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536 Jobs That Pay Over $50K in California (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed: 2026-05-19

There are 536 occupations in California with a median salary above $50K per year. The highest-paying is Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric at $400,150/year. Based on 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025

$50K+ $75K+ $100K+ $150K+

Average Salary by State

Average salaries across all 50 states. Click a state to see its $50K+ jobs.

$57,873

$89,679

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS 2025 Annual

AL $63,963 AK $79,599 AZ $72,019 AR $58,447 CA $83,172 CO $76,493 CT $78,019 DE $71,614 DC $89,679 FL $67,772 GA $69,372 HI $73,976 ID $67,243 IL $74,900 IN $68,360 IA $68,184 KS $65,075 KY $66,085 LA $62,928 ME $70,351 MD $79,476 MA $81,221 MI $70,102 MN $79,901 MS $57,873 MO $67,599 MT $65,918 NE $68,499 NV $69,352 NH $75,725 NJ $80,366 NM $68,121 NY $83,189 NC $67,685 ND $70,391 OH $69,737 OK $63,871 OR $75,924 PA $70,617 RI $78,209 SC $66,430 SD $64,417 TN $66,638 TX $68,700 UT $68,195 VT $74,078 VA $73,984 WA $86,472 WV $62,235 WI $71,762 WY $66,073

536
Jobs Over $50K

$400,150

#1: Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric

$97,386

Avg of Qualifying Jobs

9,467,370

Workers in These Jobs

All 536 Jobs Paying Over $50K in California

Ranked by median annual salary. Click any job to see the full salary breakdown.

