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California is one of the most expensive states to live in—but it’s also home to some of the highest-paying careers in the country. Whether you’re entering the workforce or exploring a career pivot, knowing which roles offer top earnings can help you make smarter choices.

In this guide, we’ve ranked the 30 highest-paying careers in California using official data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), released in May 2024. From healthcare and engineering to executive leadership and tech, these jobs offer six-figure salaries and long-term opportunity.

Related Reading: 25 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs in the U.S.

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What We Considered

This list highlights careers that meet the following criteria:

• Listed in the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for California
• Ranked by annual mean wage (or average wage), not median
• Long-term, full-time professions (not gig work or temporary positions)
• Representative of industries with consistent labor demand

Related Reading: 30 Highest-Paying Jobs in Arizona

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Top 30 Highest-Paying Careers in California (By Average Salary)

These careers are ranked by their average annual earnings in California, based on official BLS data. (Note: “mean wage” is the average income across all workers in an occupation—actual salaries can vary by region, experience, employer, and bonus or overtime opportunities.)

Related: California Minimum Wage 2026: All Rates & Requirements

1. Radiologists

Average Salary (CA): $370,880
Pathway: Medical degree; radiology residency
What They Do: Interpret medical images to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries.

BLS Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons

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2. Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric

Average Salary (CA): $340,300
Pathway: Medical degree; ophthalmology residency
What They Do: Treat diseases, injuries, and disorders of the eyes through surgical and medical methods.

BLS Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons

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3. Psychiatrists

Average Salary (CA): $328,560
Pathway: Medical degree; psychiatry residency
What They Do: Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental health disorders.

BLS Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons

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4. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Average Salary (CA): $321,460
Pathway: Bachelor’s degree; FAA licensure and flight training
What They Do: Pilot and navigate aircraft, ensuring passenger and crew safety.

BLS Handbook: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

5. Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric

Average Salary (CA): $316,950
Pathway: Medical degree; orthopedic surgery residency
What They Do: Treat musculoskeletal system issues through surgical and non-surgical means.

BLS Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons

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6. Dermatologists

Average Salary (CA): $313,320
Pathway: Medical degree; dermatology residency
What They Do: Treat skin conditions and perform dermatological procedures.

BLS Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons

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7. Surgeons, All Other

Average Salary (CA): $308,430
Pathway: Medical degree; specialized surgical training
What They Do: Perform surgeries in specialized fields not otherwise categorized.

BLS Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons

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8. General Internal Medicine Physicians

Average Salary (CA): $298,620
Pathway: Medical degree; internal medicine residency
What They Do: Provide long-term comprehensive care to adults.

BLS Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons

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9. Chief Executives

Average Salary (CA): $289,530
Pathway: Bachelor’s or master’s degree; significant leadership experience
What They Do: Plan and coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management.

BLS Handbook: Top Executives

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10. Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Average Salary (CA): $289,500
Pathway: Medical degree; OB/GYN residency
What They Do: Provide medical care related to pregnancy and reproductive systems.

BLS Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons

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11. Pediatricians, General

Average Salary (CA): $283,620
Pathway: Medical degree; pediatric residency
What They Do: Care for children’s physical and mental development.

BLS Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons

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12. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Average Salary (CA): $282,890
Pathway: Dental degree; surgical residency
What They Do: Perform surgery on the mouth, jaws, and related areas.

BLS Handbook: Dentists

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13. Emergency Medicine Physicians

Average Salary (CA): $269,890
Pathway: Medical degree; emergency medicine residency
What They Do: Provide immediate decision-making and action to prevent death or further disability.

BLS Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons

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14. Family Medicine Physicians

Average Salary (CA): $257,060
Pathway: Medical degree; family medicine residency
What They Do: Provide primary care to individuals and families.

BLS Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons

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15. Lawyers

Average Salary (CA): $254,170
Pathway: Juris Doctor (JD); state bar exam
What They Do: Represent clients in legal proceedings and advise on legal transactions.

BLS Handbook: Lawyers

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16. Computer and Information Systems Managers

Average Salary (CA): $232,710
Pathway: Bachelor’s or master’s in IT or related field
What They Do: Plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in organizations.

BLS Handbook: Computer and Information Systems Managers

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17. Nurse Anesthetists

Average Salary (CA): $220,000
Pathway: Master’s or DNP; CRNA certification
What They Do: Administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery.

BLS Handbook: Nurse Anesthetists

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18. Natural Sciences Managers

Average Salary (CA): $219,470
Pathway: Bachelor’s or master’s in science discipline; experience
What They Do: Supervise the work of scientists in research and development.

