25 Highest Paying Jobs In California For 2023 (Updated)

Table of Contents Show

Looking for high-paying jobs in California with or without a bachelor’s degree for 2023? We have them right here.

People with more education in California, on average, make more income than those without. That said, it is not everyone that can have a college education.

Some can’t afford the fee and choose not to go into debt. But everyone needs good pay.

That is why we’re serving you the best high-paying jobs in California with a degree as well as those that do not require a bachelor’s degree.

We’ve also outlined jobs for high school students, diplomas, and many more. We hope you find the one that suits you.

You can also read: How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid? What You Need to Know About Surrogacy

What’s The Economic Situation In California?

California’s financial system is the largest in the United States, with a GDP of $3.018 trillion, GDP per capita of 76,194, and a population below the poverty line of 13.3 percent (absolute) 19.0 percent (relative)

Although, If California were a sovereign country, it would have the world’s fifth-largest financial system. Additionally, Silicon Valley is home to a number of the world’s most valuable era firms, including Apple, Alphabet Inc., and Facebook.

What does it take to land top-paying jobs in California?

It all depends. It’s critical to remember that each job has its own set of criteria.

To get a high-paying job, you’ll almost need a college diploma. Also, a Bachelor’s degree will suffice in some circumstances. A Master’s or Doctorate is required in others. Also, some high-paying jobs in California do not require a degree or experience.

When it comes to skills, the requirements vary according to the position. In each field, technical prowess is specialized. When you’re pursuing your education, you’ll likely get your foundation.

However, if you need more information, go into the job descriptions to grasp the ins and outs.

Communication, accountability, attention to detail, and other related soft skills are crucial. Plus, many of the highest-paying jobs require managing a team, if not an entire department or organization, so leadership abilities are often required.

People who read this article also read about 15 Best-Paying Jobs in Miscellaneous | 2023

Do Jobs In California Pay Well?

Jobs in California pay well as it offers employees the following opportunities:

Veterans Preference

If you’re a veteran, a procedure with the State of California is likely to be a good fit. Also, with its Veterans Preference machine on positive exams, the state provides a superior benefit to current and prior service members.

Great Health Insurance

A State of California procedure provides great fitness benefits. However, almost all of the monthly premiums are covered by the state, and the co-pays on all of the plans are minimal.

Consistent Wage Increases

When you work for the government, you are entitled to a yearly basic stipend. Merit Salary Adjustments are what the state calls these raises, and you should get one every year on your anniversary date.

However, you must work hard, and your manager has the authority to withhold your MSA if you are not performing well. However, if you show up and do your job correctly, your profits should increase year after year.

Retirement Benefits

Whether you’re just starting or towards the end of your career, you’ve probably thought about that great day when you can stop running and do exactly what you want. On your first day with the State of California, you’ll start contributing to one of the world’s largest and nicest pension systems.

You can also make money by working in basic industries. Check out this article on 15 Best-Paying Jobs in Basic Industries | 2023

What is the Highest Paying Job In California?

Here are the highest-paying jobs in California

1. Optometrist

Average salary: $147,660 consistent with year

Optometrists are doctors who evaluate, diagnose, and treat vision and eye problems. Optometrists, while best known for prescribing corrective lenses, also treat a wide range of eye diseases.

2. Pharmacist

Average salary: $127,486 consistent with year

Generally, a pharmacist examines prescriptions and fills them according to the prescribing physician’s instructions. The pharmacist confirms the accuracy of each prescription, collects the specified elements, and assesses the medication’s compatibility.

The pharmacist also informs the customer about possible side effects, potentially negative interactions with other drugs, and proper storage.

3. Construction project supervisor

Average salary: $101,918 consistent with year

All aspects of creative projects are overseen by the construction project supervisor. Also, they develop plans and set budgets and schedules in collaboration with engineers and architects.

4. Java developer

Average salary: $103,390 consistent with year

Generally, a Java developer creates, maintains, and updates Java-based software programs. Collaboration with web designers and software engineers is sometimes required to incorporate Java into websites and applications.

