Workforce Insights: Orange County Professional (SCI + Technical)

This report provides a detailed overview of salary ranges, employment figures, and workforce trends for key industrial roles, offering insights into local hiring landscapes. It supports employers and HR professionals in workforce planning and salary benchmarking by highlighting regional dynamics and industry-specific data. PROFESSIONAL STAFFING: LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNICAL Workforce Insights: Orange County, CA Salaries, Employment Trends, and Key Industry Data Low Medium High Number Employed Quality Control Technician $45,552 $61,880 $72,696 660 Clinical Research Coordinator $77,896 $137,384 $168,688 728 Regulatory Affairs Manager $86,944 $133,536 $164,424 9,072 Program Manager $79,976 $147,888 $169,520 30,391 Research Associate $35,464 $46,384 $55,536 728 R&D Scientist $72,072 $86,736 $118,560 153 Chemist $62,400 $86,944 $101,920 817 Medical Affairs Coordinator $90,000 $130,000 $175,000 12,623 Manufacturing Associate $57,304 $66,560 $87,400 1,980 Process Engineer $75,504 $87,880 $99,424 3,210 Biostatistician $88,504 $116,688 $134,992 171 The salaries listed are estimates and may vary based on experience, location, and industry demand. ● Median salary across roles increases to $85,000/year ● Ongoing effects of California’s $20 fast-food minimum wage continue to influence wage benchmarks ● Wage growth continues at a cautious pace, constrained by persistent housing and cost-of-living pressures ● Increased focus on automation and workforce optimization to offset labor costs Wage Trends ● Orange County GDP growth projected at 2.2–2.6%, signaling steady but moderate expansion ● Ongoing investment in: a. Technology and AI-enabled business operations b. Healthcare infrastructure and outpatient facilities c. Clean energy and sustainability-focused projects Economic Growth & Trends

By leveraging these insights, businesses can make informed decisions to remain competitive in a dynamic labor market, align compensation strategies with market realities, and address staffing challenges proactively. To stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape, we encourage you to delve deeper into localized trends and leverage this data for strategic workforce planning. For more tailored insights or assistance with your hiring needs, contact our team of experts to explore customized solutions that drive success in your organization. ● Employment growth projected at 4.8%, remaining above national average ● Tech employment growth moderates to 2–2.5% YoY as companies prioritize efficiency and AI integration ● Job gains led by healthcare, professional services, and business support roles Employment Growth ● Ongoing effects of California’s $20 fast-food minimum wage continue to influence wage benchmarks ● Employers in adjacent industries face upward pressure on entry-level and hourly pay Minimum Wage Increase SB 294 – Workplace Know Your Rights Act Notices ● Starting Feb 1, 2026, employers must provide an annual “Know Your Rights” notice to employees. ● Must cover workers’ comp, immigration protections, union/concerted activity, and rights during law enforcement interactions. ● Must be provided in the employee’s workplace communication language. ● Employees must be able to designate an emergency contact by March 30, 2026. Why that impacts salary: Adds compliance workload and accelerates onboarding/policy standardization. SB 617 – Cal-WARN Notice Updates ● Effective Jan 1, 2026, Cal-WARN notices must include expanded required details. ● Must include local workforce board coordination info and CalFresh assistance contacts. ● If coordinating services, employers must arrange them within 30 days. Why that impacts salary: Increases risk and admin demands during workforce reductions. Legislation Insights