California lost 30,000 jobs in the three months spanning May and July amid mass tech layoffs, according to new state jobs data released Friday.

The state lost 20,500 jobs in July according to preliminary state data, with the professional and business services sector cutting around 15,000, the most of any sector. July’s job losses, which are subject to revision, were the worst drop since June 2025. California nearly matched the entire country’s 23,000 jobs lost in July, which is based on federal data.

Revised state data showed a gain of 6,100 jobs in June and loss of 15,600 jobs in May.

“Anyone looking for a job in California knows how difficult it is to obtain one. Most any job listing is attracting numerous applicants, and any decently paid whitecollar job is attracting tens, if not hundreds of applicants,” said Michael Bernick, former head of the state Employment Development Department and special counsel at Duane Morris LLP.

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