The 20 Highest Paying Jobs in California in 2022 (2023)

With its many amusement parks, beaches, and national parks, California is an attractive and enjoyable place to live for many people. However, it is also incredibly expensive. In accordance withMissouri Center for Economic Research and Information, California is the third most expensive state to live in due to high gas prices,cost of livingand transportation costs. Job seekers living in the state or looking to move there must secure a good source of income.

We've compiled a list of the 20 highest-paying jobs in California, based on US data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While most of these high-paying jobs in thedoctor, there are some other industries that pay high wages to their workers. Air traffic controllers, chiropodists, commercial divers and petroleum engineers, while not making the top 20 list, also earn high annual salaries in California.

1. Surgeons

average annual salary: 351.580 $

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgeons earn the highest salary in California. The reason is easy to see: Surgery is a highly valued profession that requires at least 13 years of training.

While surgeons have the primary task of operating on patients, they are also responsible for leading surgical teams, making diagnoses, and providing postoperative care. A surgeon makes life-changing decisions during an operation and must constantly ensure that her team is fully equipped to assist him. So this particularly high-paying job is not for the faint of heart.

2. Pathologists

average annual salary: 350.980 $

Pathology is the study of human tissues, organs, and fluids to understand disease. Pathologists have a variety of jobs, including surgical removal of tissue, analyzing tissue samples, diagnosing infections, and creating treatment plans.

Training to become a pathologist takes about 11 years, after which you must recertify every ten years.

3. Radiologists

average annual salary: 345.100 $

A radiologist is a doctor who uses radiological procedures to diagnose injuries and diseases. These doctors are trained in the use of CT scans, ultrasound, PET scans, nuclear medicine, X-rays, and MRIs, and this technology can be used on almost any part of the human body. Radiologists are also trained to treat conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke.

Training to become a radiologist takes about 13 years. This training includes medical school, residency training, and a one- to two-year stipend for specialized training.

4. Cardiologists

average annual salary: 343.370 $

Cardiologists specialize in the study and care of the heart and blood vessels and work to prevent, diagnose, and treat a variety of heart conditions. Patients can see a cardiologist to treat chest pain, coronary artery disease, abnormal heart rhythms, and congenital heart defects.

Between medical school and specialized training, it takes about 14 years to become a cardiologist. It takes a lot of time, dedication and training for him, but it might be worth it to get one of the highest paying jobs in California and the United States.

5. Anesthesiologists

average annual salary: 318.030 $

Although anesthesiologists are best known for administering anesthetics, these doctors have many important roles. Anesthesiologists are present during surgeries to monitor and supervise patients, as well as administer pain medications.

Those who aspire to a career in anesthesiology must complete medical school, residency and two exams, a process that takes between 12 and 14 years. However, that commitment is paying off, as anesthesiology is one of the highest paying jobs in California and the entire United States.

6. Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB/GYN)

average annual salary: 309.610 $

An obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) specializes in women's health. Basically, any medical case related to women's health care is treated by an obstetrician-gynecologist, including childbirth, prescribing contraceptives, performing surgeries, and screening for gynecologic cancer. OB/GYNs also perform C-sections, ultrasounds, and pelvic laparoscopy.

It takes approximately 12 years of training to become an OB/GYN.

7. Psychiatrist

average annual salary: 305.290 $

Psychiatrists diagnose and treat patients with mental illness. Psychiatrists are responsible for creating treatment plans for conditions such as depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These treatment plans include ECT, medications, and psychotherapy.

Factoring in graduation, medical school, and residency, it takes about 12 years to become a psychiatrist.

8. Dermatologists

average annual salary: 280.100 $

A dermatologist examines, diagnoses, and treats conditions that affect a patient's skin, hair, and nails. These doctors undergo 12 years of training and treat patients of all ages, including infants and the elderly. Dermatologists diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including eczema, hair loss, itchy skin, skin cancer, and psoriasis.

9. General practitioners

average annual salary: 261.260 $

Like dermatologists, general practitioners treat patients of all ages. However, general practitioners are trained in a variety of medical fields, including neurology, gynecology, pediatrics, and psychiatry. These doctors also perform general procedures, such as endoscopies and colonoscopies, and may refer patients to specialists if necessary.

In total, the training to become a general practitioner takes about ten years.

10. Orthodontists

average annual salary: 245.750 $

WhiledentistsOrthodontists, who specialize in general oral health, treat misaligned teeth, bite, and jaw problems in children and adults. These issues can be treated with a variety of methods, such as Invisalign, braces, or retainers.

Orthodontists are required to complete up to 11 years of training, which includes college, dental school, and a graduate program in orthodontics.

