Top Paying Careers in California

Author: urvi malusare

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Created On: 24 November, 2025

Top Paying Careers in California

Table of Contents (TOC):

  • Key Takeaways
  • Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in California
  • Growing Fields in California
  • Highest Paying Jobs in California in Data Science
  • Best Paying Jobs in California in Healthcare Management
  • Operations and Project Management Jobs That Pay Well in California
  • Top Paying Jobs in California in Computer Science
  • Fastest Growing Jobs in California in Finance
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs

Did you know that 22 of the 25 top careers in California are from the healthcare industry? According to the BLS data, medicine and healthcare offer the best high paying careers in California.

Key Takeaways:

  • The top 9 highest-paying jobs in California, commanding salaries over $239,000 annually, are all various types of physicians and medical specialists.
     
  • The absolute highest reported salary belongs to Cardiologists at $423,250 per year.
     
  • Several non-medical fields are projected to see significant growth, with Data Science leading the way at a projected 34% growth.
     
  • Acquiring skills in leadership, management, finance, and data analysis can lead to high-paying careers in fields like Data Science, Healthcare Management, Operations Management, Computer Science, and Finance.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in California

Here are the top 10 highest paying jobs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in California that command salaries in six figures:

  1. Cardiologists: $423,250 per year
     
  2. Radiologists: $353,960 per year
     
  3. Dermatologists: $342,860 per year
     
  4. Anesthesiologists: $339,470 per year
     
  5. Emergency Medicine Physicians: $306,640 per year
     
  6. Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: $278,660 per year
     
  7. Neurologists: $271,470 per year
     
  8. Psychiatrists: $256,930 per year
     
  9. Surgeons: $239,200 per year
     
  10. Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers: $226,600 per year

Growing Fields in California

But it doesn’t end there! Apart from healthcare, there are plenty of fields that show promising growth in the coming years in California. If you want to step into one of the best paying careers in California, here are some fields to look out for:

  • Data Science: Projected growth 34%
     
  • Healthcare Management: Projected growth 23%
     
  • Operations Research: Projected growth 21%
     
  • Computer Science: Projected growth 20%
     
  • Financial Management: Projected growth 19%

Highest Paying Jobs in California in Data Science

Explore some of the best salary jobs in California in Data Science:

Role

Salary

Data Scientist

$154,951

Analytics Manager

$137,238

Senior Analyst

$111,410

You could get started in the field with a Diploma in Data Analytics from UniAthena. This free short course will teach you the fundamentals of business data, analytics, and common analytical methodologies. You will learn how to make decisions based on data and solve problems in business.

Best Paying Jobs in California in Healthcare Management

If you want to get into the healthcare industry, but not become a physician or a medical practitioner, here are some high demand careers in California in Healthcare Management:

Role

Salary

Healthcare Chief Information Officer (CIO)

$159,468

Hospital CEO

$161,607

Hospital CFO

$123,586

UniAthena’s courses Diploma in Healthcare Management and Mastering Healthcare Finance will help you understand the operational and financial aspects of healthcare management. You will learn about the various healthcare systems and how to manage the finances, budget, and quality of the services provided.

Operations and Project Management Jobs That Pay Well in California

Apart from Healthcare Management there are also great opportunities in Operations and Project Management. Here are some of the jobs that are in high demand in California in the field:

Role

Salary

Senior Project Manager

$100,750

Program Manager

$107,460

Technology Project Manager

$106,773

To gain the appropriate skills needed, this free Diploma in Operations & Project Management course can help you. It will teach you how to respond to day-to-day challenges in the organization and how to lead a team on a project. It prepares you to lead cross-functional projects, scale operations, execute cost-savvy strategies, innovate at scale, and beyond. You will especially gain skills for managing projects and operations in the public sector.

Top Paying Jobs in California in Computer Science

For individuals interested in the booming tech and IT sector, here are the high salary jobs California has to offer for people in Computer Science:

Role

Salary

Software Engineer

$118,267

Security Engineer

$176,895

UX Designer

$130 000

While the best way to get into these roles is a degree in Computer Science, depending on your interest, you can gain specific skills like programming languages, MS Excel, Power BI, and more.

You can get started with our Basics of Python course and learn this programming language. For those interested in Cybersecurity, our Essentials of MIS & Cybersecurity course can help you learn about information systems and how to protect them from cyber attacks. Also, explore our Diploma in UX Design free course and understand the design process of making websites and apps user-friendly for your customers.

Fastest Growing Jobs in California in Finance

The field of finance also creates plenty of high paying careers in California. Here are some of the top roles:

Role

Salary

Investor Relations Manager

$136,503

Client Advisor

$124,660

Fund Analyst

$101,350

To get into the financial management industry, you need skills in accounting, budgeting, and risk management. Gain these skills with our Mastering Accounting free short course. Learn about the various accounting principles and understand financial statements in just 1 week.

Conclusion

Some of the highest paying jobs in California are from the medical and healthcare field. But even if you are not from these fields, you can make an earning for yourself with skills in leadership, management, finance, and data analysis.

Explore the free short courses at UniAthena and get started in your career.

FAQs

Q1. How to get a job in California?

A: You can apply for jobs in California via company career pages or job recruitment websites like LinkedIn and Indeed. You can also keep an eye out for job fairs and walk-in interviews in companies around you.

Q2. At what age can you get a job in California?

A:  You can get a job in California at the age of 18, after completing high school. But the minimum legal age for working in California is 14. So, as a minor, if you want to start working you will need a work permit from your school and parents to get employed.

Q3. What is a great salary in California?

A: The top-paying jobs in California will offer you a 6-figure salary, which is usually considered to be a great salary to earn in California. But earning above $80,000 a year is also considered good.

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