California has the biggest state economy in the country, with Silicon Valley technology, Hollywood entertainment, a huge healthcare sector and global ports and agriculture. This guide covers the top 10 highest paying jobs in California in 2026, using national BLS wage benchmarks and explaining what is different about working in the state.
Quick answer: Physicians and surgeons are the highest paid workers in California, as they are nationwide. Outside medicine, the best pay is in technology, executive roles and law. BLS medians below are national figures, so check BLS state data for California-specific wages.
Top 10 highest paying jobs in California
| Rank | Occupation | National median (BLS, May 2025) | California angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surgeons (pediatric, orthopedic and others) | $414,010 to $559,030 | Large hospital systems and university medical centers |
| 2 | Cardiologists | $496,010 | Major health systems in LA and the Bay Area |
| 3 | Radiologists | $420,860 | Hospitals and imaging networks |
| 4 | Anesthesiologists | $391,490 | Hospitals and surgical centers |
| 5 | Emergency medicine physicians | $335,550 | Dense urban hospital demand |
| 6 | Dermatologists | $328,730 | Strong private-practice market |
| 7 | Chief executives | $213,990 | Headquarters of major tech, media and finance firms |
| 8 | Computer and information systems managers | $175,140 | Silicon Valley and San Francisco |
| 9 | Computer hardware engineers | $161,740 | Chip and device companies |
| 10 | Lawyers | $159,670 | Entertainment, tech and corporate law |
Because salaries are higher in California’s big metros than in much of the country, these national medians are a floor, not a ceiling, for many tech and executive roles. But we do not quote state-level figures here, because BLS state numbers vary by occupation and are suppressed for some small groups.
Where the money is in California
Technology
The San Francisco Bay Area is home to many of the world’s largest tech companies. Managers, hardware engineers and senior software engineers are among the best paid non-medical workers. BLS wage data excludes stock compensation, so total pay at public tech firms can be well above the medians.
Healthcare
California’s hospital systems and medical schools employ thousands of physicians. As with the rest of the US, specialist doctors are the top earners.
Entertainment and media
Film and television hiring is based in Los Angeles. Executives and producers earn the most, but pay varies enormously and many roles are freelance.
Law and finance
Lawyers have a national median of $159,670, and financial managers earn $166,570. San Francisco and Los Angeles are major hubs for both.
The cost of living reality check
A high California salary does not go as far as the same pay elsewhere. Housing is expensive in coastal metros, and California has some of the highest state income tax rates in the country. Always compare after-tax pay and housing costs. For a state with no income tax, see the highest paying jobs in Texas guide.
How to get a high paying job in California
- Pick a field with state licensing in mind. Doctors, lawyers, engineers and pharmacists need California licences.
- Build skills employers pay a premium for. AI, cloud, cybersecurity and hardware design.
- Consider remote work. Some California employers hire remotely, which lets you keep the salary and live elsewhere.
- Compare with the national picture. Read the top 10 highest paying jobs in the USA ranking.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest paying job in California?
Surgeons and specialist physicians. Nationally, pediatric surgeons have a BLS median of $559,030 and cardiologists $496,010.
What are the highest paying tech jobs in California?
Computer and information systems managers (national median $175,140) and computer hardware engineers ($161,740) are among the top. Total pay at large firms can be higher once stock is included.
Is a $100,000 salary good in California?
It is above the national median wage, but housing costs in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles can make it feel modest.
Do California salaries include stock?
BLS figures do not include stock compensation.
Where can I find California-specific wage data?
BLS publishes state and metro wage estimates, and California’s Employment Development Department publishes state labour market data.
Sources and data notes
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- California Employment Development Department, Labor Market Information
Last updated: October 2026.