Talent Pool & Workforce

A Skilled, Diverse, and Future-Ready Workforce at Your Fingertips

Located in the heart of Southern California, the Coachella Valley offers employers access to a vibrant and growing talent pipeline that is as diverse as the culture. The region attracts hardworking, entrepreneurial, and creative individuals, many of whom have deep local roots or are drawn by the valley's unique blend of innovation, sustainability, affordability, and quality of life.

Workforce at a Glance

Drive Innovation and Growth With Regional Talent

Employers expanding or locating in the Coachella Valley tap into a workforce defined by flexibility, multiculturalism, and a strong work ethic.

With more than 180,000 individuals in the regional labor force and access to career education at:

…you’ll find a steady pipeline of new graduates, upskilled workers, and experienced professionals ready to meet your needs.

Access to Top Talent from Leading Universities

The Coachella Valley is strategically located within a two- to three-hour drive of many of California’s and the nation’s top research universities, offering employers access to a deep and diverse talent pipeline.

Nearby institutions include: University of Southern California (USC), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego), University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine), University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside), California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), and California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

This close proximity connects the region to highly skilled graduates in engineering, healthcare, computer science, business, the arts. Helping to fuel innovation and support workforce development in Greater Palm Springs.

79% of college grads

A 2018 survey found that 79% of college students and recent graduates from universities throughout California said they would relocate to the Coachella Valley if their ideal job existed here. View the full survey findings here.

Greater Palm Springs Education & Industries By the numbers:

60% under 44

Ready to Learn More?

Tap into the Coachella Valley’s unique blend of talent, diversity, and opportunity and join the businesses building the future in Southern California’s most dynamic region.

Connect with Director of Economic Development Sean Smith to learn more.

College of the Desert

College of the Desert supports local business growth with career-focused programs, workforce training, and industry partnerships designed to meet regional economic needs. Explore how COD equips students, and your future employees, with the skills to succeed.

CSUSB Palm Desert Campus

Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus offers advanced degrees and workforce-ready programs aligned with regional industry needs. Discover how PDC is preparing the next generation of leaders and professionals to power business growth in Greater Palm Springs.

UC Riverside Palm Desert Campus

The University of California, Riverside, Palm Desert Campus connects innovation with regional impact through graduate programs, research, and community partnerships. Learn how UCR Palm Desert is advancing education and leadership to support sustainable business growth in Greater Palm Springs.

Center for Employment Training

The Center for Employment Training (CET) in Coachella provides hands-on, skills-based training for in-demand careers, helping local residents build pathways to employment and supporting workforce development across the region. Explore how CET is preparing job-ready talent to meet the needs of...