Aerospace Sector Growth in Southern California

Southern California, August 29, 2025

News Summary

Southern California’s aerospace sector is projected to add 11,000 jobs by 2024, with an average wage of $141,110. The LAEDC highlights a resilient economy supported by tech innovations and collaboration among startups. Key players like Vast and Varda Space Industries showcase the region’s renewed potential in aerospace development, fostering opportunities for local communities.

California – Southern California’s aerospace sector is on the rise, with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) reporting a projected addition of 11,000 new jobs in the aerospace and defense industries between 2022 and 2024. These new positions are expected to offer an average wage of $141,110, significantly exceeding the county’s average wage, which indicates a robust boost in the region’s economy driven by an increase in space-related startups.

The LAEDC’s 2025 Economic Forecast Report highlights the resilience of Los Angeles County’s economy, successfully navigating challenges such as wildfires and economic uncertainties. The report emphasizes the ability of the county’s economy to grow in the face of adversity, illustrating a promising outlook through 2024.

Supporting this growth is the SoCal Aerospace Council, which plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including industry executives, labor organizations, and educational institutions. This collaboration aims to enhance the competitiveness of the aerospace sector while also expanding job opportunities for underrepresented communities in Los Angeles.

Technological progress, particularly in 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT), significantly benefits the space industry, providing innovative capabilities that cater to both startups and established companies. Additionally, opportunities continue to emerge as the Space Force raises new tech requirements, inviting both aerospace and non-aerospace companies to participate.

Prominent examples of innovation in Southern California’s aerospace sector include:

• Vast, which is working on fabricating what could be the first commercial space station to orbit Earth in Long Beach, tapping into the area’s rich aerospace heritage.
• Varda Space Industries, which is conducting experiments focused on pharmaceuticals developed in microgravity.
• AstroForge, seeking to establish a foothold in asteroid mining to source platinum from asteroids.

After a post-Cold War decline, Southern California’s aerospace sector is re-energizing, revived by a fresh wave of startups. The region boasts a distinguished aerospace legacy, having significantly contributed to the Apollo program and space shuttle production. Although SpaceX‘s main operations have migrated to Texas, the company has catalyzed the establishment of over 128 aerospace-related firms by former employees, with 63 continuing to operate in Southern California.

The region’s revival is further bolstered by a surge of venture capital from Silicon Valley investors, supporting diverse space startups. Among them is Anduril, a developer of drones and autonomous defense systems in Costa Mesa, which recently achieved a valuation of $30 billion following a $2.5 billion funding round.

At present, there are approximately 58,700 jobs in aerospace and defense across Los Angeles County. While this number is lower than historical peaks, the positions are accompanied by high average wages, reflecting the sector’s ongoing evolution.

Furthermore, Long Beach has strategically attracted around 30 advanced manufacturers, including aerospace firms, through smart zoning changes. This has transformed the Smoky Hollow neighborhood, shifting from refinery services to a modern hub for aerospace and high-tech manufacturing.

Looking ahead, Varda Space Industries is refining automated lab technology for drug development in microgravity, while AstroForge prepares for its ambitious asteroid mining missions. This dynamic illustrates the thriving ecosystem shaped by Southern California’s deep roots in aerospace engineering and manufacturing.

FAQ

Key Features of Southern California’s Aerospace Sector Growth

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Los Angeles Times: How the New Space Economy is Transforming Southern California
• Wikipedia: Aerospace Industry
• Bloomberg: Rocket Lab, Space Start-Ups Thrive in SpaceX’s California Wake
• Google Search: Space Economy
• Space News: True Anomaly Opens Long Beach Factory
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Aerospace
• Payload Space: SoCal Will Be Space Central with or without Elon, Experts Say
• Google News: Aerospace Space Startups California
• New York Times: Defense, Aerospace, and Commercial Real Estate
• Interesting Engineering: Startups Partner for Nuclear-Powered Spacecraft

Author: Anaheim Staff Writer

Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.