11. General Physician in Internal Medicine

average annual salary: 242.260 $

General practitioners are typically outpatients, diagnosing and treating a wide range of internal illnesses and injuries. These treatments are usually non-surgical and are performed mainly on adolescents and adults.

Including specialized training, it typically takes about 11 years to become an internal medicine specialist.

12. Nurse anesthesiologists

average annual salary: 232.540 $

The job of an anesthesiologist primarily involves monitoring and treating patients in emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, operating rooms, or intensive care units. Anesthesiologists receive seven to ten years of schooling. Their responsibilities include administering medications, monitoring patients' vital signs, and overseeing patient recovery.

13. Manager

average annual salary: 230.730 $

If you are interested in the business world, you should know that CEOs are among the highest paying jobs in California. The duties of a CEO depend on the company, but in general they are responsible for overseeing operations within a company. Leaders lead teams, help the organization achieve its goals, and make important decisions that affect the organization as a whole.

To become a CEO, you must earn a degree in law, finance, or business.

14. Pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers

average annual salary: 227.870 $

Flight pilots, co-pilots, and flight engineers are some of the highest paying jobs you can get without a degree. Each of these jobs has its own set of responsibilities, but they share the same basic purpose: to ensure that an aircraft operates safely and efficiently.

Pilots and co-pilots are known to operate aircraft, but they also have other duties. This includes performing maintenance checks, communicating with on-site personnel, and learning safety procedures.

Flight engineers, on the other hand, do not operate the aircraft; Instead, they monitor the aircraft's engine and ground control systems during the flight. In addition, they carry out inspections and ensure the proper functioning of all the technical and mechanical parts of the aircraft.

15. Neurologists

average annual salary: 223.400 $

Neurology is the study of diseases of the nervous system. Neurologists study and treat disorders of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the muscles and nerves that connect the brain and spine with other organs. These diseases include Parkinson's disease, movement disorders, stroke, epilepsy, and even headaches.

To become a neurologist, you need to complete about 12 years of training.

16. Judges, magistrates and magistrates

average annual salary: 206.790 $

Those seeking a well-paying career in the field ofleyYou can find a high salary as a judge or prosecutor. Judges arbitrate, advise and administer justice in the courts. Professionals with these titles have a wide range of possible responsibilities, including performing marriages, trying accused persons, entering judgments in civil matters, and granting divorces.

Golden State judges earn more than the national median annual salary for judges of $125,880. However, becoming a judge is a long way off: you have to be a practicing lawyer for several years first, and even then it's not a guarantee.

17. General pediatricians

average annual salary: 198.000 $

General pediatricians monitor and treat the physical, emotional, and social health of patients from infancy to age 21. These doctors search for, diagnose, and treat life-threatening illnesses, as well as acute and chronic disorders, especially in children. In addition, general pediatricians perform age-appropriate examinations and check the child's general health.

Pediatricians must complete at least nine years of training.

18. Computer and information systems managers

average annual salary: 193.500 $

As with general managers, the roles of information technology and information systems managers, also known as IT managers, depend on the company itself. In general, however, IT administrators help direct, plan, and manage computing-related activities within the organization. Some managers may also be responsible for deciding what technology to use in their organization.

A bachelor's degree is required for this position, a master's degree is recommended.

19. Scientific managers

average annual salary: 192.750 $

Scientific managers have responsibilities similar to other types of managers, but in a scientific setting. These managers hire, train, and supervise scientists and laboratory technicians. They also oversee projects, collaborate with other executives, and make sure labs have the necessary materials.

Those interested in this leadership position require a Master of Public Health (MPH) and must complete a graduate degree with an emphasis in applied statistics.

20. Architecture and engineering managers

average annual salary: 187.770 $

Architectural and engineering managers are responsible for the education, development, and decision-making of architectural and engineering firms. These managers may also be responsible for handling budgetary issues and managing and directing projects.

A bachelor's degree is required for this position, and most companies prefer to hire a manager with a background in architecture or engineering.

frequent questions

What is the highest paying job in California in 2022?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, general surgeons are the highest paying career in California, with a median annual salary of $351,580.

What is a good career in California?

If you define a good career in California as one that pays a lot of money, various jobs in the medical field can earn you a good salary. Surgeons, psychiatrists, and OB/GYNs are among the highest-paying medical professions in California.

Which city in California pays the most?

San Jose and San Francisco are the two highest paying cities in California. However, these cities also have a higher cost of living. So keep that balance in mind when applying for a job.

What is a comfortable salary in California?

The recommended annual income for a person in California is just over $74,000. $125,000 is recommended for a family of four.

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