Highest paying jobs in California include surgeons, psychiatrists, obstetricians, and orthodontists. These roles often require medical degrees, advanced training, and long work hours. High demand, patient care responsibility, and specialized procedures drive salaries above national averages in major cities across the state.
Surgeons Lead with Top Salaries
Surgeons in California earn some of the highest salaries due to their years of training and responsibility for complex procedures. They diagnose and treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or deformities through operations.
The Department of Labor Statistics reports that California surgeons earn an average salary exceeding $300,000 per year. Specialized roles like cardiothoracic surgeons and neurosurgeons earn even more in cities like San Diego and Los Angeles.
Surgeons spend long hours in surgery and often respond to emergencies. Their full-time commitment reflects in their earnings. You’ll find most surgeons work in hospitals, surgical centers, or private practices.
Psychiatrists Command High Wages
Psychiatrists treat mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and trauma. In California, these professionals earn over $280,000 annually. They work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices, with many offering telehealth options.
High demand in urban areas and a shortage of licensed psychiatrists has increased pay. These jobs also provide consistent hours and minimal physical labor, making them attractive to professionals with specialized medical degrees in psychiatry.
Key responsibilities include:
- Diagnosing psychological conditions
- Prescribing medication
- Managing therapy plans
- Documenting patient history and progress
Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Demand
Obstetricians and gynecologists focus on the female reproductive system, performing procedures, managing pregnancies, and delivering babies. The average wage exceeds $270,000 in California.
These roles are common in private practices, hospitals, and women’s health centers. Medical schools require specialization in obstetrics and gynecology, often followed by residency in large cities such as San Diego or San Francisco.
You’ll see high demand due to:
- Rising birth rates
- Expanding women’s health programs
- Limited specialists in rural areas
Anesthesiologists Support Surgical Teams
Anesthesiologists manage pain relief during surgical procedures. Their salaries often range from $260,000 to $310,000 per year depending on location, hours, and experience.
They work closely with surgeons to monitor vital signs and adjust medication to keep patients stable. Training involves a medical degree, four years of residency, and certification in anesthesiology.
Why anesthesiologists earn high wages:
- They ensure patient safety during operations
- Their job requires advanced technical knowledge
- Mistakes can result in severe patient outcomes
Orthodontists: High Earning Dental Specialists
Orthodontists straighten teeth and correct jaw alignment. They don’t perform surgery, but they diagnose and treat dental issues using braces, aligners, and retainers. In California, their income exceeds $250,000 annually.
Steps to become an orthodontist:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree
- Attend dental school
- Earn a specialized degree in orthodontics
Top-Earning Roles Compared
Below is a breakdown of the highest paying jobs in California, with key data such as location, salary range, and industry relevance.
Salary Comparison for the Highest Paying Jobs in California
| Job Title | Average Salary | Top Location | Field | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon | $310,000+ | San Diego | Healthcare | Surgery, operations |
| Psychiatrist | $285,000 | Los Angeles | Mental Health | Diagnose, patients |
| OB-GYN | $275,000 | San Francisco | Reproductive | Obstetrics, procedures |
| Anesthesiologist | $265,000 | Sacramento | Pain Mgmt | Feeling pain, surgery |
| Orthodontist | $250,000 | Irvine | Dentistry | Skin, practice |
Source: California Employment Development Department, 2024
Where in California Do These Jobs Pay the Most?
High-paying medical jobs are concentrated in major cities like:
- San Diego (top-paying hospitals and private groups)
- San Francisco (home to teaching hospitals and research facilities)
- Los Angeles (large patient volume and demand)
- Sacramento (growing healthcare investments)
Cost of living varies, so a $300,000 salary in San Francisco feels different than in Riverside. Always consider housing, full-time benefits, and taxes when comparing opportunities.
What Education Do You Need?
These top-paying roles all require advanced degrees:
- Surgeons, OB-GYNs, and anesthesiologists: Medical degrees + residencies
- Psychiatrists: Medical degrees + psychiatry certification
- Orthodontists: Dental degree + specialization
Most Popular Questions About Highest Paying Jobs in California
These are the questions we get asked the most often in regards to the highest paying jobs in California.
What is the highest paid job in California?
Surgeons hold the highest paid job in California, earning over $310,000 on average. Specialized surgeons in fields like neurosurgery or cardiology earn even more due to their high-risk responsibilities and long training periods.
Do you need a medical degree for top-paying jobs in California?
Yes. Most of the highest paying jobs in California, such as surgeon, anesthesiologist, or psychiatrist, require a medical degree and board certification, followed by several years of training in hospitals.
Are these jobs available outside major cities?
They are mainly concentrated in cities like San Diego and San Francisco, but growing demand in suburban areas is creating more openings in smaller towns and rural parts of California.
How long does it take to become a surgeon in California?
It typically takes 13–16 years, including undergraduate education, four years of medical school, and 5–7 years of surgical residency. Board certification is also required before full-time employment begins.
What jobs offer high pay without medical school?
While medical roles dominate, some high-paying jobs include lawyers, software engineers, and pilots. However, they still require extensive education and specialized training.
Final Thoughts
California’s highest paying jobs reward years of education, hands-on experience, and responsibility. These careers are demanding but offer excellent earning potential and long-term job security. For those willing to invest time and energy into learning and patient care, the benefits are substantial.
