Job Market in Burbank, CA (2025): Complete Guide to Opportunities, Salaries & Trends
Fast answer — May 2025 unemployment landed at 7.0 % (U.S. 4.2 %, CA 5.3 %).
Even so, Burbank supports ≈ 165,000 jobs, led by a blockbuster entertainment cluster that pays a median
$151 k. Healthcare, IT and professional services are expanding fastest, while living costs run
≈ 56 % above the national average.
| Metric | Value | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment | 7.0 % | Competition is real |
| Total Jobs | ≈ 165,000 | Diverse, but 40 % in media |
| Avg Salary | $70 700 / yr | Offsets but doesn’t erase COL |
| Median HH Income | $95 816 | Signals strong dual-income base |
| COST Index | +56 % | Housing +75 % drives it |
| Top Hiring Event | Media Expo • Aug 1 ’25 | 80+ employers on site |
Thinking of relocating for a career move? Book a 15-min relocation consult with Cari Pelayo and get the local intel you won’t find on Glassdoor.
1. Current Employment Landscape
Burbank’s 7.0 % unemployment is above its 10-year average (6.37 %) as studio labor actions and tech
layoffs ripple through the Valley. Yet California added 17,700 new jobs in May 2025, and Burbank captured
its share in AR/VR production, healthcare and back-end
streaming tech.
2. Top Industries & Signature Employers
| Rank | Industry | Jobs | Flagship Employers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entertainment & Digital Media | 67 860 | Warner Bros. (10 k) • Disney (7.8 k) • Netflix (growing) |
| 2 | Healthcare Services | 20 862 | Providence St. Joseph (2.5 k) |
| 3 | Information Technology | 19 963 | Cast & Crew • Deluxe |
| 4 | Professional / Scientific / Tech | 10 992 | VFX, gaming & AI boutiques |
| 5 | Admin & Support | 8 287 | Production logistics firms |
Tip: Want studio-adjacent housing under a 10-minute commute? Ask Cari for her “Media District Home-Finder” list.
3. Salary & Compensation Trends
- Entertainment: $106,000 – $195,000
- Tech: $77,000 – $151,000
- Healthcare: $62,000 – $121,000 (NPs top $174 ,000)
- Retail / Hospitality: $33,000 – $48,000
To match the purchasing power of a $55,000 salary in an average U.S. metro, you’ll need roughly
$86,000 in Burbank. Secure the raise? Cari can help you pencil out a housing budget that still lets you explore those Magnolia Park cafés.
4. Cost of Living Considerations
Housing is the elephant in the room: the median home price sits at $1.04 M and median rent at $2,089.
Utilities (+20 %), transport (+15 %) and groceries (+10 %) run above U.S. averages too.
Free resource: See exactly how far your target salary will stretch. Schedule a discovery call with Cari’s preferred Lender.
5. 2025 Outlook & Key Opportunities
Challenges
- Above-average unemployment keeps competition fierce.
- High living costs squeeze entry-level wages.
- Entertainment concentration heightens strike risk.
Opportunities
- Media Industry Expo – Aug 1, 2025 (80+ hiring studios).
- New AR/VR and virtual-production soundstages opening 2024–26.
- Providence St. Joseph’s cardiac-wing expansion (adds 400 jobs).
- City’s diversification plan targets bioscience & higher-ed growth.
6. Recent Developments Fueling Growth
Sixteen new soundstages, 2,600 housing units, 1,073 hotel rooms and 34 new restaurants are
currently approved or under construction. The result? A fresh wave of jobs in construction,
hospitality and creative tech.
7. Employment Resources
- Job Connect Plus @ Burbank Central Library – résumé help & training vouchers.
- City of Burbank Career Center – municipal openings.
- Media Industry Expo & Job Fair – free admission, portfolio reviews.
- EntertainmentCareers.net & ShowbizJobs.com – daily studio postings.
Need an introduction to a studio HR rep? Message Cari; her local network just might open that door.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burbank hiring after the recent strikes?