#	Occupation	Median Salary	Mean Salary	Workers
1	Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric	$400,150	$347,690	820
2	Neurologists	$357,080	$306,860	1,090
3	Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers	$353,900	$310,190	10,670
4	Psychiatrists	$353,500	$315,380	5,420
5	General Internal Medicine Physicians	$313,890	$273,270	6,370
6	Obstetricians and Gynecologists	$301,240	$272,520	1,610
7	Nurse Anesthetists	$292,410	$283,780	2,230
8	Radiologists	$270,560	$309,990	690
9	Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric	$253,430	$258,550	N/A
10	Family Medicine Physicians	$252,010	$252,930	N/A
11	Chief Executives	$218,600	$272,920	34,700
12	Computer and Information Systems Managers	$218,290	$238,440	94,720
13	Pediatricians, General	$214,140	$221,480	6,680
14	Architectural and Engineering Managers	$210,280	$213,110	29,630
15	Natural Sciences Managers	$210,230	$223,850	14,950
16	Physicists	$207,490	$201,930	5,930
17	Nurse Midwives	$203,840	$194,730	870
18	Podiatrists	$201,300	$212,350	1,000
19	Lawyers	$195,080	$230,040	95,770
20	Marketing Managers	$193,620	$207,860	54,660
21	Physicians, Pathologists	$186,300	$221,080	1,790
22	Cardiologists	$185,610	$296,940	630
23	Computer Hardware Engineers	$185,180	$190,590	19,820
24	Financial Managers	$180,770	$210,490	93,310
25	Materials Scientists	$177,030	$189,460	1,030
26	Software Developers	$174,410	$186,770	284,390
27	Nuclear Engineers	$172,400	$160,980	1,070
28	Database Architects	$170,160	$175,330	6,210
29	Human Resources Managers	$170,080	$191,920	27,450
30	Nurse Practitioners	$168,520	$176,760	25,120
31	Public Relations Managers	$167,980	$185,180	9,400
32	Advertising and Promotions Managers	$167,230	$183,200	3,080
33	Compensation and Benefits Managers	$166,730	$180,130	2,970
34	Radiation Therapists	$166,450	$161,890	1,720
35	Dentists, General	$165,950	$170,690	16,770
36	Physician Assistants	$165,650	$169,110	13,600
37	Commercial Pilots	$165,590	$202,040	4,900
38	Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary	$165,110	$196,500	17,350
39	Pharmacists	$164,610	$162,340	34,030
40	First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives	$163,960	$163,210	13,200
41	Veterinarians	$163,920	$169,860	9,170
42	Nuclear Medicine Technologists	$162,380	$160,110	1,500
43	Electronics Engineers, Except Computer	$160,520	$161,520	20,830
44	Air Traffic Controllers	$160,080	$156,910	2,290
45	Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary	$159,950	$152,480	31,370
46	Purchasing Managers	$159,830	$165,780	7,470
47	Computer and Information Research Scientists	$159,100	$168,580	8,440
48	Computer Network Architects	$158,870	$161,350	14,870
49	Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers	$158,130	$143,080	520
50	Aerospace Engineers	$157,620	$159,960	9,170
51	Training and Development Managers	$156,260	$169,950	6,680
52	Geography Teachers, Postsecondary	$146,040	$155,320	280
53	Electrical Engineers	$144,040	$151,180	24,230
54	Petroleum Engineers	$143,590	$147,940	1,060
55	Data Scientists	$141,590	$156,000	39,310
56	Medical and Health Services Managers	$141,480	$159,170	75,090
57	Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers	$141,180	$137,670	1,910
58	Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance	$140,870	$138,420	830
59	Medical Dosimetrists	$140,380	$146,350	240
60	Registered Nurses	$140,270	$150,280	338,940
61	Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary	$139,720	$150,800	1,460
62	Biochemists and Biophysicists	$139,580	$148,550	3,240
63	Physics Teachers, Postsecondary	$139,420	$166,780	1,130
64	Sales Engineers	$139,160	$146,590	6,310
65	Information Security Analysts	$138,570	$149,090	15,570
66	Art Directors	$137,780	$156,060	12,430
67	Genetic Counselors	$137,650	$143,090	440
68	Power Distributors and Dispatchers	$137,570	$144,010	670
69	Economics Teachers, Postsecondary	$137,360	$160,800	770
70	Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary	$137,280	$159,690	2,720
71	Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists	$136,990	$140,120	29,830
72	Optometrists	$136,300	$147,420	6,890
73	Web and Digital Interface Designers	$136,110	$146,210	27,090
74	Statisticians	$135,960	$140,780	2,480
75	Fundraising Managers	$135,870	$157,470	5,430
76	Communications Teachers, Postsecondary	$135,000	$148,200	3,140
77	Sales Managers	$134,910	$160,260	112,440
78	Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	$133,230	$150,060	1,410
79	Construction Managers	$133,160	$141,670	34,750
80	Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary	$132,960	$154,490	1,650
81	Industrial Production Managers	$132,620	$146,860	25,130
82	Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors	$131,540	$135,120	2,470
83	First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers	$131,210	$132,640	4,550
84	Mechanical Engineers	$130,900	$136,660	30,530
85	Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$130,680	$141,340	3,810
86	Special Effects Artists and Animators	$130,540	$134,360	7,410
87	Actuaries	$130,510	$145,330	1,280
88	English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary	$130,490	$134,950	5,460
89	Environmental Engineers	$130,410	$125,870	4,550
90	Personal Financial Advisors	$130,330	$170,070	32,200
91	Gas Plant Operators	$130,220	$120,680	800
92	Emergency Management Directors	$129,910	$138,120	1,170
93	Producers and Directors	$129,790	$155,750	34,110
94	Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$129,150	$146,810	3,610
95	Financial Risk Specialists	$129,110	$137,030	5,740
96	Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	$129,040	$125,270	8,930
97	Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers	$128,740	$131,260	27,710
