With nearly 40 million residents, California is the most populated state in the U.S. It also boasts a robust economy and a gross domestic product (GDP) that is actually larger than many countries, including France and the United Kingdom. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a change, California offers a wealth of job opportunities, along with average wages that often run higher than the national numbers. Read on to learn which jobs sit highest on the salary ladder in the Golden State.
Key Points
• California offers some of the highest salaries in the nation.
• Health care professionals top the list of highest earners in the state.
• Anesthesiologists lead with an average salary of $452,930.
• Surgeons and cardiologists have average salaries exceeding $340,000.
• Other professions that make the top 20 include airline pilots, CEOs, IT managers, and lawyers.
Top-Paying Jobs in California
While California offers job opportunities in a wide variety of sectors, health care jobs offer the highest mean (or average) salaries in the state, according to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates report. Jobs in the airline, business, tech, and legal fields also rank high on the list. If a good salary is important to you, check out this list of the 20 highest-paying jobs in California.
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1. Anesthesiologist
Average salary in California: $452,930
National average salary: $339,470
Educational requirements: To become an anesthesiologist, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school and a four-year residency program.
Anesthesiologists specialize in administering anesthesia to manage pain and ensure patient safety during surgeries. Their duties include selecting and administering medications, monitoring vital signs of the patient during procedures, and adjusting anesthetics as needed. They also collaborate with other physicians and surgeons and communicate with patients about pain management plans.
2. Cardiologist
Average salary in California: $389,120
National average salary: $423,250
Educational requirements: To become a cardiologist, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school, a three-year residency, and a three-year fellowship. To specialize further, you may need to complete a one-year advanced practice fellowship.
Cardiologists specialize in treating conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such heart disease, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure. To make a diagnosis, they may give physical exams and order tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG). They also prescribe medicines, advise on diet and lifestyle changes, and can perform nonsurgical procedures (such as implanting a pacemaker or inserting a cardiac catheter).
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3. Orthopedic Surgeon
Average salary in California: $346,070
National average salary: $378,250
Educational requirements: To become an orthopedic surgeon, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school and typically a five-year residency. To specialize in a particular area (such as pediatric orthopedics), you also need to complete a one- to two-year fellowship.
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, which includes joints, bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. They treat injuries like fractures and dislocations, manage chronic conditions like arthritis, and perform surgeries such as joint replacements. They also recommend nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy to restore mobility and function.
4. Surgeon
Average salary in California: $340,260
National average salary: $343,990
Educational requirements: To become a surgeon, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school and a three- to eight-year surgery residency. Surgeons may also opt to complete a one- to three-year fellowship.
Surgeons perform operations on patients with injuries or illnesses. Their duties include reviewing X-rays, discussing procedures with patients, preparing for surgery, and completing surgeries with the help of other medical and surgical professionals. They also monitor and follow-up with patients after the surgery.
5. Ophthalmologist
Average salary in California: $324,270
National average salary: $312,120
Educational requirements: To become an ophthalmologist, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school and three to eight years of post-graduate training, including an internship and residency in ophthalmology.
Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat conditions that affect the eyes and vision. They perform routine eye exams, prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, and prescribe medications to treat eye conditions. They also perform surgeries to correct vision and treat eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma.
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6. Dermatologist
Average salary in California: $313,330
National average salary: $342,860
Educational requirements: To become a dermatologist, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school and a four-year residency. To specialize in a particular area (such as dermatopathology or pediatric dermatology), you also need to complete a one- to three-year fellowship.
Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. They manage issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer. They perform skin screenings, prescribe medications, and perform minor surgical procedures on the skin, such as biopsies and mole removal. They may also assist patients with cosmetic issues and concerns.
7. Psychiatrist
Average salary in California: $288,270
National average salary: $256,930
Educational Requirements: To become a psychiatrist, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school and a four-year residency. To pursue a subspecialty (such as addictions or geriatric psychiatry), you must also complete a one-year fellowship.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors that specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. They work closely with patients to address a wide range of mental health issues, from anxiety to severe psychiatric conditions. Treatments they offer may include medication, therapy, and behavioral interventions. They also monitor their patients over time, making adjustments to treatment as necessary.
