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Recent Graduate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Recent Graduate information

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$5

$19

$32

How much do recent graduate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for recent graduate in California is $19.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recent graduate?

Recent graduates are individuals who have completed their college or university studies within the last few years, typically within the past one to three years. They often seek entry-level positions or internships to begin their professional careers. Employers may consider someone a recent graduate if they have little to no full-time work experience in their field of study. This group is known for bringing fresh perspectives, up-to-date knowledge, and a strong willingness to learn to the workplace.

What are some common challenges recent graduates face when transitioning into their first professional role?

Recent graduates often encounter challenges such as adjusting to a new work environment, understanding workplace expectations, and managing time effectively. It can take time to adapt to professional communication styles, learn industry-specific tools, and balance multiple tasks or projects. Building strong relationships with colleagues and seeking feedback can help ease the transition and foster personal and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recent graduate, and why are they important?

Recent graduates need a solid educational background in their chosen field, relevant internships or project experience, and a proactive approach to learning new concepts. Familiarity with industry-standard software, basic data analysis tools, and digital collaboration platforms is often expected. Strong communication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities help recent graduates stand out when entering the workforce. These skills and qualities enable them to quickly integrate into teams, navigate new challenges, and contribute effectively to organizational goals.

What is the difference between Recent Graduate vs Intern?

AspectRecent GraduateIntern
CredentialsDegree or diploma, sometimes certificationsUsually students or those in training, may have minimal credentials
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, full-time positionTemporary, part-time or project-based
Employer UsageHired for ongoing roles after graduationGaining experience, often unpaid or low-paid
Search & ComparisonLooking for full-time entry rolesSeeking internship opportunities for experience

In summary, a Recent Graduate is typically someone who has completed their education and is seeking a full-time entry-level position, while an Intern is usually a student or new entrant gaining practical experience through temporary or part-time roles. Both are important steps in career development but serve different purposes in the employment journey.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recent Graduate jobs in California?

The most popular types of Recent Graduate jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Recent Graduate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Recent Graduate job openings:

Infographic showing various Recent Graduate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,139 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Administrative Management Specialist - HR Liaison (Recent Graduate)

US Department of Commerce

Santa Cruz, CA • On-site

$56K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


U.S. Department Of Commerce rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

127th of 856 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), with 5 vacancies in Juneau, AK; San Diego, CA; Santa Cruz, CA; Silver Spring, MD; Gloucester, MA; or Seattle, WA.
Qualifications:

This position is being recruited with an opportunity for non-competitive conversion eligibility to a permanent OR term position upon completion of all Recent Graduate program requirements. Conversion is not mandatory nor guaranteed (see Additional Information).
Eligibility Requirements:
In order to be eligible for an appointment under the Pathways Recent Graduate Program you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a recent graduate who has completed, within the previous two years, an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution such as an accredited technical or vocational school; a 2- or 4-year college or university; a graduate or professional school (e.g., law school, medical school); or a post-secondary home school curriculum; or completed a qualifying career or technical education program, including Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Job Corps, and Registered Apprenticeships. Note: Certificate program is defined as post-secondary education in a qualifying educational institution equal to at least one academic year of full-time study that's part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum.
  • Veterans who were precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their 2-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty; however, eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed 6 years from the date on which the degree or certificate was obtained. The date of release or discharge from active duty should be later than the date the degree or certificate was obtained.


Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
EDUCATION:There is no positive education requirement for this position.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
To qualify at the ZA-2 or GS-07 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZA-1 or GS-5 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Assisting with the coordination of human resources processes; and
  • Assisting in providing customer service support in day-to-day administrative operations.

OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: One full year of graduate-level education.
OR
SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Demonstrated by a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with one of the following. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your application clearly states how you meet one of the provisions below:

  • A grade point average (GPA) of 2.9 or higher based on a 4.0 scale for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last 2 full years of undergraduate study;
  • A GPA of 3.5 or higher based on a 4.0 scale for required courses completed in a major field of study, or those courses completed in a major field of study during the last two years of undergraduate study;
  • Class standing of upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision of the college;
  • Membership in a national Scholastic Honor Society certified by the Association of College Honor Societies, excluding freshman honor societies.

OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience may be used to meet the total experience requirements.

Education:College Transcript: If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), name of accredited institution, course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: OPM Foreign Education Evaluation.Employment Type: OTHER

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