Therefore, from the beginning of a product’s development to testing and deployment, Java developers are involved. They are in charge of gathering customer needs, resolving any issues that arise, and assisting with pleasant guarantee testing.

5. Senior Accounting Manager

Average salary: $106,578 consistent with year

Generally, Senior accounting managers are responsible for ensuring that the organization follows established economic principles, financial policies, and external legislation.

6. Senior information security analyst

Average salary: $101,095 per year

When there are enterprise-wide data vulnerabilities, the senior information security analyst is in charge of assessing the risk and implementing corrective action.

Hence, a senior information security analyst’s responsibilities include developing standards and regulations that meet current regulatory requirements, managing technology risk training and responding to concerns from internal and external auditors.

7. Petroleum engineer

Average salary: $107,986 consistent with year

A petroleum engineer creates and refines methods for obtaining oil and fuel lines from beneath the surface of the earth. Their work may also include collaborating with geologists to plan drilling operations or developing equipment to increase oil and gasoline line production.

8. General practitioner

Average salary: $101,724 consistent with year

A general practitioner is a medical doctor who provides routine health care, such as vaccines, physical examinations, and treatment or referral for a variety of basic conditions.

9. Hardware engineer

Average salary: The average annual wage for computer hardware engineers is $119,560

Generally, Computer hardware engineers, who study, design, build, and test computer systems and components, are among the highest-paid positions in California.

10. Veterinarian

veterinarian salary: The average annual wage for veterinarians is $99,250

In California, a veterinarian is a well-paid job that involves researching, diagnosing, and treating animal ailments and scientific conditions.

Also, their routine includes performing surgery, healing wounds, prescribing and providing medication, training animal owners, and euthanizing animals.

11. Actuary

Salary: The average annual wage for actuaries is $111,030

Actuaries assess economic risks using mathematics, statistics, and economic principles. Hence, they devise strategies to help a company avoid or mitigate the effects of unpleasant events if they do occur.

Also, their job responsibilities place them among the highest-paying jobs.

12. Financial Reporting Manager

Salary: The average annual wage for financial managers is $134,180

Financial managers prepare financial reports, direct investment activities, and formulate strategies for their company’s long-term financial goals.

13. Psychiatrist

Psychiatry is a very special field. It takes two techniques to treat mental health issues: medical and psychological. They use a variety of therapy approaches to identify and treat mental health illnesses, as well as aim to prevent conditions from happening when possible.

Also, with their specialized knowledge, it’s no surprise that psychiatrists are among the highest-paid professionals. They make an average of $217,100 every year, putting them solidly on the list.

14. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in treating injuries, diseases, and deformities in the mouth and adjacent areas. Their surgical goals may include improving function, improving a person’s attractiveness, or both.

The average salary for these surgeons is $234,990 per year. However, the rate might vary, and some people surely bring home more money than others.

15. Obstetrician-Gynecologist

An obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) is a doctor who specializes in women’s reproductive health, such as pregnancy and childbirth. They aid patients with birth control and menopause management, as well as identifying and treating a variety of illnesses.

While salaries vary, the average OB-GYN earns $239,120 per year. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the benefits package is usually very good

16. Internal Medicine Physician

Internal medicine professionals, sometimes known as internists, address a wide range of medical disorders in adults. They don’t specialize in a single biological system, hence their responsibilities are more varied than those of many other similar-level jobs.

Internal medicine professionals earn an average of $210,960 per year, making them another well-paid medical specialty. They also have the option of joining an existing facility or starting their own, allowing them more control over their careers.

17. Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists are important members of the surgical team. They are in charge of administering anesthesia and ensuring that the patient is pain-free during the procedure.

This position also provides patient care prior to, during, and after procedures, including pain management, answering concerns, and ensuring the patient’s comfort.

Also, Anesthesiologists, like many other medical professionals, earn a lot of money. They make an average of $271,440 each year, making them some of the highest-paid professions in the world.

18. Prosthodontist

Dentists that specialize in restorative operations such as implants, bridges, crowns, and dentures are known as prosthodontists. They also treat specific jaw problems and improve biting alignment.

