The highest-paying job in California pays staggering average of $347K per year

Ophthalmology is the highest-paying career on average in California. Doctors specializing in eye care earn an average wage of $347,690, compared with $80,690 for all earners in the state. Medical careers dominate the highest-paying list across the country, with cardiologists, surgeons, and radiologists earning more than $600,000 in some states. The high pay is linked to years of additional schooling and specialized training. Outside healthcare, financial managers, CEOs, airline pilots, and athletes appear among the top earners, with pilots averaging $288,659 and CEOs and athletes averaging $269,630 and $206,180. Lawyers rank sixth with an average annual wage of $185,850. Wage estimates include tips and commission but exclude overtime and bonuses.

"The average wage for the role, which is for doctors specializing in eye care, is a staggering $347,690 while the state's average income for all earners is just $80,690, the data from May 2025 said."

"Cardiologists, surgeons and radiologists represented the highest average wage earners - raking in salaries of more than $600,000 in some states. It's no surprise medical professions were among the highest earners, given the careers require years of additional school and specialized training."

"Outside of the healthcare sector, financial managers, CEOs, airline pilots and athletes were among the top five highest-paying jobs. Pilots make an average of $288,659 while CEOs and athletes bring in $269,630 and $206,180, respectively."

"The annual wage data estimates include tips and commission, however overtime and bonuses are excluded. It comes after a separate report earlier this year revealed the highest paying state jobs in California saw some civil servants raking in up to $47,000 per month."

Read at California Post