98	Diagnostic Medical Sonographers	$128,530	$126,610	10,110
99	Business Teachers, Postsecondary	$128,470	$140,670	5,290
100	Materials Engineers	$128,470	$131,090	3,020
101	Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary	$128,370	$132,310	630
102	Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers	$128,310	$132,400	2,750
103	Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$128,210	$137,170	2,480
104	Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary	$127,780	$125,840	1,950
105	School Psychologists	$127,780	$127,830	8,340
106	Computer Systems Analysts	$127,720	$130,480	59,060
107	Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary	$127,680	$138,470	810
108	First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers	$127,630	$151,620	8,170
109	History Teachers, Postsecondary	$127,170	$134,280	1,450
110	Mathematicians	$126,710	$129,110	250
111	Sociologists	$125,770	$123,090	590
112	Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$125,640	$134,640	310
113	Education Administrators, Postsecondary	$125,460	$140,980	14,870
114	Dental Hygienists	$124,930	$128,110	24,500
115	Atmospheric and Space Scientists	$124,920	$127,330	510
116	Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$124,890	$136,290	1,060
117	Detectives and Criminal Investigators	$124,840	$121,530	12,610
118	Industrial Engineers	$124,600	$125,850	32,680
119	Occupational Therapists	$124,510	$121,920	13,810
120	General and Operations Managers	$124,390	$152,250	300,840
121	Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products	$124,220	$129,250	27,590
122	Physical Therapists	$124,190	$122,580	26,580
123	Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists	$124,000	$120,560	3,570
124	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers	$123,780	$133,520	30,540
125	Astronomers	$123,540	$128,340	110
126	Civil Engineers	$122,500	$124,540	55,180
127	Hydrologists	$122,110	$122,940	540
128	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	$121,520	$122,410	1,680
129	Radiologic Technologists and Technicians	$121,260	$117,950	20,900
130	Project Management Specialists	$120,910	$124,430	114,380
131	Insulation Workers, Mechanical	$119,690	$108,970	1,310
132	Web Developers	$119,570	$122,890	7,320
133	Law Teachers, Postsecondary	$119,540	$139,140	7,800
134	Economists	$119,410	$133,680	860
135	Speech-Language Pathologists	$118,970	$118,600	16,930
136	Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers	$118,880	$112,980	65,940
137	Facilities Managers	$118,620	$127,420	20,550
138	Boilermakers	$118,150	$115,900	720
139	Computer Programmers	$116,760	$119,900	11,340
140	Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners	$116,020	$108,890	1,400
141	Clinical and Counseling Psychologists	$116,000	$123,570	12,840
142	Audiologists	$114,910	$112,680	1,740
143	Geographers	$114,460	$114,310	80
144	Database Administrators	$113,060	$121,500	7,240
145	Education Teachers, Postsecondary	$111,850	$113,870	3,100
146	Epidemiologists	$110,760	$118,540	1,480
147	Marine Engineers and Naval Architects	$110,700	$118,380	250
148	Pile Driver Operators	$110,340	$109,410	480
149	Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels	$110,090	$129,580	2,420
150	Watch and Clock Repairers	$110,050	$104,770	N/A
151	Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	$109,930	$111,810	400
152	Transit and Railroad Police	$109,650	$100,450	100
153	Urban and Regional Planners	$109,610	$116,480	7,460
154	Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers	$109,140	$122,560	1,650
155	Financial and Investment Analysts	$109,110	$125,070	45,380
156	Administrative Services Managers	$108,890	$134,780	41,240
157	Architects, Except Landscape and Naval	$108,540	$121,910	13,270
158	Microbiologists	$108,530	$114,790	2,600
159	Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$108,290	$116,410	300
160	Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary	$107,340	$126,620	4,410
161	Foresters	$107,120	$110,770	820
162	Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film	$106,900	$106,350	4,700
163	Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health	$106,510	$112,360	12,490
164	Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers	$106,500	$108,910	3,350
165	Network and Computer Systems Administrators	$106,440	$115,210	26,170
166	Financial Examiners	$106,000	$118,710	4,200
167	Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary	$105,820	$125,540	1,850
168	Labor Relations Specialists	$105,810	$112,210	8,830
169	Surveyors	$105,330	$110,220	4,520
170	Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary	$105,220	$122,400	770
171	Power Plant Operators	$105,210	$110,960	2,610
172	Set and Exhibit Designers	$105,030	$105,350	2,690
173	Respiratory Therapists	$104,820	$109,440	18,650
174	Technical Writers	$104,000	$117,060	5,280
175	Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists	$103,640	$105,440	13,900
176	Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary	$103,520	$113,170	530
177	Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers	$103,250	$104,560	3,360
178	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists	$102,840	$106,470	16,230
179	Cartographers and Photogrammetrists	$102,780	$103,690	1,450
180	Forensic Science Technicians	$102,100	$104,960	2,800
181	Operations Research Analysts	$102,100	$110,860	10,620
182	Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors	$102,030	$97,890	1,660
183	Commercial Divers	$101,540	$98,740	310
184	Special Education Teachers, Middle School	$101,530	$99,830	4,860
185	Management Analysts	$101,460	$115,720	137,280
