With such a large military presence, it’s not surprising the defense industry leads San Diego employment opportunities. In fact, one out of every five jobs in the region relate to the defense industry, with companies in categories such as cybersecurity, high tech, and computer science. There are many opportunities in other industries, too, if you’re starting on the path toward your first career, are seeking to change your current position, or are pursuing a new business idea.
For May 2025 to May 2026, the BLS reported the four top industries in San Diego for highest growth were in:
- The service-providing industry of education and health services: growing at 5.7%, and relating to careers in education, health care, and social services, such as psychology and nursing. Contributing to this growth is that San Diego is a leader in technology-driven health innovation, with more than 80 academic and research institutes within the city limits.
- The service-providing industry of leisure and hospitality: growing at 3.4%, and relating to careers in arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, food services, and similar areas. This growth is thanks, in part, to San Diego being named a top 10 U.S. visitor and meeting destination.
- The service-providing industry of professional and business services: growing at 1.0%, and relating to careers in accounting, legal services, management consulting, and cybersecurity and computer science. Contributing to this growth is San Diego’s concentration of defense contractors, life sciences companies, and tech firms, which rely on skilled professionals for engineering, IT, and consulting support.
Careers for Active Military, Veterans, and Their Families
National University, a military-friendly, Yellow Ribbon Program school offers many services to active-duty servicemembers and Veterans, including more than 90 online degrees in areas such as engineering and technology, health care and nursing, business and marketing, science and math, criminal justice and law, and more. In fact, National University has earned the gold award in the 2025-2026 Military Friendly Schools survey.
Whether active duty, reserve, or retired military, the all-Veteran staff at National University’s Veteran Center can answer all your questions about finding a military-friendly college. These experts can also help you learn about military tuition assistance, such as making the most of VA Educational Benefits, Post-9/11 GI Bill, and Survivors’ and Dependents Educational Assistance.
Did you know you can transfer your GI Bill to your spouse or a family member if you are an active-duty or select reserve servicemember with under 16 years of service? If you meet a few other criteria, you can enable a loved one to pursue their career dreams with a degree from National University.
Education and Health Care Careers Are Always Options
Teaching and research hospitals are known for developing cures and solutions, and these institutions need health care professionals of all kinds. On growing area is health information, and you can prepare for a career in this area with a Master of Science in Health Informatics.
National University offers several health care related programs, such as the Bachelor of Science in Public Health, which prepares individuals for careers in health and government agencies.
National’s Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration gives you the skills needed for a management-level position within a public or private health care organization. And the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (California) can lead you toward becoming a licensed registered nurse (RN) in California.
Still Growing: Technology and Startups
Technology have spurred demand for highly skilled workers, especially in cybersecurity and computer science and networks. National’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity or Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management are solid options to get you started in a career in either of these fields.
The “green technology” has created demand for scientists, entrepreneurs, and research and development engineers to help creative eco-friendly solutions, such as zero-emission vehicles, alternative fuels, and smart technology. Many of the programs through in National’s College of Law and Public Service also teach the innovative skills you need to succeed in various positions within a high-tech company.
A Solid Foundation for Any Career: The Master in Business Administration
Regardless of whether you want to enhance your current professional trajectory or start a new career, an MBA will give you many options. A graduate degree in business administration gives you management skills fit for any industry. And, with a heavy presence in San Diego, National University offers both on-campus and online MBA options for those who call the city home.
No Matter Where You’ve Been, You Can Start a Degree Program Now
If you’ve been in the military or in the workforce for years and are considering returning to school as an adult learner, this “how to go back to school” checklist offers a helpful refresher on what to consider as you pursue your degree. You may also find this article interesting: Top 5 Reasons Adult Learners Benefit from Finishing Their Degree.
Adult learners in San Diego have online options, and National University rises to the top by offering online and on-campus programs at several San Diego locations. Regardless of format, new courses start at the beginning of each month with rolling admissions, so whatever your schedule and whenever you are ready, National University admission advisors can get you started on a career path focused on one of the top industries in San Diego.
