Economy, jobs & business climate

Secretary, Labor & Workforce Development

Labor law, workplace safety, EDD and job training. The Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency serves as the Governor's cabinet-level appointee responsible for overseeing the state's labor, employment, and workforce development programs. This role provides strategic direction to the departments and boards within the agency's portfolio, including the Employment Development Department, the Labor Commissioner's Office, and the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. The Secretary requires Senate confirmation and typically brings senior-level experience in labor policy, workforce development, or public administration.

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The appointment

Appointed by: The Governor
Confirmation: Senate, by majority vote
Term: At the Governor's pleasure
Compensation: $210,000/yr
Availability: At-pleasure: available to the next Governor on day one; Senate confirmation of the replacement within one year where required.
Statutory requirements: None in statute. Gov. Code 12801: the Governor appoints each agency secretary listed in Gov. Code 12800, subject to confirmation by the Senate; the secretary holds office at the pleasure of the Governor. Salary tier Gov. Code 11550, adjusted by CalHR under 19825.5.

Statute-verified

Sources

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2019/01/11/governor-newsom-appoints-natural-resources-and-labor-secretaries-senior-advisors-and-communications-staff/; Statute research 2026-10-20: Gov. Code secs. 12800, 12801, 11550, 19825.5 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/government-code/gov-sect-12801/; https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/government-code/gov-sect-11550/

In the catalog

The catalog entry behind this profile. The role explorer lists every California Labor and Workforce Development Agency role, including deputies and other seats.

Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency

California Labor and Workforce Development Agency

Workforce & LaborCabinet / C-Suite$210,000/yrSenate confirmation required

Labor and WorkforcePolicy and Analysis

The Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency serves as the Governor's cabinet-level appointee responsible for overseeing the state's labor, employment, and workforce development programs. This role provides strategic direction to the departments and boards within the agency's portfolio, including the Employment Development Department, the Labor Commissioner's Office, and the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. The Secretary requires Senate confirmation and typically brings senior-level experience in labor policy, workforce development, or public administration.

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