The state of California is experiencing an unemployment rate of 5.3%, as of May 2024. Yuba County (where Beale Air Force Base is located) has a current unemployment rate of 7.3%, and nearby Sutter County's unemployment rate stands at 8.8%. The Sacramento Metropolitan Statistical Area has an unemployment rate of 5.1%. Placer and Nevada counties, to the south and east of the base respectively, have somewhat lower unemployment rates and are currently at 4.3% and 4.5% respectively.

California has experienced one of the fastest returns to business in the nation since the COVID-19 pandemic but has also ranked highest in the nation for unemployment two years in a row.

There are several CareerOneStop centers near the base. They provide quality job-seeking assistance and training, as well as provide in-depth knowledge of the area's hiring opportunities. For more information on their programs and to find your nearest center, visit the CareerOneStop website.

Spouses seeking employment at Beale AFB should contact the Military and Family Readiness Center's Employment Assistance coordinator to obtain assistance with developing a resume, finding employment in the community and determining where your best employment opportunities exist. Workshops are offered in a virtual format as well as in person.

There are employment opportunities available on Beale AFB.  Military spouses may be eligible for spouse preference options in general schedule, federal wage system and non-appropriated fund positions. The M&FRC, civilian personnel and NAF human resources staff can help determine your eligibility. In-home family child care is always an employment option and providers are always in demand both on and off base. This may be an ideal situation for those individuals who are interested in earning money caring for children while being able to remain at home with their own.

It is important to hand carry all documentation for employment rather than have those documents shipped. For job hunting purposes, be sure to hand carry resumes, SF 171, SF 50, transcripts, certificates, licenses, picture identifications as well as social security cards. If your profession requires a license or certification, you may be entitled to a reimbursement of costs incurred (up to $1000) to obtain a California license/certification. Your permanent change of station must be from a continental U.S. location to another CONUS location. Your Military and Family Readiness Center can provide the details for the program, and your reimbursement paperwork will be filed through the comptroller squadron.

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) at Beale prepares separating or retiring active-duty military members to transition smoothly into civilian life.

The first steps in the transition process is to attend the initial counseling and pre-separation briefing. The initial counseling is a one-on-one meeting with M&FRC staff. The pre-separation briefings are held every Wednesday for separating members and on the last Friday of the month (may vary), for retirees. The retiree pre-separation briefing also includes a TRICARE for Retirees briefing.

The initial counseling/pre-separation briefings provide an introduction to the many employment services and benefits available to veterans and is a prerequisite to attend the five-day TAP classes.

In addition, separating and retiring members have the option of attending the monthly Managing Your (MY) Education class, and the quarterly Boots to Business and Career & Credential Exploration (C2E) classes.

With in-state tuition and many financial aid programs, military spouses can receive a great deal of assistance to help cover school costs. There are also a number of scholarship opportunities available including the annual Beale Officer Spouses Club and Air Force Aid Society's Hap Arnold Grant – both received by many Beale spouses. For further information and applications for scholarship programs, contact the Beale Military and Family Readiness Center at              530-634-2863.

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource.

Federal civilian employees and ex-military personnel may qualify for unemployment insurance benefits. Military spouses forced to resign from employment due to military orders may also be eligible for UI benefits, although this varies depending on the state you relocate from. For more information on eligibility and the claims process, visit the California State Employment Development Department website or call toll-free 833-978-2511.