BLS Handbook: Natural Sciences Managers

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19. Physicians, Pathologists

Average Salary (CA): $216,910
Pathway: Medical degree; pathology residency
What They Do: Diagnose diseases by examining body fluids and tissues.

BLS Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons

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20. Marketing Managers

Average Salary (CA): $206,150
Pathway: Bachelor’s in marketing or related field
What They Do: Plan and direct marketing strategies and campaigns.

BLS Handbook: Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers

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21. Architectural and Engineering Managers

Average Salary (CA): $205,610
Pathway: Bachelor’s in engineering or architecture; experience
What They Do: Plan and coordinate engineering or architectural projects.

BLS Handbook: Architectural and Engineering Managers

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22. Human Resources Managers

Average Salary (CA): $198,850
Pathway: Bachelor’s or master’s in HR or business
What They Do: Plan, coordinate, and direct administrative functions of an organization.

BLS Handbook: Human Resources Managers

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23. Orthodontists

Average Salary (CA): $193,160
Pathway: Dental degree; orthodontic residency
What They Do: Diagnose and treat dental irregularities.

BLS Handbook: Dentists

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24. Physicists

Average Salary (CA): $187,720
Pathway: PhD in physics or related field
What They Do: Conduct research and develop theories based on observations and experiments.

BLS Handbook: Physicists & Astronomers

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25. Software Developers

Average Salary (CA): $185,750
Pathway: Bachelor’s in computer science or related field
What They Do: Design, create, and test computer applications and systems.

BLS Handbook: Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers

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26. Advertising and Promotions Managers

Average Salary (CA): $185,250
Pathway: Bachelor’s in marketing, communications, or related field
What They Do: Plan and direct promotional policies and programs.

BLS Handbook: Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers

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27. Dentists, General

Average Salary (CA): $184,350
Pathway: Dental degree; state license
What They Do: Diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth and gums.

BLS Handbook: Dentists

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28. Computer Hardware Engineers

Average Salary (CA): $183,350
Pathway: Bachelor’s in computer engineering or related field
What They Do: Research, design, and test computer equipment.

BLS Handbook: Computer Hardware Engineers

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29. Nuclear Engineers

Average Salary (CA): $170,560
Pathway: Bachelor’s in nuclear engineering
What They Do: Research and develop processes, instruments, and systems for nuclear energy.

BLS Handbook: Nuclear Engineers

Related Reading: The Top 10 Best Engineering Schools

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30. Personal Financial Advisors

Average Salary (CA): $170,480
Pathway: Bachelor’s degree; CFP certification recommended
What They Do: Advise clients on financial planning, investments, and retirement.

BLS Handbook: Personal Financial Advisors

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Salary Comparison Table

Occupation	Average Salary (CA)
Radiologists	$370,880
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers	$321,460
Psychiatrists	$328,560
Orthopedic Surgeons	$316,950
Surgeons, All Other	$308,430
Dermatologists	$313,320
Ophthalmologists	$340,300
Internal Medicine Physicians	$298,620
Chief Executives	$289,530
OB-GYNs	$289,500
Pediatricians	$283,620
Oral Surgeons	$282,890
Emergency Medicine Physicians	$269,890
Family Physicians	$257,060
Lawyers	$254,170
IT Managers	$232,710
Nurse Anesthetists	$220,000
Natural Sciences Managers	$219,470
Pathologists	$216,910
Marketing Managers	$206,150
Engineering Managers	$205,610
HR Managers	$198,850
Orthodontists	$193,160
Physicists	$187,720
Software Developers	$185,750
Advertising Managers	$185,250
Dentists	$184,350
Computer Hardware Engineers	$183,350
Nuclear Engineers	$170,560
Financial Advisors	$170,480

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Final Thoughts

California may be one of the most expensive places to live—but it’s also where ambitious careers take off. If you’re considering one of the highest paying careers in California, remember that success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through dedication, the right guidance, and a clear vision for the future. Whether you’re pursuing a path in healthcare, tech, or leadership, this list is a starting point to help you move forward with purpose.

At Amtec, we’re here to guide you. While our job board may not feature every role listed here, it’s a great place to explore real opportunities that align with your goals. Explore Jobs

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FAQs

What’s the #1 highest-paying job in California?

As of May 2024 BLS data, Radiologists top the list at $370,880 per year.

Do all high-paying careers in California require a doctorate?

No. While many healthcare roles do, others—like software developers, marketing managers, or engineering managers—can offer six figures with a bachelor’s degree and experience.

Which industry pays the most overall?

Healthcare dominates, but technology and executive management are also major earners

Where can I explore the full wage database?

Check the official BLS site here: https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/0600000