8. Airline Pilot
Average salary in California: $286,040
National average salary: $250,050
Educational Requirements: To become an airline pilot, you typically need a minimum of 1,500 hours of recorded flight time. This includes at least 100 night hours, 500 cross-country hours, and 50 multi-engine hours. You may also have to pass a medical exam to prove they have the strength and stamina demanded by the job. All pilots must also have a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license.
An airline pilot flies a commercial aircraft that carries passengers and cargo from one location to another. In addition to operating planes safely, airline pilots have a range of other responsibilities. These include developing flight plans, conducting pre- and post-flight checks, monitoring equipment, communicating with air traffic control, coordinating with flight attendants, and filing status reports after each trip.
9. Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OB-GYN)
Average salary in California: $285,470
National average salary: $278,660
Educational Requirements: To become an OB-GYN, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school and a four-year residency.
OB-GYNs, also known as obstetrician gynecologists, specialize in female reproductive health. They provide a range of services, including obstetrics (care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum) and gynecology (care for a woman’s reproductive organs and health). They play a key role in promoting women’s health across all life stages.
10. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Average salary in California: $281,030
National average salary: $258,900
Educational requirements: To become a CEO, you typically need a four-year bachelor degree. Many aspiring CEOs also pursue a master’s degree in business administration or their desired field, which typically takes two years to complete.
A chief executive officer, or CEO, is the top-ranking executive within an organization and is responsible for leading the company. Their duties include setting strategic goals, overseeing operations, communicating between board members and other company executives, and making key decisions that impact the company’s financial health and success.
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11. Internal Medicine Physician
Average salary in California: $275,110
National average salary: $245,450
Educational requirements: To become an internist, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school and a three- to four-year residency. To pursue a subspecialty (such as gastroenterology or infectious diseases), you also need to complete a two- to three-year fellowship.
Internists, also known as internal medicine physicians, specialize in providing general medical care for adult patients. Their duties include conducting physical exams, ordering bloodwork and other tests, analyzing data to make diagnoses, and prescribing medications and treatments. Internists also counsel patients about lifestyle changes that can lead to better health.
12. Pathologist
Average salary in California: $264,450
National average salary: $270,560
Educational requirements: To become a pathologist, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school and a three- to four-year residency. Many pathologists also pursue an additional one- to two-year fellowship in a pathology subspecialty.
Pathologists are doctors who specialize in examining tissue to diagnose diseases and determine how illnesses and injuries occurred. Their duties include collecting specimens, studying samples in the lab, and identifying the particular bacteria or virus that resulted in a patient’s symptoms. They also write reports and communicate their findings to the patient’s physician.
13. Radiologist
Average salary in California: $261,020
National average salary: $353,960
Educational requirements: To become a radiologist, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school and a four- to five-year residency. To pursue a subspecialty (such as musculoskeletal radiology or neuroradiology), you also need to complete a one- to two-year fellowship.
Radiologists are doctors who read and interpret images from diagnostic imaging procedures, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds. They use imaging results to diagnose disorders and injuries, and to help determine the best treatment. They communicate their findings to physicians and sometimes to patients and families. Some radiologists also treat conditions with radiation and perform image-guided procedures such as biopsies.
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14. Family Medicine Physicians
Average salary in California: $251,640
National average salary: $240,790
Educational requirements: To become a family medicine physician, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school and a three-year residency.
Family medicine physicians are generalists who provide comprehensive health care for people of all ages. Also known as primary care doctors, they provide or prescribe treatment, medications, and vaccinations; order and interpret tests; educate patients; and refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.
15. Nurse Anesthetist
Average salary in California: $250,920
National average salary: $214,200
Educational requirements: To become a nurse anesthetist, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s degree from a nurse anesthesia education program. The program must be accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and can take 24 to 51 months to complete.
