Data vintage · May 2025 · Ranked by median annual wage
Highest-paying jobs in California
793 occupations with published wages, ranked
The highest median wage in California belongs to Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric, at $400,150 per year. The lowest published median is $34,320.
The 25 highest-paying occupations
At the other end of the scale
| Occupation | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $34,320 | 970,150 |
| Motorboat Operators | $34,570 | 190 |
| Gambling Dealers | $35,090 | 15,050 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | $35,580 | 172,260 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $36,010 | 75,460 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $36,080 | 229,970 |
| Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians | $36,150 | 1,420 |
| Bartenders | $36,220 | 71,470 |
| Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products | $36,330 | 5,750 |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | $36,570 | 9,270 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Rankings cover only occupations for which a median wage was published; occupations the survey suppressed do not appear. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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