186	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	$101,370	$105,880	99,230
187	Construction and Building Inspectors	$101,290	$103,850	13,420
188	Postmasters and Mail Superintendents	$101,150	$103,040	800
189	Special Education Teachers, Secondary School	$101,060	$102,780	12,100
190	Commercial and Industrial Designers	$100,770	$108,400	5,300
191	Craft Artists	$100,540	$110,420	170
192	Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door	$100,260	$100,960	4,310
193	Fish and Game Wardens	$100,090	$96,130	330
194	Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary	$99,860	$116,230	2,170
195	Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education	$99,650	$95,670	155,160
196	Budget Analysts	$99,520	$105,890	4,160
197	Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary	$99,410	$114,430	9,820
198	Nuclear Technicians	$99,270	$94,690	N/A
199	Fire Inspectors and Investigators	$99,230	$102,500	1,350
200	Gambling Managers	$99,230	$121,870	620
201	Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians	$99,000	$106,720	1,560
202	Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	$98,950	$94,680	37,300
203	Dietitians and Nutritionists	$98,850	$98,780	8,720
204	Farm and Home Management Educators	$98,770	$94,630	40
205	Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists	$98,530	$111,800	2,210
206	Landscape Architects	$98,380	$110,360	2,310
207	Recreational Therapists	$98,170	$95,420	1,920
208	Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes	$98,110	$159,240	4,860
209	Editors	$98,030	$111,810	14,830
210	Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers	$97,980	$91,490	8,810
211	Chemists	$97,860	$106,810	9,820
212	Credit Analysts	$97,860	$113,670	5,260
213	Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators	$97,680	$118,080	N/A
214	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers	$97,680	$103,760	71,750
215	Ship Engineers	$97,660	$117,530	610
216	Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	$97,620	$96,870	380
217	Historians	$97,420	$100,750	210
218	Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists	$97,370	$102,750	480
219	Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School	$97,170	$93,510	23,280
220	Accountants and Auditors	$97,050	$103,760	175,360
221	Instructional Coordinators	$97,010	$98,180	20,950
222	Compliance Officers	$96,980	$102,490	49,880
223	Correctional Officers and Jailers	$96,370	$92,410	37,860
224	Insurance Underwriters	$95,320	$102,850	6,580
225	Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists	$94,700	$108,120	119,070
226	Lighting Technicians	$94,070	$93,240	2,950
227	Food Scientists and Technologists	$93,950	$97,980	2,210
228	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers	$93,660	$98,440	51,670
229	Music Directors and Composers	$93,090	$108,530	2,510
230	Model Makers, Metal and Plastic	$92,960	$97,030	260
231	Logisticians	$92,890	$98,300	32,940
232	Avionics Technicians	$92,480	$90,750	1,220
233	Soil and Plant Scientists	$91,930	$99,260	1,440
234	Orthotists and Prosthetists	$91,820	$93,030	1,050
235	Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators	$91,790	$91,860	24,290
236	Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists	$91,410	$98,480	13,430
237	Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars	$90,750	$103,250	2,920
238	Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators	$90,650	$91,010	5,840
239	Librarians and Media Collections Specialists	$89,790	$92,300	10,180
240	Healthcare Social Workers	$89,660	$93,840	17,690
241	Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers	$89,010	$84,560	930
242	Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants	$89,000	$92,220	59,640
243	Property Appraisers and Assessors	$88,900	$96,360	6,380
244	Film and Video Editors	$88,490	$99,450	8,110
245	Chemical Plant and System Operators	$87,550	$91,260	780
246	Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$87,390	$91,570	3,660
247	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators	$87,160	$94,000	36,020
248	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	$87,080	$91,820	5,830
249	Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors	$86,500	$93,610	45,140
250	Writers and Authors	$86,480	$106,560	8,390
251	Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians	$86,100	$86,110	12,590
252	Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$86,090	$93,750	13,450
253	Riggers	$85,730	$87,230	2,260
254	Farm Labor Contractors	$85,710	$82,610	N/A
255	Cost Estimators	$85,460	$94,780	26,020
256	Firefighters	$85,120	$95,090	31,470
257	Public Relations Specialists	$85,030	$97,140	32,710
258	Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment	$84,820	$85,980	1,480
259	Signal and Track Switch Repairers	$84,670	$92,330	390
260	Survey Researchers	$83,520	$102,180	1,180
261	Human Resources Specialists	$83,500	$95,180	104,000
262	Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$83,490	$85,570	7,250
263	Social and Community Service Managers	$83,210	$95,910	33,510
264	Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators	$83,130	$94,440	1,400
265	Physical Therapist Assistants	$83,110	$83,080	9,400
266	Transportation Inspectors	$83,000	$88,500	1,790
267	Buyers and Purchasing Agents	$82,720	$90,900	48,010
268	Statistical Assistants	$82,580	$82,250	110
269	Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education	$82,550	$88,160	7,430
270	Mechanical Drafters	$82,510	$86,750	3,640
271	Funeral Home Managers	$82,370	$91,310	760
272	Flight Attendants	$82,170	$83,000	15,840
273	Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers	$82,090	$87,180	2,990
274	Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary	$81,960	$96,830	5,610
