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Workforce Pell Navigator

Last updated 2026-06-11

Workforce Pell State Briefing

California

What's happening with Workforce Pell in California?

As of 2026-06-11, there is no final eligible-program list. The Governor's May Revision budget includes proposed statute that would name the California Student Aid Commission as the entity approving programs on the Governor's behalf, with the Office of Cradle-to-Career Data handling the data; it is proposed budget language, not final until the state budget is enacted (the Legislature must pass it by June 15, 2026; the Governor typically signs by late June). A separate bill, AB 1534, would add a Workforce Pell advisory board. Earlier, in August 2025, the Community Colleges Chancellor's Office told campuses to "begin identifying likely eligible programs" (memo, PDF), which is directed at the community college system and does not set statewide approval authority.

Which occupations is this aimed at in California?

SOC
53-3032Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers27,140$59,950
15-1252Software Developers26,000$170,910
29-1141Registered Nurses23,420$140,330
31-9092Medical Assistants18,280$48,050
31-1131Nursing Assistants17,390$46,420
47-2061Construction Laborers13,540$60,540
47-2031Carpenters13,400$74,820
11-9013Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers9,590$107,780
47-2111Electricians8,310$76,540
29-2061Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses7,830$77,170
11-9021Construction Managers5,190$129,000
53-3052Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity5,010$62,430
15-1232Computer User Support Specialists5,000$76,870
47-2152Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters4,520$68,390
29-2052Pharmacy Technicians4,290$49,640
49-9021HVAC Mechanics and Installers3,790$65,290
51-4121Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers3,150$57,940
49-9041Industrial Machinery Mechanics2,940$73,840
43-5032Dispatchers (except police, fire, ambulance)2,520$50,040
31-9097Phlebotomists2,000$55,460
15-1244Network and Computer Systems Administrators1,800$106,620
15-1212Information Security Analysts1,640$140,660
29-2042Emergency Medical Technicians1,620$45,680
51-9161CNC Tool Operators1,430$55,250
29-2055Surgical Technologists830$81,120
17-3024Electro-Mechanical Technicians220$78,370

Openings: O*NET OnLine — each occupation links to its employment-trends page for this state (O*NET surfaces state 2022–2032 projections from Projections Central). Wages: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

Where can I find more?

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