage young people in science and engineering. This includes developing educational programs and resources that are accessible and engaging for students of all ages and backgrounds.
In addition to their work with schools and community organizations, education and outreach workers at JPL also engage with the public through various media channels, including social media, blogs, and podcasts. They work to share the organization’s work and discoveries with the public and to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity about the universe.
Safety & Security Personnel
Security and safety personnel are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of NASA JPL’s staff, facilities, and assets. They work on a range of projects related to security, safety, and emergency preparedness.
Security and safety personnel at NASA JPL are responsible for a variety of tasks, including managing access control, conducting security assessments, and responding to emergencies. They work in teams with other security and safety staff and technical and scientific staff to ensure that the organization operates in a safe and secure environment.
One of the key roles of security and safety personnel at JPL is to ensure compliance with federal regulations and agency policies related to safety and security. This includes developing and implementing safety and security plans, conducting training and drills, and coordinating with external agencies such as local law enforcement and emergency responders.
Starting a career at JPL is more than just a job. It offers the opportunity to be part of groundbreaking discoveries and work alongside a community of passionate professionals who share a common goal: to explore and understand the universe and our place in it.
Pasadena’s Best employers
Pasadena is a great place to work. There are many notable institutions and innovative companies in the city with a large variety of jobs.