275	Loan Officers	$81,770	$97,120	25,790
276	Occupational Therapy Assistants	$81,770	$84,690	3,840
277	Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators	$81,770	$87,190	11,630
278	Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians	$81,550	$92,350	1,850
279	Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary	$81,500	$97,570	230
280	Surgical Technologists	$81,310	$82,810	11,920
281	First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers	$81,140	$96,260	19,600
282	Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel	$80,850	$95,130	156,110
283	Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School	$80,620	$89,160	3,260
284	Real Estate Brokers	$80,450	$89,020	8,430
285	Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters	$80,370	$75,140	220
286	Advertising Sales Agents	$80,360	$90,780	9,620
287	Interior Designers	$80,230	$89,740	8,500
288	Public Safety Telecommunicators	$80,120	$81,520	8,520
289	Hearing Aid Specialists	$80,060	$74,990	990
290	Conservation Scientists	$79,810	$88,030	2,110
291	Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses	$79,750	$82,340	82,850
292	Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents	$79,730	$105,570	55,860
293	Fundraisers	$79,710	$86,320	12,860
294	Computer User Support Specialists	$79,570	$85,030	74,490
295	Crane and Tower Operators	$79,570	$87,030	2,130
296	Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling	$79,550	$98,270	7,000
297	Computer Network Support Specialists	$79,190	$88,760	13,620
298	Traffic Technicians	$79,110	$75,890	1,250
299	Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$79,070	$80,610	5,710
300	Athletes and Sports Competitors	$79,040	$294,080	830
301	Meter Readers, Utilities	$79,040	$79,610	810
302	Judicial Law Clerks	$79,030	$76,070	1,800
303	Calibration Technologists and Technicians	$79,010	$82,510	1,250
304	Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers	$79,000	$91,050	19,860
305	Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage	$78,930	$82,530	550
306	Curators	$78,740	$86,330	1,140
307	Subway and Streetcar Operators	$78,680	$74,720	900
308	Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	$78,550	$82,320	20,080
309	Athletic Trainers	$78,490	$80,780	1,760
310	Electrical and Electronics Drafters	$78,310	$89,900	2,730
311	Food Service Managers	$78,260	$84,300	33,180
312	Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians	$78,170	$93,480	5,570
313	Sound Engineering Technicians	$78,150	$87,550	4,060
314	Surveying and Mapping Technicians	$78,110	$81,840	3,340
315	Brokerage Clerks	$77,960	$83,450	4,740
316	Millwrights	$77,950	$84,220	2,230
317	Wind Turbine Service Technicians	$77,910	$86,120	400
318	Clergy	$77,710	$87,150	7,110
319	First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers	$77,590	$82,290	149,230
320	Paralegals and Legal Assistants	$77,390	$81,320	47,130
321	Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons	$77,220	$86,680	N/A
322	Locomotive Engineers	$77,070	$75,600	1,570
323	Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers	$77,030	$89,320	50,040
324	Tool and Die Makers	$77,030	$75,120	1,790
325	Lodging Managers	$76,950	$89,170	5,070
326	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers	$76,840	$82,000	48,550
327	Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary	$76,630	$90,340	11,040
328	Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers	$76,630	$81,340	14,040
329	Sheet Metal Workers	$76,590	$85,580	8,390
330	Architectural and Civil Drafters	$76,520	$80,360	11,400
331	Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products	$76,490	$88,460	134,800
332	Structural Iron and Steel Workers	$76,370	$80,920	7,110
333	Pipelayers	$76,180	$77,930	1,420
334	Electricians	$76,160	$85,860	73,310
335	Insurance Sales Agents	$76,120	$93,660	41,160
336	Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians	$76,010	$78,840	29,210
337	Carpenters	$75,920	$78,810	100,750
338	Training and Development Specialists	$75,790	$84,110	46,530
339	Acupuncturists	$75,530	$89,810	2,520
340	Chiropractors	$75,470	$101,190	2,760
341	Graphic Designers	$75,130	$86,800	27,390
342	Choreographers	$75,000	$85,790	410
343	Motion Picture Projectionists	$74,840	$78,050	190
344	Paramedics	$74,590	$77,740	5,190
345	Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining	$74,500	$85,520	790
346	Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic	$74,490	$74,020	480
347	Industrial Machinery Mechanics	$74,400	$76,060	26,830
348	Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents	$74,110	$81,910	8,610
349	Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists	$73,950	$72,690	20,940
350	Transportation Security Screeners	$73,610	$68,660	5,410
351	Tapers	$73,460	$76,260	4,540
352	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters	$72,830	$82,320	47,660
353	Broadcast Technicians	$72,800	$79,420	2,340
354	Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers	$72,560	$75,370	35,130
355	Medical Equipment Repairers	$72,450	$79,640	6,080
356	Bridge and Lock Tenders	$72,390	$68,070	80
357	Anthropologists and Archeologists	$72,240	$77,230	2,060
358	Costume Attendants	$72,030	$86,540	1,620
359	Desktop Publishers	$71,930	$78,250	320
360	Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers	$71,570	$71,000	8,180
361	Biological Technicians	$71,440	$78,170	9,210
362	Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators	$71,170	$67,340	770
363	Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners	$71,120	$77,160	20,650
364	Hydrologic Technicians	$70,790	$74,760	300
365	Interpreters and Translators	$70,770	$78,800	5,560
366	Archivists	$70,530	$77,160	1,160
367	Tax Preparers	$70,030	$71,540	10,270
368	Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters	$69,950	$76,110	1,500
369	Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians	$69,410	$83,050	480
370	Brickmasons and Blockmasons	$69,050	$73,120	3,820
371	Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders	$68,600	$74,570	110
372	Rail Car Repairers	$68,370	$75,020	700
373	Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians	$68,240	$64,010	1,070
374	First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers	$68,010	$69,010	3,010
375	Maintenance Workers, Machinery	$67,840	$68,780	4,130
376	Marriage and Family Therapists	$67,300	$79,440	34,970
377	Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers	$67,230	$76,950	N/A
378	Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers	$67,160	$66,450	190
379	Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity	$67,130	$66,930	24,380
380	Credit Counselors	$67,120	$71,180	2,160
381	Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare	$67,100	$73,830	9,810
382	Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas	$66,910	$69,450	1,630
383	Automotive Body and Related Repairers	$66,860	$69,280	14,050
384	Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers	$66,040	$66,270	810
385	Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers	$65,880	$74,680	27,280
386	First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors	$65,550	$69,340	67,920
387	Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas	$65,520	$79,290	460
388	Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks	$65,340	$68,580	20,590
389	Child, Family, and School Social Workers	$65,200	$71,940	60,310
390	Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics	$64,980	$65,470	65,420
391	Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors	$64,890	$66,300	13,930
392	Audio and Video Technicians	$64,620	$73,150	9,280
393	Chefs and Head Cooks	$64,500	$69,130	31,670
394	Wellhead Pumpers	$64,430	$65,580	160
395	Glaziers	$64,040	$75,020	7,020
396	Postal Service Clerks	$63,650	$64,270	6,410
397	Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers	$63,640	$69,050	2,930
398	Health Education Specialists	$63,610	$74,720	12,520
399	Roofers	$63,600	$67,420	21,190
400	Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs	$63,520	$64,690	30,960
401	Court, Municipal, and License Clerks	$63,320	$67,330	12,460
402	First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers	$63,270	$68,290	14,850
403	Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers	$63,110	$72,220	2,390
404	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks	$63,000	$67,020	56,080
405	Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants	$62,860	$74,860	27,470
406	Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers	$62,840	$69,640	1,030
407	Continuous Mining Machine Operators	$62,790	$69,250	940
408	Paperhangers	$62,790	$70,790	130
409	Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers	$62,700	$70,920	28,700
410	Animal Control Workers	$62,630	$63,690	1,210
411	Airfield Operations Specialists	$62,600	$73,180	1,660
412	Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas	$62,580	$68,290	2,820
413	Tree Trimmers and Pruners	$62,550	$63,610	9,610
414	Surgical Assistants	$62,540	$67,860	1,210
415	Exercise Physiologists	$62,440	$69,250	640
416	Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers	$62,390	$69,850	2,590
417	Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians	$62,330	$65,630	1,230
418	Parking Enforcement Workers	$62,280	$64,190	1,710
419	Postal Service Mail Carriers	$62,090	$64,560	32,320
420	Logging Equipment Operators	$61,940	$74,210	950
421	Medical Records Specialists	$61,810	$68,230	18,700
422	Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$61,730	$85,140	110
423	Rock Splitters, Quarry	$61,620	$66,660	290
424	Directors, Religious Activities and Education	$61,570	$70,150	3,200
425	Museum Technicians and Conservators	$61,550	$64,000	1,610
426	First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers	$61,470	$62,810	18,060
427	Medical Equipment Preparers	$61,370	$65,100	8,720
428	Occupational Health and Safety Technicians	$61,360	$71,450	2,650
429	Private Detectives and Investigators	$61,250	$67,040	4,190
430	Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health	$61,220	$67,750	6,010
431	Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles	$61,210	$70,700	4,330
432	Bus Drivers, School	$61,040	$60,520	16,600
433	Locksmiths and Safe Repairers	$61,010	$67,180	2,060
434	Stonemasons	$60,930	$66,540	1,250
435	Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers	$60,890	$70,000	2,560
436	Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers	$60,790	$61,830	2,300
437	Veterinary Technologists and Technicians	$60,630	$61,400	11,310
438	Solar Photovoltaic Installers	$60,600	$63,280	6,830
439	Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors	$60,530	$70,860	1,490
440	Agricultural Technicians	$60,320	$58,530	2,420
441	Substitute Teachers, Short-Term	$60,300	$62,910	115,660
442	Construction Laborers	$60,270	$64,870	88,240
443	Social Science Research Assistants	$60,250	$70,260	5,300
444	Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers	$60,230	$62,020	205,090
445	Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	$60,180	$59,980	2,600
446	Embalmers	$60,060	$62,550	520
447	Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$60,010	$70,580	2,060
448	Plasterers and Stucco Masons	$59,940	$64,030	6,780
449	Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers	$59,770	$61,080	N/A
450	Fallers	$59,590	$62,990	260
451	Highway Maintenance Workers	$59,580	$63,070	8,150
452	Mechanical Door Repairers	$59,560	$61,940	2,680
453	Special Education Teachers, Preschool	$59,550	$69,930	2,510
454	Chemical Technicians	$59,510	$64,570	6,800
455	Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators	$59,490	$61,530	10,090
456	Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers	$59,450	$62,170	N/A
457	Animal Breeders	$59,280	$66,550	410
458	Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	$59,250	$61,470	750
459	Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors	$59,250	$69,080	75,610
460	Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks	$59,230	$60,830	151,870
461	Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	$59,050	$62,490	1,960
462	Painters, Construction and Maintenance	$59,020	$62,460	38,430
463	Tile and Stone Setters	$58,880	$63,800	8,250
464	Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers	$58,770	$61,530	1,340
465	Home Appliance Repairers	$58,480	$59,160	2,760
466	Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders	$58,310	$60,520	280
467	Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders	$58,300	$60,460	5,670
468	Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers	$58,280	$57,370	7,250
469	Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators	$58,240	$104,570	2,560
470	Forest and Conservation Technicians	$58,120	$63,680	6,640
471	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers	$58,060	$61,120	26,060
472	Community Health Workers	$58,050	$63,740	9,500
473	Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors	$57,990	$62,890	43,600
474	Opticians, Dispensing	$57,990	$61,070	7,840
475	Bill and Account Collectors	$57,930	$59,590	13,880
476	Cargo and Freight Agents	$57,690	$61,720	17,060
477	Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers	$57,660	$60,560	1,220
478	Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping	$57,590	$58,630	11,490
479	Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters	$57,590	$58,160	3,420
480	Real Estate Sales Agents	$57,560	$67,570	17,500
481	Proofreaders and Copy Markers	$57,490	$59,630	300
482	Models	$57,400	$72,810	990
483	Loan Interviewers and Clerks	$57,300	$57,220	14,680
484	Machinists	$57,190	$61,380	18,950
485	Telephone Operators	$57,170	$55,910	230
486	Motorcycle Mechanics	$57,040	$57,280	1,730
487	Maintenance and Repair Workers, General	$57,000	$60,050	143,060
488	Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan	$56,880	$58,230	22,250
489	Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks	$56,800	$57,500	23,470
490	Log Graders and Scalers	$56,670	$53,540	320
491	Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators	$56,510	$57,400	21,680
492	Word Processors and Typists	$56,380	$54,840	10,270
493	First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers	$56,280	$61,320	10,450
494	Billing and Posting Clerks	$56,260	$58,180	41,290
495	Procurement Clerks	$56,160	$57,060	7,080
496	Hazardous Materials Removal Workers	$56,120	$60,750	7,340
497	First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers	$56,110	$57,200	9,390
498	Fence Erectors	$56,060	$58,390	3,150
499	Phlebotomists	$56,040	$56,600	13,520
500	Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas	$55,480	$59,400	N/A
501	Helpers--Roofers	$55,470	$58,790	1,200
502	Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive	$55,400	$57,710	158,630
503	Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners	$55,220	$57,610	3,130
504	Sailors and Marine Oilers	$55,180	$55,750	1,680
505	Pharmacy Technicians	$55,110	$58,330	39,860
506	First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers	$54,870	$57,140	109,180
507	Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants	$54,490	$56,350	115,050
508	Ophthalmic Medical Technicians	$54,490	$63,030	2,500
509	Carpet Installers	$54,440	$59,640	2,270
510	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers	$54,300	$59,540	61,130
511	Food Science Technicians	$54,200	$56,850	3,990
512	First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers	$53,960	$59,930	10,850
513	Prepress Technicians and Workers	$53,860	$55,580	2,020
514	Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians	$53,790	$59,990	4,730
515	Correspondence Clerks	$53,640	$57,720	240
516	Agricultural Inspectors	$53,620	$60,610	2,340
517	First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services	$53,620	$60,110	13,620
518	Library Technicians	$53,260	$56,050	7,190
519	Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders	$52,950	$58,030	11,570
520	Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders	$52,910	$59,240	14,210
521	Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance	$52,350	$57,950	23,970
522	New Accounts Clerks	$52,100	$55,560	950
523	Helpers--Electricians	$52,080	$53,730	3,120
524	Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks	$51,950	$55,680	590
525	Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers	$51,870	$51,950	2,810
526	Helpers--Extraction Workers	$51,720	$51,370	1,170
527	Medical Appliance Technicians	$51,530	$56,610	1,300
528	Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners	$51,300	$53,440	620
529	Social and Human Service Assistants	$51,090	$55,100	58,730
530	Travel Agents	$51,030	$55,120	4,760
531	Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics	$50,790	$53,680	2,470
532	Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers	$50,750	$56,130	2,240
533	Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders	$50,640	$56,440	5,730
534	Crossing Guards and Flaggers	$50,610	$55,520	9,390
535	Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	$50,150	$54,080	770
536	Dental Assistants	$50,110	$54,710	56,220

