LA28 Olympics Jobs: What the 126,000 to 224,000 Job Projection Means for Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA — The 2028 Games are still 20 months out, and a new study says they will support 126,000 to 224,000 jobs across the region. Here is what that LA28 Olympics jobs number means, and what it does not, if you need work in LA now.

The LA28 Olympics jobs projection is a forecast, not a hiring list. The real openings are landing in construction, transportation, hospitality and security, plus a few thousand temporary roles at LA28 itself.

Ready to search? Jump to the job links and start looking now →

💼 What the LA28 Jobs Study Actually Projects

The study, released September 15, comes from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation's Institute for Applied Economics. LA28 commissioned it. It covers Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

The range is wide because it uses two methods. The conservative model lands at $20.5 billion to $25.4 billion in output and roughly 126,000 to 152,000 jobs, as LAist reported. The broader model tops out at $40.6 billion and about 224,000 jobs. The summary is in LA28's own release.

The catch: the release does not define a "job." These are jobs supported over several years through 2028, not permanent openings, and many will be projects, extra shifts or temporary event work. A separate report for the L.A. County Board of Supervisors warned the benefit will be uneven, with the Antelope Valley and Southeast LA less connected than downtown, Old Town Pasadena or downtown Long Beach.

🔧 Where the Olympic Work Is Landing First

The biggest single driver in the study is about $8.35 billion in capital projects: transportation, airport, accessibility and venue work that is being accelerated or built for the Games. LAist pointed to the L.A. Convention Center renovation, LAX improvements, Metro ExpressLanes on the 105 and venue upgrades at the Rose Bowl.

So the early work looks like construction, not anything with an Olympic logo: electricians, laborers, equipment operators, HVAC techs and project coordinators. The study also names transportation, administrative support, hospitality, accommodation and security. Expect hotels, transit operators, security firms and caterers to lean in as 2028 nears and an estimated 2 million visitors arrive.

LA28 has also pledged 75% of its addressable spending to Greater LA businesses and 25% to local and small businesses, so small contractors and vendors are in the mix.

🏆 Working for LA28 Directly

The organizing committee itself is a much smaller employer. LA28 plans to employ about 5,000 professional leaders and managers by the opening ceremonies, according to Korn Ferry, the firm advising it on recruiting. Juliana Barela of Korn Ferry estimated the staff would reach close to 900 by the end of 2026.

These jobs end after the Games. This week the official LA28 job board listed more than 50 openings in Los Angeles across finance, legal, technology, logistics, venue security and sport operations. Most ask for professional experience.

⚠️ Volunteering Is Not a Paid Job

LA28 is recruiting about 60,000 Games-time volunteers, and applications opened in July through the LA28 volunteer page. Reporting on the launch said volunteers commit to at least 10 shifts within one Games period.

It is a good resume line and real networking. It does not pay rent, so put your search energy into the paid roles below.

🔎 Search Olympics-Driven Jobs Now

Most of these employers will never say "Olympics" in the posting. Search the trade, not the logo.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many jobs will the LA28 Olympics create?

An LAEDC study for LA28 projects 126,000 to 224,000 jobs supported across five counties, depending on the method. It is a projection, not a count of permanent positions.

Where do I apply for LA28 jobs?

Paid committee jobs are on LA28's official job board. Volunteer roles go through the LA28 volunteer page. Contractor jobs are posted by those employers.

Are LA28 jobs permanent?

No. LA28 staff roles wind down after the Games, and construction jobs last as long as each project. Entry-level work is more likely through hotels, caterers and security firms.

Are LA28 volunteers paid?

No. Volunteer roles are separate from LA28's paid job openings and are not a source of income. If you need a paycheck, focus on the paid roles posted by LA28 and its contractors.

Get Ahead of the 2028 Hiring Curve

Create a free LocalJobPage account and set alerts for construction, security, hotel and transit jobs. Browse the Los Angeles Career Center for role-by-role guides.

Employers: staffing up for Games-related work? Post your openings on LocalJobPage and reach Los Angeles candidates who are searching now.