San Diego was one of the top three areas in California where green jobs remained strong.
An economic research and consulting organization, Collaborative Economics, prepared the report for Next 10, an independent, nonpartisan group which focuses on quality of life issues.
Lead researcher Tracey Grose said California's core green economy is represented by businesses in the clean energy sector.
"Businesses that provide the products and services that enable us to leverage clean energy sources, enable us to conserve energy and all natural resources and help us reduce and repurpose waste," said Grose, describing the definition of 'green' companies. "That group of businesses fared better than traditional manufacturing and the overall economy during the recession."
She said San Diego County is one of three areas in the state which showed the greatest resilience for retaining those 'green' jobs.
"San Diego is one hot spot in California's core green economy," Grose said. "Over the long-term even, San Diego has posted some of the strongest growth in employment and businesses."
Grose said biotech firms' pursuit of alternative fuel sources, such as algae, has helped drive the growth of green jobs in San Diego.