May 2025 · State · BLS OEWS
Salaries in California
California
793 occupations
Across 793 occupations with published wages in California, ophthalmologists, except pediatric record the highest median at $400,150 per year.
Highest-paying occupations in California
Largest occupations by employment
| Occupation | Jobs | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 970,150 | $34,320 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 449,840 | $42,280 |
| Retail Salespersons | 376,460 | $38,440 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 355,500 | $44,710 |
| Registered Nurses | 338,940 | $140,270 |
| Cashiers | 336,110 | $37,100 |
| Office Clerks, General | 311,490 | $48,460 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 310,870 | $42,870 |
| General and Operations Managers | 300,840 | $124,390 |
| Software Developers | 284,390 | $174,410 |
Lowest-paying occupations
| 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 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. 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.