Understanding high-paying jobs in California
Some of the highest-paying careers in California require advanced education and specialized training. Medical roles such as anesthesiologists, orthopedic surgeons and psychiatrists often top the list because they involve complex decision-making and direct patient care. Other well-paid positions, including airline pilots and senior corporate leaders, require extensive experience and a high level of responsibility.
Salaries for these roles generally exceed the statewide average. This reflects both the skill sets involved and the economic landscape of California, where strong industries and high living costs shape market expectations. For employers, understanding these salary ranges can make it easier to attract qualified professionals and stay competitive.
So, what are the highest-paying jobs in California? According to Indeed data for 2023, here are the top 24 top-paying jobs in California:¹
1. Anesthesiologist
Median salary: $451,914
Average salary: $369,817
An anesthesiologist uses medications to prevent patients from feeling pain during surgery and other procedures. Anesthesiologists also monitor patients’ vital signs throughout surgical procedures to ensure safety and proper anesthesia management.
2. Tax partner
Median salary: $400,000
Average salary: $323,946
Tax partners advise clients on a wide range of tax matters, such as how to maximize deductions or use new tax credits to their advantage.
3. Mortgage loan originator
Median salary: $362,500
Average salary: $261,490
A mortgage loan originator helps guide potential homeowners through every stage of the mortgage process, from submitting the initial application to closing the loan.
4. Gastroenterologist
Median salary: $351,489
Average salary: $293,859
Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat problems with the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach and intestines.
5. Pain management physician
Median salary: $321,250
Average salary: $243,552
Pain management physicians use medications, physical therapy and other treatments to ease the pain caused by acute and chronic medical conditions.
6. Chief medical officer
Median salary: $315,000
Average salary: $297,469
A chief medical officer oversees the day-to-day functions of a medical facility, such as a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.
7. Psychiatrist
Median salary: $312,848
Average salary: $259,250
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who support people experiencing mental health challenges. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medication as part of their treatment plans for mental health disorders.
8. Plastic Surgeon
Median salary: $300,000
Average salary: $272,721
A plastic surgeon performs procedures to repair, restore or enhance different areas of the body. Their work can range from elective aesthetic procedures to complex reconstructive surgeries that support a patient’s health, mobility and overall quality of life.
9. Orthodontist
Median salary: $300,000
Average salary: $252,940
An orthodontist is a dental professional who uses braces, retainers and other devices to correct the position of misaligned teeth.
10. Surgeon
Median salary: $300,000
Average salary: $283,901
Surgeons perform surgery to diagnose or treat illnesses, injuries, and deformities, often using specialized instruments. Surgeons are skilled in closing wounds as an essential part of the surgical process. They also determine the underlying causes of medical conditions through examination and analysis. They work in sterile environments with a team of other healthcare professionals.
11. Vascular surgeon
Median salary: $300,000
Average salary: $306,833
Vascular surgeons diagnose, monitor and treat conditions affecting the heart, veins and arteries in the human body. They often treat patients with heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.
12. Urgent care physician
Median salary: $299,669
Average salary: $237,151
Urgent care physicians diagnose and treat acute illnesses and injuries that typically don’t require care in a hospital emergency department.
13. Senior translator
Median salary: $295,000
Average salary: $241,834
A senior translator takes material written in one language and translates it into another language. Senior translators may also perform supervisory duties, such as reviewing the work of junior translators.
14. Listing agent
Median salary: $58,960
Average salary: $100,857
Listing agents guide homeowners through the process of selling their properties, from setting prices to increasing a home’s curb appeal.
15. Obstetrics and gynecology physician
Median salary: $280,518
Average salary: $235,964
OB/GYNs generally diagnose, monitor and treat conditions of the female reproductive system, such as ovarian cysts, pelvic organ prolapse and menstrual disorders. Obstetrics and gynecology physicians also care for pregnant women, deliver babies and provide postpartum care. Many work in hospital delivery units, where they monitor maternal and fetal health, manage childbirth and address any complications that may arise.
16. Hospitalist
Median salary: $277,050
Average salary: $251,114
Hospitalists manage the care of patients who’ve been admitted to the hospital. During a shift, a hospitalist typically examines patients, orders appropriate tests, requests consults from medical specialists and updates patient charts.
17. Vice president of communications
Median salary: $275,873
Average salary: $243,080
A company’s vice president of communications is responsible for developing and executing internal and external communications programs. For information about similar executive roles, such as sales leadership, see the vice president of sales job description.
18. Associate dentist
Median salary: $275,000
Average salary: $237,807
An associate dentist works for someone else’s dental practice rather than running a practice themselves. In this role, the associate dentist diagnoses and treats a wide range of dental problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay, often working closely with a dental assistant.
19. Internal medicine physician
Median salary: $266,340
Average salary: $231,154
An internist, also known as an internal medicine physician, provides general medical care to adults. Typical job duties include performing examinations, ordering tests, interpreting test results and referring patients to specialists when needed. Internists develop treatment plans based on each patient’s symptoms and medical history to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective care.
20. Dentist
Median salary: $260,90
Average salary: $228,627
Dentists provide preventive care, diagnose dental problems and develop treatment plans based on each patient’s symptoms and medical history. A dentist may own their own practice or work for a dental practice.
21. Family medicine physician
Median salary: $255,286
Average salary: $227,044
Family medicine physicians provide medical care to patients and their families, addressing health needs across generations, from young people to senior citizens. In this role, a physician performs exams, recommends preventive measures, educates patients and treats medical conditions.
22. Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
Median salary: $254,500
Average salary: $252,812
CRNAs care for patients before, during and after procedures requiring sedation, nerve blocks, general anesthesia and other types of pain control.
23. Vice president of engineering
Median salary: $250,000
Average salary: $253,435
A vice president of engineering oversees large teams of engineers, ensuring that a firm’s engineering activities align with its business goals.
24. Chief technology officer
Median salary: $250,000
Average salary: $232,931
A chief technology officer oversees the use of technology resources in a company, which typically involves developing policies and procedures related to the use of IT assets.
California’s highest-paying jobs, dominated by specialized medical roles like anesthesiologists and surgeons, alongside select executive and finance positions, reflect the state’s high living costs and demand for expertise. Regularly benchmarking compensation against current market data can help you attract top talent and remain competitive in this dynamic landscape.
¹Indeed data (US), Dec 2022–Dec 2023