Also, earning a good living as a prosthodontist is frequent. They earn an average of $214,870 each year, easily making them one of the best-paying careers around

19. Orthodontist

You’re undoubtedly familiar with what an orthodontist performs if you’ve ever had braces. They are the specialists who aid people with biting problems by addressing both tooth and jaw anomalies.

When it comes to compensation, orthodontists are rather well compensated. Also, they earn an average of $237,990 per year. Isn’t it reasonable?

20. Ophthalmologist

Working as an ophthalmologist could be ideal if you want to help others with their eyes and vision while still having a lucrative profession.

These professionals make an average of $218,850 per year treating eye conditions, conducting eye surgery, and prescribing prescription lenses to correct vision issues.

Medical degrees and specialized training in the discipline are required for ophthalmologists. After that, you’ll probably want to get board-certified to ensure you have everything you need for a successful profession.

21. Chief Executive

Chief executives are one of the roles you’d expect to find on a best-paying jobs list. After all, the C-suite is recognized for its high pay, with the average annual salary hovering around $185,950.

Your specific responsibilities will differ depending on your location. A Chief Financial Officer, for example, would concentrate on finance, whereas a Chief Information Officer would concentrate on technology and information management processes, infrastructure, and systems.

22. Nurse Anesthetist

This is the second time an anesthesiology-related job has made the list of high-paying jobs, although this one takes only a Master’s degree to get started. Nurse anesthetists make a good living as well, earning around $183,580 per year on average.

Before, during, and after numerous medical operations, you give anesthesia and provide patient care. Depending on your function, you may also tell patients about what to expect or assist with pain management

23. Airline Pilot

One of the highest-paying careers in America is flying planes for a big airline. It’s not uncommon to earn around $130,440 each year and receive a generous benefits package.

If you want to be an airline pilot, you’ll most likely need a Bachelor’s degree as well as specialized training to qualify for a commercial pilot’s license.

An FAA-certified flight school is often your best bet for training because it is the most likely road to the necessary skills and knowledge

24. Dentist

It’s no surprise that a dentist is on this list because medical-related industries are typically among the highest-paying jobs in the United States. On the financial side, they typically earn around $164,010 per year by treating for their patients’ mouths, teeth, and gums.

A professional or doctorate degree is required to work as a dentist. But once you have it, you can either join an established practice or start your own, allowing you to start your career on your own terms.

25. Judge

Your job as a judge is to oversee court proceedings. This can entail making legal judgements and determining penalties while always adhering to the wording of the law.

Judges typically have past legal experience as well as a law degree. However, there are certain instances where a judge possesses only a Bachelor’s degree; however, this is not usual.

Judges typically make around $124,200 per year in compensation. Plus, you’ll almost always get a good benefits package to go along with it, increasing the

Conclusion

California is an excellent place to work for high-paying jobs. The state’s economic input and output are on the upper side. This, in turn, extends beyond well-paid jobs and a higher level of living.

Any of the high-paying jobs listed above may suit your needs if you’re seeking high-paying employment.

Also, Consider your hobbies and the length of time you want to spend in school as a starting point. You’ll be able to find the best-paying job for yourself.

FAQs

What jobs will be in demand in 2023?

Artificial intelligence specialist.
Data Scientist. …
Robotics Engineer.
Full Stack Engineer.
Cloud Engineer.
Sales Development Representative.
Cybersecurity Specialist.
Behavioral Health Technician

What is the best job in 2023?

Data scientist.
DevOps engineer.
Strategy manager.
Machine learning engineer.
Data engineer.
Software engineer.
Java developer.
Product Manager

Which is the highest-paying job without college?

A commercial pilot earns a median annual compensation of $121,430, making it the highest-paying career without a degree.

What is the happiest career?

Construction workers are the happiest people on the planet for a reason: they do what humans were created to do! The plot, move and use their bodies, and they get to watch their ideas come to life.

What is a good salary in US 2022?

The average pay in the United States. The national average pay in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), was $56,310. In 2022, the average annual wage in the United States was $53,490.