Nurse anesthetists are registered nurses who specialize in anesthesia and provide care for patients before, during, and after surgical and other procedures. Their duties include preparing patients for anesthesia, administering anesthesia, maintaining anesthesia during surgery, and managing recovery. Nurse anesthetists may work alone or with a team of health care providers.
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16. Physician
Average salary in California: $249,660
National average salary: $248,640
Educational requirements: To become a physician, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school and a three- to eight-year residency. Subspecialization requires additional training in a fellowship of one to three years.
Physicians are medical professionals who diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses and help patients maintain their health. They examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. Some also perform surgery, close wounds, and administer other medical procedures. Many also advise patients on diet, lifestyle, and preventive health care.
17. Dentist
Average salary in California: $249,610
National average salary: $244,470
Educational requirements: To become a dentist, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of dental school to get a Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD). For some specialties, dentists must receive additional training through a two- to three-year residency program.
Dentists are health care providers who specialize in oral health. They diagnose, treat, and prevent issues related to teeth, gums, and mouth, such as cavities and gum disease. They perform procedures like fillings, extractions, root canals, and may provide cosmetic services like whitening or veneers. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene to maintain good oral health.
18. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Average salary in California: $221,820
National average salary: $334,310
Educational requirements: To become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of dental school and a four-year residency program.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions and injuries of the face, mouth, jaw, neck, and head. They use dental, medical, and surgical skills to perform a variety of specialized procedures, including dental implants, facial trauma repair, cosmetic facial enhancements, and cleft lip and palate surgery.
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19. Computer and Information Systems Manager
Average salary in California: $217,030
National average salary: $180,720
Educational Requirements: To become a computer and information systems manager, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree in a field such as computer science, information systems management or information. You typically also need a master’s degree, which generally takes two years.
A computer and information systems manager, also called an information technology manager (IT manager), oversees an organization’s technology needs. Their role is to make sure the company’s tech systems are secure, efficient, and aligned with business goals. They lead IT teams, manage budgets, evaluate emerging technologies, troubleshoot system issues, and ensure data security.
20. Lawyer
Average salary in California: $213,860
National average salary: $176,470
Educational requirements: To become a lawyer, you need to get a four-year bachelor’s degree followed by three years of law school.
Lawyers provide legal advice and represent clients in legal matters. They interpret laws, draft legal documents, negotiate settlements, and provide guidance on various issues like contracts, disputes, or criminal charges. Some lawyers offer a broad range of legal services, while others specialize in specific areas, such as criminal law, corporate law, or family law.
The Takeaway
California is home to some of the most lucrative career opportunities in the nation, offering competitive salaries across industries like health care, technology, business, and air transportation. While these roles often demand extensive education and training, the rewards can be well worth the investment. Whether you’re drawn to the state for its economic prospects or its vibrant lifestyle, exploring high-paying careers in California can open doors to a fulfilling and financially secure future.
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FAQ
What’s the highest paying job in California?
In California, health care roles consistently rank among the highest-paying jobs. Anesthesiologists, cardiologists, and surgeons are at the top, with anesthesiologists earning an average salary of $452,930. These roles require extensive education and specialized training, reflecting the significant responsibilities and expertise required.
What is a good salary in California?
A “good” salary in California varies depending on location and lifestyle. Given the state’s high cost of living, particularly in metropolitan areas, a salary above the national average is often necessary. Research suggests that, on average, you need to earn just over $143,000 a year to be happy in California.
What are some of the fastest-growing jobs in California?
California is seeing rapid growth in several sectors, especially health care and technology. Jobs like nurse practitioners, physical therapists, medical and health services managers, solar photovoltaic installers, and data scientists are among the fastest-growing jobs in the Golden State.
About the author
Julia Califano
Julia Califano is an award-winning journalist who covers banking, small business, personal loans, student loans, and other money issues for SoFi. She has over 20 years of experience writing about personal finance and lifestyle topics. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/Jacob Wackerhausen
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