Yes. Animation, gaming and streaming content offset live-action slowdowns. Healthcare and IT added the most non-entertainment jobs in H1-2025.
What salary do I need to live comfortably?
Singles typically target ≈ $90 k; a family of four often needs ≈ $175 k to cover median housing, childcare and savings goals.
Which neighborhoods are best for newcomers?
Magnolia Park (walkable retail), Media District (studio adjacent) and Chandler Park (slightly lower rents). Check Cari’s Neighborhood Guide for in-depth comparisons.
9. Key Takeaways & Next Steps
- Burbank remains the **Media Capital of the World** with top-tier salaries—if you can land the role.
- Cost of living demands strong negotiation (hybrid work, relocation stipends, stock options).
- Diversification into healthcare, bioscience and higher-ed should steady growth over the next five years.
For more helpful guides, explore:
- Cost of Living in Burbank
- Burbank Job Market
- Renting vs. Buying in Burbank
- Luxury Neighborhoods in Burbank
Ready to call Burbank home? Scroll down to meet the Valley’s go-to real-estate strategist and secure housing that fits your career goals.
Meet Cari Pelayo
Your Neighborhood Expert for Burbank & the Greater San Fernando Valley
Hi, I’m Cari Pelayo—Realtor®, Broker Associate, and longtime Valley local.
For more than 20 years I’ve guided families, first-time buyers and seasoned investors through shifting markets from Burbank and Toluca Lake to Valencia.
Why Clients Trust Me
- Two decades of proven results. Skip the stress and lean on my experience.
👉 Book a free 15-minute strategy call - Legal know-how you can’t Google. My Juris Doctor means watertight contracts.
👉 Text me your contract questions - Hyper-local expertise. From Magnolia cafés to school boundaries, I live the details.
👉 Download my San Fernando Valley Insider Guide
Services That Go Beyond a Sign in the Yard
| Service | What You Get | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Market Analysis & Pricing Strategy | Data-driven valuation + listing game-plan | Request your report |
| Relocation Assistance | Neighborhood tours, vetted vendors, school insights | Schedule a consult |
| First-Time Buyer Workshops | Step-by-step seminars + financing tips | Reserve your seat |
| Seller Prep & Staging | ROI-focused upgrades, pro photography | Get my staging checklist |
“Cari helped us purchase our fist ever condo, process was quick and pretty smooth. She did a great job walking us thru the whole process and answering all our million questions. She helped negotiate with the seller after property inspection and appraisal. After several years when we decided to extend – Cari helped us to sell this condo for a great price. She handled all the issues and requests with the buyer and made sure we get the best deal. Cari has lots of knowledge in common and tricky situations! Cari is a great person as well, very responsive and nice to be around!”
— First time home buyers in Burbank, CA
👉 See more stories or share yours
Let’s Connect:
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing or buying your very first home, I’m here to guide you with care, clarity and a little Valley charm.
- Call / Text: (818) 415-3657
- Email: [email protected]
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Your goals. My know-how. Let’s get you moving.
Office: 10153 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, CA 91602
Cari Pelayo
Your Neighborhood Expert for Burbank & the greater San Fernando Valley
With over 20 years of experience in California real estate, Cari Pelayo is a trusted Realtor and Broker Associate serving Burbank, Toluca Lake, Valencia, and the greater San Fernando Valley. Known for her personalized approach and deep community involvement, Cari combines her extensive market knowledge with a genuine dedication to helping clients achieve their real estate goals. Her background includes a Juris Doctor from the University of West Los Angeles, and she is recognized for treating every client like family, guiding them through each step of the buying or selling process with care and expertise.
Cari’s services go beyond traditional real estate, offering market analysis, property valuation, relocation assistance, and first-time homebuyer seminars. Clients consistently praise her honesty, thoroughness, and commitment to making every transaction smooth and stress-free. As an active member of the community and a resource for local events and neighborhood insights, Cari Pelayo stands out for her blend of professionalism, local expertise, and client-first philosophy—making her a top choice for anyone looking to buy or sell a home in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas.