California salaries by occupation
The median worker in California earned $56,940 a year in 2024, about $27.38 an hour, 15% above the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 725 occupations.
Median pay $56,940 $27.38 per hour
Vs national median +15% U.S. $49,500
Workers 18,057,850 wage and salary
Occupations reported 725 with at least 100 employed
What California is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | 5.72× | 175,340 | $35,770 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | 4.35× | 12,030 | $97,590 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | 4.16× | 32,070 | $63,780 |
| Plasterers and Stucco Masons | 3.42× | 8,370 | $60,370 |
| Counselors, All Other | 3.41× | 13,320 | $47,010 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | 3.09× | 10,680 | $57,550 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | 3.08× | 7,690 | $128,360 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | 3.03× | 31,750 | $36,220 |
| Material Moving Workers, All Other | 3.02× | 8,910 | $37,530 |
| Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | 2.82× | 27,350 | $65,880 |
Metro areas in California
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 25 California metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $82,470 | $39.65 | 1,134,660 | #1 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $73,960 | $35.56 | 2,405,740 | #2 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $58,880 | $28.31 | 1,066,390 | #19 |
| Vallejo | $57,170 | $27.49 | 142,930 | #26 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $56,580 | $27.20 | 1,533,290 | #28 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $55,140 | $26.51 | 204,980 | #33 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $53,490 | $25.72 | 6,199,940 | #44 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $52,770 | $25.37 | 98,750 | #46 |
| Napa | $52,750 | $25.36 | 78,480 | #47 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $50,240 | $24.15 | 201,750 | #71 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $50,010 | $24.04 | 320,180 | #77 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $49,760 | $23.92 | 121,040 | #85 |
| Modesto | $49,360 | $23.73 | 194,560 | #98 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $49,000 | $23.56 | 286,420 | #104 |
| Yuba City | $48,330 | $23.24 | 50,820 | #125 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $48,240 | $23.19 | 1,695,430 | #128 |
| Hanford-Corcoran | $47,920 | $23.04 | 47,230 | #145 |
| Redding | $47,890 | $23.02 | 69,620 | #147 |
| Chico | $47,360 | $22.77 | 78,260 | #171 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $46,930 | $22.56 | 335,190 | #188 |
| Salinas | $46,790 | $22.50 | 186,110 | #189 |
| Merced | $45,930 | $22.08 | 78,910 | #224 |
| Fresno | $45,810 | $22.03 | 470,480 | #230 |
| El Centro | $44,470 | $21.38 | 63,230 | #283 |
| Visalia | $44,320 | $21.31 | 170,070 | #286 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $220,600 | $106.06 | 36,980 | #2 of 33 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $211,340 | $101.60 | 100,020 | #1 of 49 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $204,100 | $98.13 | 14,120 | #2 of 46 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $201,810 | $97.02 | 30,690 | #2 of 49 |
| Physicians, All Other | $201,510 | $96.88 | 20,750 | #14 of 18 |
| Lawyers | $197,790 | $95.09 | 92,580 | #1 of 49 |
| Nurse Midwives | $196,700 | $94.57 | 880 | #1 of 22 |
| Podiatrists | $193,510 | $93.03 | 930 | #5 of 21 |
| Physicists | $180,900 | $86.97 | 6,220 | #4 of 26 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $179,880 | $86.48 | 24,200 | #2 of 37 |
| Dentists, General | $178,540 | $85.84 | 14,760 | #18 of 46 |
| Marketing Managers | $178,160 | $85.66 | 56,300 | #2 of 47 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 875,110 | $34,600 | $16.64 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 438,950 | $37,010 | $17.79 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 382,740 | $42,660 | $20.51 |
| Retail Salespersons | 352,860 | $37,250 | $17.91 |
| Cashiers | 349,300 | $36,270 | $17.44 |
| Registered Nurses | 326,720 | $140,330 | $67.47 |
| Office Clerks, General | 306,000 | $47,920 | $23.04 |
| Software Developers | 292,630 | $170,910 | $82.17 |
| General and Operations Managers | 292,300 | $125,240 | $60.21 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 267,340 | $39,450 | $18.97 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in California
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 95
- Gas Plant Operators $124,980
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $116,360
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $107,270
- Power Plant Operators $105,520
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $88,280
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $82,100
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $78,750
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $78,490
- Tool and Die Makers $77,800
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $75,250
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $73,950
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic $71,780
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $59,100
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $59,090
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $58,220
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $57,940
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $57,620
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $57,150
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $56,460
- Machinists $56,220
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $56,160
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $55,250
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $54,960
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $53,350
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $52,480
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $51,710
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $50,430
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners $50,060
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $50,030
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $49,850
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $49,430
- Semiconductor Processing Technicians $49,270
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,780
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $48,480
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $48,390
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,280
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,220
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $47,870
- Upholsterers $47,840
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,840
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,660
- Medical Appliance Technicians $47,380
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers $47,310
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,180
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,100
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $46,720
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,590
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,370
- Furniture Finishers $46,060
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $46,040
- Printing Press Operators $46,020
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,950
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators $45,850
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,640
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,610
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $45,540
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $45,390
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,380
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $45,140
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $45,020
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $44,970
- Woodworkers, All Other $44,930
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $44,860
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $44,720
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $44,420
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $44,340
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $44,310
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $44,230
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $43,770
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $43,670
- Helpers--Production Workers $43,670
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $43,170
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $42,980
- Etchers and Engravers $42,800
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers $42,790
- Pourers and Casters, Metal $40,770
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders $40,590
- Food Batchmakers $40,110
- Bakers $39,570
- Production Workers, All Other $39,430
- Tire Builders $39,400
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $38,830
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $38,660
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $38,300
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $38,280
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $38,160
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other $37,440
- Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders $37,330
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $37,290
- Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers $37,120
- Sewing Machine Operators $37,010
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $36,790
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $36,770
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $36,740
- Cutters and Trimmers, Hand $36,470
Education and library 60
- Geography Teachers, Postsecondary $162,050
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $137,450
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $136,240
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $134,780
- Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $134,060
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $133,230
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $132,250
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $130,750
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $130,580
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $130,340
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $129,760
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $129,140
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $129,000
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $128,190
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $126,780
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $125,670
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $125,310
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $124,780
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $121,020
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary $119,490
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary $118,760
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $113,070
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $111,360
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $109,710
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $106,470
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $106,330
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $105,980
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $104,310
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $103,500
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $103,210
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $101,250
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $100,060
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $99,270
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $99,010
- Farm and Home Management Educators $98,810
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $98,710
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $98,190
- Instructional Coordinators $97,960
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $97,000
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $96,820
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $90,530
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $89,010
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $87,600
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $86,590
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $85,560
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $84,550
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $81,860
- Curators $78,710
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $75,130
- Archivists $62,160
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $61,210
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $58,960
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $57,260
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $55,890
- Library Technicians $51,290
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $50,330
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $47,680
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $45,880
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $45,460
- Tutors $42,840
Construction and extraction 51
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $137,340
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $119,890
- Boilermakers $107,600
- Construction and Building Inspectors $101,160
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas $99,470
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $97,080
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $89,120
- Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters $87,110
- Sheet Metal Workers $79,630
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $79,460
- Pipelayers $78,090
- Electricians $76,540
- Carpenters $74,820
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $73,580
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators $73,220
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $72,050
- Tapers $69,670
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $69,260
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $68,390
- Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas $67,090
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $66,420
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $66,060
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $65,880
- Glaziers $65,850
- Stonemasons $64,880
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $64,280
- Rock Splitters, Quarry $63,110
- Roofers $63,040
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $63,040
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $62,280
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers $61,440
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers $60,790
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $60,780
- Construction Laborers $60,540
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons $60,370
- Highway Maintenance Workers $58,300
- Tile and Stone Setters $57,510
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $57,450
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas $56,690
- Carpet Installers $54,840
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $54,740
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $54,080
- Fence Erectors $53,800
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $51,720
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $49,970
- Helpers--Electricians $47,540
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $46,640
- Helpers--Extraction Workers $46,010
- Helpers--Carpenters $45,760
- Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons $45,730
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $44,620
Office and administrative support 50
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $84,790
- Meter Readers, Utilities $78,970
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $78,210
- Statistical Assistants $78,040
- Brokerage Clerks $77,460
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $75,090
- Proofreaders and Copy Markers $63,820
- Postal Service Clerks $63,670
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $62,390
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $61,680
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $61,670
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $61,320
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $61,320
- Financial Clerks, All Other $58,840
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $58,390
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $57,790
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $57,490
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $57,470
- Bill and Account Collectors $57,070
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $57,020
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $56,860
- Cargo and Freight Agents $56,100
- New Accounts Clerks $54,390
- Billing and Posting Clerks $54,240
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $54,120
- Procurement Clerks $53,700
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $53,190
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $52,950
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $52,720
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $51,720
- Word Processors and Typists $51,100
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $50,370
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $50,040
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $49,460
- Office Clerks, General $47,920
- Customer Service Representatives $47,790
- Library Assistants, Clerical $47,030
- File Clerks $46,920
- Order Clerks $46,620
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $46,540
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $46,080
- Tellers $45,920
- Data Entry Keyers $45,680
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $45,070
- Couriers and Messengers $44,600
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $44,120
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $43,360
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $42,860
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $39,200
- Gambling Cage Workers $39,100
Healthcare practitioners 47
- Physicians, All Other $201,510
- Nurse Midwives $196,700
- Podiatrists $193,510
- Dentists, General $178,540
- Nurse Practitioners $166,610
- Pharmacists $165,150
- Physician Assistants $161,080
- Radiation Therapists $160,040
- Veterinarians $158,950
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $155,220
- Medical Dosimetrists $149,080
- Registered Nurses $140,330
- Optometrists $137,070
- Genetic Counselors $135,090
- Audiologists $123,600
- Physical Therapists $123,300
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $122,470
- Dental Hygienists $121,080
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $120,840
- Occupational Therapists $119,470
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $118,210
- Speech-Language Pathologists $116,000
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $107,670
- Respiratory Therapists $102,120
- Recreational Therapists $96,530
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $95,340
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $93,640
- Orthotists and Prosthetists $91,870
- Chiropractors $85,080
- Surgical Technologists $81,120
- Hearing Aid Specialists $78,830
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $77,170
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $75,070
- Athletic Trainers $74,150
- Paramedics $72,180
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $71,920
- Therapists, All Other $71,190
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $64,720
- Psychiatric Technicians $61,620
- Medical Records Specialists $59,700
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $58,310
- Opticians, Dispensing $57,770
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $55,080
- Pharmacy Technicians $49,640
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $47,940
- Emergency Medical Technicians $45,680
- Dietetic Technicians $43,460
Installation, maintenance and repair 46
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $122,520
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $117,850
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $94,280
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $92,350
- Avionics Technicians $90,270
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $89,880
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment $86,640
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $84,910
- Riggers $83,320
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers $82,650
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $79,340
- Millwrights $78,810
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $78,060
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $78,020
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians $75,330
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $74,580
- Medical Equipment Repairers $73,860
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $73,840
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other $72,270
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $70,650
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $70,310
- Rail Car Repairers $66,740
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $66,120
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $66,010
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $65,290
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $65,030
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $63,370
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $62,570
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $62,270
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $61,500
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $59,930
- Mechanical Door Repairers $58,640
- Motorcycle Mechanics $58,620
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $56,030
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $55,190
- Home Appliance Repairers $51,460
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $50,680
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $50,520
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $49,780
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $49,610
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $47,900
- Bicycle Repairers $47,610
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $47,460
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners $45,410
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $42,700
- Tire Repairers and Changers $42,420
Transport and material moving 39
- Air Traffic Controllers $152,010
- Ship Engineers $134,660
- Commercial Pilots $122,100
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $79,560
- Flight Attendants $77,870
- Transportation Inspectors $75,590
- Locomotive Engineers $74,710
- Crane and Tower Operators $69,970
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $67,550
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $66,840
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $64,440
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $62,430
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $61,650
- Airfield Operations Specialists $61,100
- Wellhead Pumpers $60,220
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $59,950
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $59,510
- Bus Drivers, School $58,280
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers $57,720
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $54,980
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers $51,350
- Transportation Workers, All Other $48,910
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $48,720
- Light Truck Drivers $45,500
- Aircraft Service Attendants $45,290
- Driver/Sales Workers $44,370
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $42,660
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $41,660
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $41,600
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $41,340
- Passenger Attendants $40,890
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $39,580
- Stockers and Order Fillers $39,450
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $38,960
- Material Moving Workers, All Other $37,530
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $37,300
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $36,960
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $36,550
- Parking Attendants $36,350
Management 38
- Chief Executives $220,600
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $211,340
- Natural Sciences Managers $204,100
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $201,810
- Marketing Managers $178,160
- Financial Managers $174,920
- Managers, All Other $170,740
- Human Resources Managers $169,140
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $160,740
- Public Relations Managers $156,340
- Training and Development Managers $155,070
- Purchasing Managers $152,190
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $151,890
- Advertising and Promotions Managers $147,430
- Medical and Health Services Managers $136,500
- Sales Managers $132,440
- Fundraising Managers $131,950
- Industrial Production Managers $129,160
- Construction Managers $129,000
- Emergency Management Directors $126,210
- General and Operations Managers $125,240
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $123,840
- Facilities Managers $115,700
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers $107,780
- Administrative Services Managers $107,410
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $104,930
- Gambling Managers $102,810
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $97,050
- Education Administrators, All Other $96,950
- Social and Community Service Managers $80,160
- Funeral Home Managers $79,040
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $78,750
- Lodging Managers $77,030
- Food Service Managers $75,140
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $75,140
- Personal Service Managers, All Other $67,590
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $65,420
- Legislators $54,290
Life, physical and social science 38
- Physicists $180,900
- Psychologists, All Other $147,650
- Materials Scientists $131,530
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $131,430
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $130,240
- Life Scientists, All Other $128,750
- Physical Scientists, All Other $128,250
- Hydrologists $118,960
- School Psychologists $118,310
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $117,770
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $114,520
- Biological Scientists, All Other $112,010
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $111,400
- Microbiologists $107,380
- Urban and Regional Planners $105,230
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $101,110
- Economists $100,510
- Epidemiologists $100,410
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $99,530
- Foresters $98,870
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $97,520
- Chemists $97,010
- Forensic Science Technicians $96,850
- Food Scientists and Technologists $85,480
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $82,620
- Conservation Scientists $81,620
- Soil and Plant Scientists $80,960
- Survey Researchers $77,180
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $75,780
- Anthropologists and Archeologists $74,100
- Biological Technicians $64,020
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians $63,160
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $60,880
- Agricultural Technicians $58,330
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $57,990
- Chemical Technicians $56,620
- Food Science Technicians $50,960
- Social Science Research Assistants $48,720
Arts, design, entertainment and media 35
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $140,080
- Art Directors $133,930
- Special Effects Artists and Animators $128,360
- Producers and Directors $122,150
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners $103,640
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $101,610
- Technical Writers $100,440
- Set and Exhibit Designers $100,020
- Media and Communication Workers, All Other $97,590
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $93,300
- Editors $90,570
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $84,830
- Film and Video Editors $83,200
- Public Relations Specialists $81,490
- Writers and Authors $80,470
- Designers, All Other $80,300
- Sound Engineering Technicians $78,020
- Artists and Related Workers, All Other $77,800
- Interior Designers $77,360
- Graphic Designers $76,440
- Music Directors and Composers $74,760
- Lighting Technicians $74,670
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $73,930
- Broadcast Technicians $73,780
- Interpreters and Translators $73,510
- Audio and Video Technicians $62,240
- Craft Artists $59,980
- Photographers $50,610
- Coaches and Scouts $46,120
- Floral Designers $45,690
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $44,590
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $42,530
- Dancers not reported
- Disc Jockeys, Except Radio not reported
- Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other not reported
Architecture and engineering 33
- Computer Hardware Engineers $179,880
- Nuclear Engineers $167,660
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $154,670
- Petroleum Engineers $147,780
- Aerospace Engineers $143,860
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers $142,520
- Electrical Engineers $140,360
- Engineers, All Other $128,830
- Environmental Engineers $127,660
- Materials Engineers $127,550
- Mechanical Engineers $126,370
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers $125,700
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $125,410
- Industrial Engineers $123,070
- Civil Engineers $118,450
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $106,610
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $105,840
- Surveyors $103,790
- Landscape Architects $98,880
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians $96,370
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $84,530
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $83,350
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $82,210
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $81,240
- Mechanical Drafters $80,430
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $78,370
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $77,350
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $76,410
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $74,390
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians $72,140
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $71,860
- Drafters, All Other $71,460
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $69,840
Business and financial 30
- Personal Financial Advisors $128,650
- Financial Risk Specialists $111,560
- Project Management Specialists $111,300
- Financial and Investment Analysts $111,100
- Financial Examiners $105,790
- Labor Relations Specialists $105,320
- Budget Analysts $103,900
- Management Analysts $102,110
- Accountants and Auditors $96,360
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $92,770
- Compliance Officers $92,350
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $91,400
- Logisticians $90,950
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $90,900
- Credit Analysts $88,360
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $87,940
- Insurance Underwriters $87,200
- Financial Specialists, All Other $85,850
- Cost Estimators $84,610
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $83,820
- Human Resources Specialists $81,810
- Fundraisers $80,810
- Loan Officers $79,580
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $79,570
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage $78,870
- Tax Preparers $73,210
- Training and Development Specialists $72,930
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $72,390
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $66,990
- Credit Counselors $65,820
Personal care and service 29
- Costume Attendants $80,440
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $64,320
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $56,600
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $51,060
- Crematory Operators $49,860
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $49,700
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $47,170
- Residential Advisors $46,850
- Animal Trainers $46,780
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants $44,570
- Concierges $43,880
- Tour and Travel Guides $42,210
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $39,370
- Funeral Attendants $38,960
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $38,910
- Childcare Workers $38,220
- Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other $37,810
- Recreation Workers $37,580
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $37,440
- Gambling Service Workers, All Other $37,260
- Animal Caretakers $37,200
- Barbers $36,590
- Skincare Specialists $36,390
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $35,990
- Shampooers $35,970
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $35,570
- Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners $35,440
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $35,000
- Gambling Dealers $33,420
Protective service 21
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $162,740
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $133,580
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $127,380
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $122,140
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $115,400
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $96,180
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $95,840
- Fish and Game Wardens $94,990
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $88,130
- Firefighters $83,400
- Transportation Security Screeners $69,720
- Parking Enforcement Workers $66,200
- Animal Control Workers $62,760
- Private Detectives and Investigators $60,210
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $60,000
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $49,310
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators $45,190
- Security Guards $43,930
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $42,520
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $39,690
- School Bus Monitors $39,190
Computing and mathematics 19
- Software Developers $170,910
- Database Architects $159,130
- Computer and Information Research Scientists $156,290
- Information Security Analysts $140,660
- Computer Network Architects $138,350
- Data Scientists $136,800
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $130,240
- Computer Occupations, All Other $128,750
- Computer Systems Analysts $127,660
- Statisticians $127,550
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $127,010
- Actuaries $124,240
- Web Developers $117,380
- Computer Programmers $116,220
- Database Administrators $111,090
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $106,620
- Operations Research Analysts $96,920
- Computer Network Support Specialists $79,520
- Computer User Support Specialists $76,870
Sales 19
- Sales Engineers $134,990
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $123,980
- Real Estate Brokers $82,050
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $80,970
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $79,410
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $79,140
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $73,920
- Insurance Sales Agents $64,990
- Real Estate Sales Agents $62,420
- Advertising Sales Agents $60,470
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $50,240
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $50,150
- Travel Agents $48,540
- Parts Salespersons $42,250
- Counter and Rental Clerks $41,350
- Telemarketers $37,450
- Retail Salespersons $37,250
- Cashiers $36,270
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $36,120
Community and social service 17
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $107,050
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $94,320
- Healthcare Social Workers $92,970
- Clergy $77,850
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $75,320
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $74,010
- Social Workers, All Other $70,440
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $69,250
- Marriage and Family Therapists $63,780
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $61,310
- Health Education Specialists $60,150
- Community Health Workers $57,560
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $56,820
- Religious Workers, All Other $52,380
- Social and Human Service Assistants $51,780
- Counselors, All Other $47,010
- Rehabilitation Counselors $44,280
Healthcare support 17
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $79,420
- Physical Therapist Assistants $79,410
- Medical Equipment Preparers $62,710
- Phlebotomists $55,460
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $55,270
- Dental Assistants $48,910
- Orderlies $48,550
- Massage Therapists $48,430
- Medical Assistants $48,050
- Nursing Assistants $46,420
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $45,470
- Pharmacy Aides $44,060
- Psychiatric Aides $42,970
- Medical Transcriptionists $39,090
- Occupational Therapy Aides $38,400
- Physical Therapist Aides $36,290
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $34,600
Food preparation and serving 16
- Chefs and Head Cooks $66,780
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $46,140
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $45,680
- Cooks, Restaurant $44,290
- Cooks, All Other $39,430
- Cooks, Short Order $39,010
- Food Preparation Workers $38,150
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $37,690
- Dishwashers $37,440
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $37,010
- Cooks, Fast Food $36,410
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $36,220
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $35,910
- Bartenders $35,900
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $35,790
- Waiters and Waitresses $35,290
Farming, fishing and forestry 11
- Fallers $62,020
- Logging Equipment Operators $62,000
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $57,550
- Log Graders and Scalers $56,570
- Agricultural Inspectors $51,490
- Agricultural Workers, All Other $50,690
- Forest and Conservation Workers $43,680
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $40,130
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $36,190
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $35,770
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $35,310
Building and grounds maintenance 10
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $62,880
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $61,170
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $58,110
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other $45,640
- Pest Control Workers $45,370
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $44,540
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $44,340
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other $44,130
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $40,200
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $38,640
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in California?
The median across all occupations is $56,940 a year, or $27.38 an hour, covering 18,057,850 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in California?
Chief Executives ($220,600), Computer and Information Systems Managers ($211,340), Natural Sciences Managers ($204,100) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does California employ the most people in?
Home Health and Personal Care Aides, with 875,110 employed at a median of $34,600. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. California electricity averages 33.25¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.