California High-Salary Insights

The $50K+ jobs in California are concentrated in Healthcare Practitioners, Management, and Transportation fields.

73.9% of all tracked occupations in CA earn a median salary above $50K. The entry point for this group is $50,110/year (Dental Assistants), while the top earner makes $400,150/year.

California ranks #2 among all 50 states for the number of $50K+ jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many jobs pay over $50K a year in California?

According to 2025 BLS data, there are 536 occupations in California with a median annual salary above $50K. This represents 73.9% of all tracked occupations in CA.

What is the highest paying job in California?

The highest paying occupation in California is Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric with a median salary of $400,150 per year based on 2025 BLS OEWS data.

What is the minimum salary to be on the $50K+ list in California?

The entry point for the $50K+ list in California is $50,110/year (Dental Assistants). Any occupation with a median salary above $50K qualifies for this list.

What is the average salary of $50K+ jobs in California?

The average median salary among all 536 occupations that pay over $50K in California is $97,386 per year (2025 data).

How can I get a job that pays over $50K in California?

High-paying jobs in California typically require specialized education, certifications, or significant experience. Common fields include healthcare, technology, management, and engineering. Investing in relevant skills through certifications and advanced degrees can help you reach the $50K+ salary range. Check individual job pages for specific requirements.

Aiming for a $50K+ Career in California?

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Jobs Over $50K in Other States

These are gross salaries. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, take-home pay is lower.

More Salary Data for California

All California Jobs

Data Source & Methodology

This list includes all occupations with BLS-published state-level median salary data above $50K per year. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. See our Methodology page for details.

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics