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Salaries in California: pay for 807 occupations, May 2025

Across all occupations, employees in California had a median pay of $58,240 a year ($28.00 an hour) in May 2025, with 18,213,700 jobs counted. That is 14% above the national median of $50,980.

Highest median pay in California

Occupations with the most jobs

All occupations in California, A to Z

OccupationMedian a yearMedian an hourJobs
Accountants and Auditors$97,050$46.66175,360
Actorsnot publishednot published26,170
Actuaries$130,510$62.751,280
Acupuncturists$75,530$36.312,520
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders$40,440$19.44580
Administrative Services Managers$108,890$52.3541,240
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$102,030$49.051,660
Advertising Sales Agents$80,360$38.649,620
Advertising and Promotions Managers$167,230$80.403,080
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians$99,000$47.591,560
Aerospace Engineers$157,620$75.789,170
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes$98,110$47.174,860
Agricultural Equipment Operators$38,820$18.667,940
Agricultural Inspectors$53,620$25.782,340
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$109,930not published400
Agricultural Technicians$60,320$29.002,420
Agricultural Workers, All Other$53,090$25.52960
Air Traffic Controllers$160,080$76.962,290
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$60,530$29.101,490
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$86,100$41.4012,590
Aircraft Service Attendants$46,800$22.502,300
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers$63,640$30.602,930
Airfield Operations Specialists$62,600$30.101,660
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers$353,900not published10,670
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians$36,150$17.381,420
Amusement and Recreation Attendants$37,000$17.7956,920
Animal Breeders$59,280$28.50410
Animal Caretakers$38,700$18.6025,710
Animal Control Workers$62,630$30.111,210
Animal Scientistsnot publishednot published140
Animal Trainers$49,060$23.592,270
Anthropologists and Archeologists$72,240$34.732,060
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary$128,370not published630
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators$97,680$46.96not published
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$108,540$52.1913,270
Architectural and Civil Drafters$76,520$36.7911,400
Architectural and Engineering Managers$210,280$101.1029,630
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary$103,520not published530
Archivists$70,530$33.911,160
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$105,220not published770
Art Directors$137,780$66.2412,430
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$99,410not published9,820
Artists and Related Workers, All Other$60,540$29.11740
Astronomers$123,540$59.39110
Athletes and Sports Competitors$79,040not published830
Athletic Trainers$78,490not published1,760
Atmospheric and Space Scientists$124,920$60.06510
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$133,230not published1,410
Audio and Video Technicians$64,620$31.079,280
Audiologists$114,910$55.251,740
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers$62,390$30.002,590
Automotive Body and Related Repairers$66,860$32.1414,050
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers$47,710$22.942,200
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$64,980$31.2465,420
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants$41,770$20.0810,190
Avionics Technicians$92,480$44.461,220
Baggage Porters and Bellhops$40,040$19.252,940
Bakers$43,120$20.7330,020
Barbers$38,380$18.451,390
Bartenders$36,220$17.4171,470
Bicycle Repairers$45,120$21.691,710
Bill and Account Collectors$57,930$27.8513,880
Billing and Posting Clerks$56,260$27.0541,290
Biochemists and Biophysicists$139,580$67.113,240
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers$128,310$61.692,750
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$129,150not published3,610
Biological Scientists, All Other$113,530$54.5811,880
Biological Technicians$71,440$34.349,210
Boilermakers$118,150$56.80720
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$59,230$28.48151,870
Brickmasons and Blockmasons$69,050$33.203,820
Bridge and Lock Tenders$72,390$34.8080
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeysnot publishednot published1,620
Broadcast Technicians$72,800$35.002,340
Brokerage Clerks$77,960$37.484,740
Budget Analysts$99,520$47.844,160
Building Cleaning Workers, All Other$45,430$21.842,590
Bus Drivers, School$61,040$29.3516,600
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$67,130$32.2724,380
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$73,950$35.5520,940
Business Operations Specialists, All Other$87,570$42.10155,000
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$128,470not published5,290
Butchers and Meat Cutters$44,290$21.2918,700
Buyers and Purchasing Agents$82,720$39.7748,010
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters$49,030$23.577,360
Calibration Technologists and Technicians$79,010$37.981,250
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film$106,900$51.394,700
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers$59,770$28.74not published
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels$110,090$52.932,420
Cardiologists$185,610$89.24630
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians$78,170$37.585,570
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary$76,630$36.8411,040
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$80,620not published3,260
Cargo and Freight Agents$57,690$27.7317,060
Carpenters$75,920$36.50100,750
Carpet Installers$54,440$26.172,270
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists$102,780$49.411,450
Cashiers$37,100$17.84336,110
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$62,700$30.1528,700
Chefs and Head Cooks$64,500$31.0131,670
Chemical Engineersnot publishednot published2,190
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$58,300$28.035,670
Chemical Plant and System Operators$87,550$42.09780
Chemical Technicians$59,510$28.616,800
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary$132,960not published1,650
Chemists$97,860$47.059,820
Chief Executives$218,600$105.1034,700
Child, Family, and School Social Workers$65,200$31.3560,310
Childcare Workers$40,020$19.2452,780
Chiropractors$75,470$36.282,760
Choreographers$75,000$36.06410
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$83,490$40.147,250
Civil Engineers$122,500$58.8955,180
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$91,790$44.1324,290
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$37,920$18.2346,030
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders$45,150$21.712,450
Clergy$77,710$37.367,110
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$76,010$36.5429,210
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$116,000$55.7712,840
Coaches and Scouts$47,660not published31,150
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$52,950$25.4611,570
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$42,330$20.35440
Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers$51,870$24.942,810
Commercial Divers$101,540$48.82310
Commercial Pilots$165,590not published4,900
Commercial and Industrial Designers$100,770$48.455,300
Communications Equipment Operators, All Other$79,450$38.20450
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary$135,000not published3,140
Community Health Workers$58,050$27.919,500
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other$58,770$28.2616,250
Compensation and Benefits Managers$166,730$80.162,970
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$91,410$43.9513,430
Compliance Officers$96,980$46.6349,880
Computer Hardware Engineers$185,180$89.0319,820
Computer Network Architects$158,870$76.3814,870
Computer Network Support Specialists$79,190$38.0713,620
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$56,510$27.1721,680
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers$82,090$39.472,990
Computer Occupations, All Other$134,440$64.6380,150
Computer Programmers$116,760$56.1311,340
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary$128,210not published2,480
Computer Systems Analysts$127,720$61.4059,060
Computer User Support Specialists$79,570$38.2574,490
Computer and Information Research Scientists$159,100$76.498,440
Computer and Information Systems Managers$218,290$104.9594,720
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers$58,280$28.027,250
Concierges$43,560$20.945,150
Conservation Scientists$79,810$38.372,110
Construction Laborers$60,270$28.9888,240
Construction Managers$133,160$64.0234,750
Construction and Building Inspectors$101,290$48.7013,420
Continuous Mining Machine Operators$62,790$30.19940
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door$100,260$48.204,310
Conveyor Operators and Tenders$43,150$20.742,460
Cooks, All Other$42,860$20.613,990
Cooks, Fast Food$42,050$20.21124,440
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$46,390$22.3131,660
Cooks, Private Householdnot publishednot published110
Cooks, Restaurant$44,880$21.58152,250
Cooks, Short Order$42,930$20.6430,740
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders$42,100$20.24310
Correctional Officers and Jailers$96,370$46.3337,860
Correspondence Clerks$53,640$25.79240
Cost Estimators$85,460$41.0926,020
Costume Attendants$72,030$34.631,620
Counselors, All Other$48,850$23.4910,770
Counter and Rental Clerks$45,010$21.6467,770
Couriers and Messengers$44,970$21.627,240
Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners$116,020$55.781,400
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks$63,320$30.4412,460
Craft Artists$100,540$48.34170
Crane and Tower Operators$79,570$38.252,130
Credit Analysts$97,860$47.055,260
Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks$51,950$24.97590
Credit Counselors$67,120$32.272,160
Crematory Operators$49,780$23.93240
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary$139,720not published1,460
Crossing Guards and Flaggers$50,610$24.339,390
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$45,870$22.052,370
Curators$78,740$37.861,140
Customer Service Representatives$49,560$23.83176,850
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand$37,840$18.19770
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$46,110$22.173,080
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$48,450$23.297,710
Dancersnot published$21.791,870
Data Entry Keyers$47,010$22.6014,520
Data Scientists$141,590$68.0739,310
Database Administrators$113,060$54.357,240
Database Architects$170,160$81.816,210
Demonstrators and Product Promoters$46,220$22.2218,140
Dental Assistants$50,110$24.0956,220
Dental Hygienists$124,930$60.0624,500
Dental Laboratory Technicians$47,410$22.804,480
Dentists, All Other Specialists$230,730$110.93340
Dentists, General$165,950$79.7916,770
Dermatologistsnot publishednot published740
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas$55,480$26.67not published
Designers, All Other$65,420$31.453,110
Desktop Publishers$71,930$34.58320
Detectives and Criminal Investigators$124,840$60.0212,610
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$128,530$61.7910,110
Dietetic Technicians$46,410$22.316,310
Dietitians and Nutritionists$98,850$47.528,720
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$36,010$17.3175,460
Directors, Religious Activities and Education$61,570$29.603,200
Disc Jockeys, Except Radionot publishednot published2,190
Dishwashers$37,870$18.2174,160
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$52,350$25.1723,970
Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers$39,520$19.00560
Drafters, All Other$73,390$35.281,750
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$49,080$23.60690
Driver/Sales Workers$45,600$21.9234,480
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers$65,880$31.6727,280
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas$66,910$32.171,630
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary$137,360not published770
Economists$119,410$57.41860
Editors$98,030$47.1314,830
Education Administrators, All Other$99,650$47.9111,480
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$159,950not published31,370
Education Administrators, Postsecondary$125,460$60.3214,870
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$111,850not published3,100
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$67,100$32.269,810
Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other$64,100$30.8239,440
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$86,500$41.5945,140
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers$66,040$31.75810
Electrical Engineers$144,040$69.2524,230
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers$129,040$62.048,930
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$86,090$41.3913,450
Electrical and Electronics Drafters$78,310$37.652,730
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment$84,820$40.781,480
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment$87,080$41.865,830
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay$121,520$58.421,680
Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$48,080$23.1237,660
Electricians$76,160$36.6273,310
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians$81,550$39.211,850
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles$48,500$23.32960
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$160,520$77.1720,830
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$99,650not published155,160
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers$141,180$67.881,910
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs$63,520$30.5430,960
Embalmers$60,060$28.87520
Emergency Management Directors$129,910$62.461,170
Emergency Medical Technicians$46,380$22.3021,880
Emergency Medicine Physiciansnot publishednot published4,420
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers$46,810$22.511,170
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary$137,280not published2,720
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$80,480$38.697,330
Engineers, All Other$130,850$62.9128,610
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$130,490not published5,460
Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Othernot published$18.824,320
Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other$39,490$18.99590
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling$79,550$38.257,000
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians$60,010$28.852,060
Environmental Engineers$130,410$62.704,550
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary$108,290not published300
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$61,220$29.436,010
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$106,510$51.2112,490
Epidemiologists$110,760$53.251,480
Etchers and Engravers$46,480$22.341,040
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining$74,500$35.82790
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants$89,000$42.7959,640
Exercise Physiologists$62,440$30.02640
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$57,990$27.8843,600
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters$80,370$38.64220
Extraction Workers, All Other$50,590$24.32not published
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$45,880$22.063,870
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers$45,290$21.77330
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$47,300$22.744,210
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers$89,010$42.79930
Facilities Managers$118,620$57.0320,550
Fallers$59,590$28.65260
Family Medicine Physicians$252,010$121.16not published
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$97,620not published380
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians$53,790$25.864,730
Farm Labor Contractors$85,710$41.21not published
Farm and Home Management Educators$98,770$47.4840
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers$109,140$52.471,650
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse$35,580$17.11172,260
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals$38,640$18.583,600
Fashion Designersnot publishednot published6,470
Fast Food and Counter Workers$42,280$20.33449,840
Fence Erectors$56,060$26.953,150
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators$47,750$22.96850
File Clerks$49,040$23.589,520
Film and Video Editors$88,490$42.548,110
Financial Clerks, All Other$58,100$27.932,690
Financial Examiners$106,000$50.964,200
Financial Managers$180,770$86.9193,310
Financial Risk Specialists$129,110$62.075,740
Financial Specialists, All Other$80,810$38.8514,290
Financial and Investment Analysts$109,110$52.4645,380
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators$58,240$28.002,560
Fire Inspectors and Investigators$99,230$47.711,350
Firefighters$85,120$40.9231,470
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$97,680$46.9671,750
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers$131,210$63.084,550
First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$53,620$25.7813,620
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers$56,280$27.0610,450
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$127,630$61.368,170
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$46,980$22.59130,190
First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers$68,010$32.703,010
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$61,470$29.5518,060
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$63,270$30.4214,850
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers$93,660$45.0351,670
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers$81,140$39.0119,600
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$77,590$37.30149,230
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$56,110$26.989,390
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$163,960$78.8313,200
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$76,840$36.9448,550
First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other$92,690$44.562,330
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$54,870$26.38109,180
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers$53,960$25.9410,850
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$65,550$31.5167,920
Fish and Game Wardens$100,090$48.12330
Flight Attendants$82,170not published15,840
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles$61,210$29.434,330
Floral Designers$47,040$22.614,080
Food Batchmakers$41,670$20.0312,560
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders$44,740$21.512,010
Food Preparation Workers$39,350$18.92112,750
Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other$36,910$17.7530,730
Food Processing Workers, All Other$38,230$18.387,140
Food Science Technicians$54,200$26.063,990
Food Scientists and Technologists$93,950$45.172,210
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$39,010$18.7532,430
Food Service Managers$78,260$37.6333,180
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders$45,600$21.931,630
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$99,860not published2,170
Forensic Science Technicians$102,100$49.092,800
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists$97,370$46.81480
Forest and Conservation Technicians$58,120$27.946,640
Forest and Conservation Workers$43,680$21.002,270
Foresters$107,120$51.50820
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary$61,730not published110
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$59,250$28.49750
Foundry Mold and Coremakers$46,930$22.56420
Fundraisers$79,710$38.3212,860
Fundraising Managers$135,870$65.325,430
Funeral Attendants$38,700$18.611,790
Funeral Home Managers$82,370$39.60760
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders$45,300$21.78900
Furniture Finishers$49,080$23.601,010
Gambling Cage Workers$37,650$18.102,020
Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers$37,350$17.964,360
Gambling Dealers$35,090$16.8715,050
Gambling Managers$99,230$47.71620
Gambling Service Workers, All Other$39,410$18.951,650
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators$44,740$21.51990
Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners$44,860$21.571,480
Gas Plant Operators$130,220$62.61800
General Internal Medicine Physicians$313,890$150.916,370
General and Operations Managers$124,390$59.81300,840
Genetic Counselors$137,650$66.18440
Geographers$114,460$55.0380
Geography Teachers, Postsecondary$146,040not published280
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians$69,410$33.37480
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$106,500$51.203,350
Glaziers$64,040$30.797,020
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products$36,330$17.475,750
Graphic Designers$75,130$36.1227,390
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand$44,450$21.371,850
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$45,890$22.067,800
Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other$48,870$23.503,710
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$38,660$18.5927,080
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers$56,120$26.987,340
Health Education Specialists$63,610$30.5812,520
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars$90,750$43.632,920
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary$165,110not published17,350
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other$60,390$29.0326,540
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors$131,540$63.242,470
Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other$125,550$60.361,600
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other$75,800$36.444,180
Healthcare Social Workers$89,660$43.1117,690
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$49,130$23.6223,590
Hearing Aid Specialists$80,060$38.49990
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$50,150$24.11770
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$72,560$34.8835,130
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$60,230$28.96205,090
Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other$48,430$23.292,990
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters$49,590$23.843,600
Helpers--Carpenters$49,890$23.992,670
Helpers--Electricians$52,080$25.043,120
Helpers--Extraction Workers$51,720$24.871,170
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers$44,670$21.489,050
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons$46,220$22.221,990
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$47,130$22.662,500
Helpers--Production Workers$43,970$21.1416,730
Helpers--Roofers$55,470$26.671,200
Highway Maintenance Workers$59,580$28.648,150
Historians$97,420$46.84210
History Teachers, Postsecondary$127,170not published1,450
Home Appliance Repairers$58,480$28.122,760
Home Health and Personal Care Aides$34,320$16.50970,150
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$36,640$17.6241,100
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks$39,360$18.9227,810
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$57,590$27.6911,490
Human Resources Managers$170,080$81.7727,450
Human Resources Specialists$83,500$40.14104,000
Hydrologic Technicians$70,790$34.03300
Hydrologists$122,110$58.71540
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$79,070$38.025,710
Industrial Engineers$124,600$59.9032,680
Industrial Machinery Mechanics$74,400$35.7726,830
Industrial Production Managers$132,620$63.7625,130
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$47,770$22.9789,620
Information Security Analysts$138,570$66.6215,570
Information and Record Clerks, All Other$58,680$28.2118,010
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$54,300$26.1161,130
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$51,230$24.6323,630
Instructional Coordinators$97,010$46.6420,950
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall$48,840$23.483,080
Insulation Workers, Mechanical$119,690$57.551,310
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage$78,930$37.95550
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$56,800$27.3123,470
Insurance Sales Agents$76,120$36.6041,160
Insurance Underwriters$95,320$45.836,580
Interior Designers$80,230$38.578,500
Interpreters and Translators$70,770$34.025,560
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan$56,880$27.3422,250
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$41,090$19.75234,240
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers$60,790$29.232,300
Judicial Law Clerks$79,030$38.001,800
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$82,550not published7,430
Labor Relations Specialists$105,810$50.878,830
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$44,710$21.50355,500
Landscape Architects$98,380$47.302,310
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$45,560$21.90106,180
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$60,180$28.932,600
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers$37,790$18.1721,940
Law Teachers, Postsecondary$119,540not published7,800
Lawyers$195,080$93.7995,770
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic$74,490$35.81480
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$62,860$30.2227,470
Legal Support Workers, All Other$85,830$41.26not published
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists$89,790$43.1710,180
Library Assistants, Clerical$47,860$23.0111,170
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary$125,640not published310
Library Technicians$53,260$25.617,190
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$79,750$38.3482,850
Life Scientists, All Other$102,830$49.44860
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$78,350$37.6710,090
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$42,720$20.5422,620
Light Truck Drivers$46,790$22.50111,950
Lighting Technicians$94,070$45.222,950
Loan Interviewers and Clerks$57,300$27.5514,680
Loan Officers$81,770$39.3125,790
Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants$46,560$22.382,620
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers$61,010$29.332,060
Locomotive Engineers$77,070$37.061,570
Lodging Managers$76,950$37.005,070
Log Graders and Scalers$56,670$27.24320
Logging Equipment Operators$61,940$29.78950
Logging Workers, All Other$47,490$22.83270
Logisticians$92,890$44.6632,940
Machine Feeders and Offbearers$40,380$19.414,830
Machinists$57,190$27.4918,950
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists$124,000$59.623,570
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$42,660$20.51103,430
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service$44,410$21.354,710
Maintenance Workers, Machinery$67,840$32.614,130
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$57,000$27.41143,060
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance$140,870$67.73830
Management Analysts$101,460$48.78137,280
Managers, All Other$174,560$83.9299,580
Manicurists and Pedicurists$36,630$17.6139,210
Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers$59,450$28.58not published
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects$110,700$53.22250
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$94,700$45.53119,070
Marketing Managers$193,620$93.0954,660
Marriage and Family Therapists$67,300$32.3534,970
Massage Therapists$45,970$22.1014,600
Material Moving Workers, All Other$38,410$18.469,120
Materials Engineers$128,470$61.773,020
Materials Scientists$177,030$85.111,030
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other$180,500$86.78120
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary$130,680not published3,810
Mathematicians$126,710$60.92250
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers$36,570$17.589,270
Mechanical Door Repairers$59,560$28.642,680
Mechanical Drafters$82,510$39.673,640
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians$87,390$42.023,660
Mechanical Engineers$130,900$62.9430,530
Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other$64,550$31.043,890
Media and Communication Workers, All Other$102,630$49.349,940
Medical Appliance Technicians$51,530$24.771,300
Medical Assistants$49,660$23.88117,060
Medical Dosimetrists$140,380$67.49240
Medical Equipment Preparers$61,370$29.508,720
Medical Equipment Repairers$72,450$34.836,080
Medical Records Specialists$61,810$29.7118,700
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$136,990$65.8629,830
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$54,490$26.20115,050
Medical Transcriptionists$45,050$21.665,860
Medical and Health Services Managers$141,480$68.0275,090
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners$71,120$34.1920,650
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$79,000$37.9819,860
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$47,010$22.6017,840
Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other$47,380$22.781,970
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders$58,310$28.03280
Meter Readers, Utilities$79,040$38.00810
Microbiologists$108,530$52.182,600
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$98,950not published37,300
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$59,050$28.391,960
Millwrights$77,950$37.482,230
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers$158,130$76.03520
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$47,720$22.9498,390
Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers$60,890$29.282,560
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$50,640$24.345,730
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$78,550$37.7620,080
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic$92,960$44.69260
Models$57,400$27.60990
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic$49,190$23.653,590
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$47,240$22.719,250
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers$50,750$24.402,240
Motion Picture Projectionists$74,840$35.98190
Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other$45,050$21.663,580
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians$62,330$29.971,230
Motorboat Operators$34,570$16.62190
Motorcycle Mechanics$57,040$27.421,730
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$46,810$22.503,190
Museum Technicians and Conservators$61,550$29.591,610
Music Directors and Composers$93,090$44.762,510
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners$47,580$22.88520
Musicians and Singersnot published$43.836,840
Natural Sciences Managers$210,230$101.0714,950
Network and Computer Systems Administrators$106,440$51.1826,170
Neurologists$357,080$171.681,090
New Accounts Clerks$52,100$25.05950
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalistsnot publishednot published4,140
Nuclear Engineers$172,400$82.881,070
Nuclear Medicine Technologists$162,380$78.071,500
Nuclear Technicians$99,270$47.72not published
Nurse Anesthetists$292,410$140.582,230
Nurse Midwives$203,840$98.00870
Nurse Practitioners$168,520$81.0225,120
Nursing Assistants$47,630$22.90110,060
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary$81,960not published5,610
Obstetricians and Gynecologists$301,240$144.831,610
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$102,840$49.4416,230
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians$61,360$29.502,650
Occupational Therapists$124,510$59.8613,810
Occupational Therapy Aides$43,480$20.91330
Occupational Therapy Assistants$81,770$39.313,840
Office Clerks, General$48,460$23.30311,490
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer$47,150$22.672,320
Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other$54,020$25.9723,120
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$87,160$41.9036,020
Operations Research Analysts$102,100$49.0910,620
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians$47,410$22.791,630
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians$54,490$26.202,500
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric$400,150$192.38820
Opticians, Dispensing$57,990$27.887,840
Optometrists$136,300$65.536,890
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeonsnot publishednot published670
Order Clerks$47,290$22.7412,390
Orderlies$49,920$24.004,870
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric$253,430$121.84not published
Orthotists and Prosthetists$91,820$44.151,050
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics$50,790$24.422,470
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$44,020$21.1643,430
Packers and Packagers, Hand$37,260$17.9179,730
Painters, Construction and Maintenance$59,020$28.3838,430
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers$41,600$20.00not published
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$48,730$23.435,570
Paperhangers$62,790$30.19130
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$77,390$37.2147,130
Paramedics$74,590$35.865,190
Parking Attendants$38,060$18.3021,290
Parking Enforcement Workers$62,280$29.941,710
Parts Salespersons$44,440$21.3726,990
Passenger Attendants$43,340$20.842,810
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators$83,130$39.971,400
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks$65,340$31.4120,590
Pediatricians, General$214,140$102.956,680
Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other$39,860$19.164,770
Personal Financial Advisors$130,330$62.6632,200
Personal Service Managers, All Other$77,840$37.422,010
Pest Control Workers$47,190$22.69not published
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation$45,070$21.672,260
Petroleum Engineers$143,590$69.031,060
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers$103,250$49.643,360
Pharmacists$164,610$79.1434,030
Pharmacy Aides$42,200$20.298,440
Pharmacy Technicians$55,110$26.5039,860
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary$105,820not published1,850
Phlebotomists$56,040$26.9413,520
Photographers$47,840$23.007,980
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators$47,320$22.75740
Physical Scientists, All Other$130,610$62.792,320
Physical Therapist Aides$38,330$18.437,330
Physical Therapist Assistants$83,110$39.969,400
Physical Therapists$124,190$59.7126,580
Physician Assistants$165,650$79.6413,600
Physicians, All Other$281,590$135.3825,530
Physicians, Pathologists$186,300$89.571,790
Physicists$207,490$99.755,930
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary$139,420not published1,130
Pile Driver Operators$110,340$53.05480
Pipelayers$76,180$36.631,420
Plant and System Operators, All Other$78,020$37.511,560
Plasterers and Stucco Masons$59,940$28.826,780
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$46,760$22.485,600
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$72,830$35.0147,660
Podiatrists$201,300$96.781,000
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$118,880$57.1565,940
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary$124,890not published1,060
Postal Service Clerks$63,650$30.606,410
Postal Service Mail Carriers$62,090$29.8532,320
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators$59,490$28.6010,090
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents$101,150$48.63800
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other$100,690not published37,770
Pourers and Casters, Metal$44,150$21.23240
Power Distributors and Dispatchers$137,570$66.14670
Power Plant Operators$105,210$50.582,610
Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other$80,060$38.491,460
Prepress Technicians and Workers$53,860$25.892,020
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education$47,400$22.7955,700
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials$39,300$18.893,850
Print Binding and Finishing Workers$45,390$21.821,590
Printing Press Operators$46,110$22.1712,320
Private Detectives and Investigators$61,250$29.454,190
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$103,640$49.8313,900
Procurement Clerks$56,160$27.007,080
Producers and Directors$129,790$62.4034,110
Production Workers, All Other$41,670$20.0328,090
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks$63,000$30.2956,080
Project Management Specialists$120,910$58.13114,380
Proofreaders and Copy Markers$57,490$27.64300
Property Appraisers and Assessors$88,900$42.746,380
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers$77,030$37.0450,040
Protective Service Workers, All Other$39,330$18.9126,360
Psychiatric Aides$47,500$22.843,760
Psychiatric Technicians$49,140$23.6214,100
Psychiatrists$353,500$169.955,420
Psychologists, All Other$157,540$75.741,600
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary$107,340not published4,410
Public Relations Managers$167,980$80.769,400
Public Relations Specialists$85,030$40.8832,710
Public Safety Telecommunicators$80,120$38.528,520
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers$57,660$27.721,220
Purchasing Managers$159,830$76.847,470
Radiation Therapists$166,450$80.021,720
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers$62,840$30.211,030
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians$121,260$58.3020,900
Radiologists$270,560$130.08690
Rail Car Repairers$68,370$32.87700
Rail Transportation Workers, All Other$60,360$29.02230
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers$67,160$32.29190
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators$71,170$34.22770
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers$58,770$28.251,340
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters$69,950$33.631,500
Real Estate Brokers$80,450$38.688,430
Real Estate Sales Agents$57,560$27.6817,500
Receptionists and Information Clerks$44,100$21.2082,470
Recreation Workers$39,780$19.1248,560
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$127,780not published1,950
Recreational Therapists$98,170$47.201,920
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians$68,240$32.811,070
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons$77,220$37.13not published
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors$64,890$31.2013,930
Registered Nurses$140,270$67.44338,940
Rehabilitation Counselors$44,480$21.3813,690
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers$63,110$30.342,390
Religious Workers, All Other$45,440$21.851,390
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks$49,420$23.7610,580
Residential Advisors$46,650$22.438,120
Respiratory Therapists$104,820$50.4018,650
Retail Salespersons$38,440$18.48376,460
Riggers$85,730$41.222,260
Rock Splitters, Quarry$61,620$29.63290
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$48,040$23.101,150
Roofers$63,600$30.5821,190
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas$65,520$31.50460
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas$48,880$23.50660
Sailors and Marine Oilers$55,180$26.531,680
Sales Engineers$139,160$66.906,310
Sales Managers$134,910$64.86112,440
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$80,850$38.87156,110
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$76,490$36.78134,800
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products$124,220$59.7227,590
Sales and Related Workers, All Other$52,810$25.3928,480
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood$47,390$22.783,230
School Bus Monitors$38,360$18.441,260
School Psychologists$127,780$61.438,340
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$101,370not published99,230
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$55,400$26.64158,630
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents$79,730$38.3355,860
Security Guards$43,240$20.79199,480
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers$71,570$34.418,180
Self-Enrichment Teachers$49,570$23.8360,260
Semiconductor Processing Technicians$48,030$23.094,650
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$52,910$25.4414,210
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners$55,220$26.553,130
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas$62,580$30.092,820
Set and Exhibit Designers$105,030$50.492,690
Sewers, Hand$42,420$20.40110
Sewing Machine Operators$37,940$18.2413,240
Shampooers$37,080$17.83not published
Sheet Metal Workers$76,590$36.828,390
Ship Engineers$97,660$46.95610
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$46,520$22.3688,760
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders$47,730$22.9530
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers$38,130$18.33510
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$44,730$21.5029,940
Signal and Track Switch Repairers$84,670$40.71390
Skincare Specialists$38,770$18.6411,360
Slaughterers and Meat Packers$39,420$18.956,170
Social Science Research Assistants$60,250$28.975,300
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other$132,920not published2,760
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$97,900$47.072,970
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary$81,500not published230
Social Workers, All Other$63,010$30.296,430
Social and Community Service Managers$83,210$40.0133,510
Social and Human Service Assistants$51,090$24.5658,730
Sociologists$125,770$60.47590
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary$127,680not published810
Software Developers$174,410$83.85284,390
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$128,740$61.8927,710
Soil and Plant Scientists$91,930$44.201,440
Solar Photovoltaic Installers$60,600$29.146,830
Sound Engineering Technicians$78,150$37.574,060
Special Education Teachers, All Other$103,050not published8,920
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School$97,170not published23,280
Special Education Teachers, Middle School$101,530not published4,860
Special Education Teachers, Preschool$59,550not published2,510
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$101,060not published12,100
Special Effects Artists and Animators$130,540$62.767,410
Speech-Language Pathologists$118,970$57.2016,930
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$90,650$43.585,840
Statistical Assistants$82,580$39.70110
Statisticians$135,960$65.362,480
Stockers and Order Fillers$42,870$20.61310,870
Stonemasons$60,930$29.291,250
Structural Iron and Steel Workers$76,370$36.727,110
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters$57,590$27.693,420
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$59,250$28.4875,610
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$60,300$28.99115,660
Subway and Streetcar Operators$78,680$37.83900
Surgeons, All Other$131,990$63.46not published
Surgical Assistants$62,540$30.071,210
Surgical Technologists$81,310$39.0911,920
Survey Researchers$83,520$40.161,180
Surveying and Mapping Technicians$78,110$37.553,340
Surveyors$105,330$50.644,520
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service$48,840$23.486,680
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers$44,360$21.332,180
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders$68,600$32.98110
Tapers$73,460$35.324,540
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents$74,110$35.638,610
Tax Preparers$70,030$33.6710,270
Taxi Drivers$39,260$18.883,880
Teachers and Instructors, All Other$87,460not published31,010
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$46,490not published177,140
Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary$49,140not published19,120
Technical Writers$104,000$50.005,280
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers$76,630$36.8414,040
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers$97,980$47.118,810
Telemarketers$46,000$22.123,880
Telephone Operators$57,170$27.49230
Tellers$46,900$22.5525,230
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers$41,430$19.92not published
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders$36,670$17.63880
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$38,870$18.69750
Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$44,530$21.41590
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$43,770$21.05360
Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other$36,740$17.663,590
Therapists, All Other$81,760$39.31840
Tile and Stone Setters$58,880$28.318,250
Tire Builders$44,790$21.54360
Tire Repairers and Changers$39,680$19.0811,620
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers$67,230$32.32not published
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners$51,300$24.66620
Tool and Die Makers$77,030$37.041,790
Tour and Travel Guides$46,000$22.116,900
Traffic Technicians$79,110$38.031,250
Training and Development Managers$156,260$75.136,680
Training and Development Specialists$75,790$36.4446,530
Transit and Railroad Police$109,650$52.71100
Transportation Inspectors$83,000$39.901,790
Transportation Security Screeners$73,610$35.395,410
Transportation Workers, All Other$47,590$22.881,870
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers$123,780$59.5130,540
Travel Agents$51,030$24.534,760
Tree Trimmers and Pruners$62,550$30.079,610
Tutors$45,100$21.6945,370
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials$44,530not published1,950
Upholsterers$48,580$23.361,640
Urban and Regional Planners$109,610$52.707,460
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$37,870$18.2116,460
Veterinarians$163,920$78.819,170
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$46,260$22.2416,080
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$60,630$29.1511,310
Waiters and Waitresses$36,080$17.35229,970
Watch and Clock Repairers$110,050$52.91not published
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$81,770$39.3111,630
Web Developers$119,570$57.487,320
Web and Digital Interface Designers$136,110$65.4427,090
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping$45,730$21.997,510
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$58,060$27.9126,060
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$48,940$23.532,290
Wellhead Pumpers$64,430$30.98160
Wind Turbine Service Technicians$77,910$37.46400
Woodworkers, All Other$47,860$23.01540
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$46,370$22.293,530
Word Processors and Typists$56,380$27.1110,270
Writers and Authors$86,480$41.588,390
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists$98,530$47.372,210

"Not published" means BLS did not release that figure for this state. "$239,200 or more" and "$115.00 or more" are the highest values BLS reports in state tables.

How pay is spread in California

By median pay, California is number 10 of the 54 states and territories in the figures. The lowest-paid tenth of employees earned less than $35,950 a year and the highest-paid tenth more than $159,080. The middle half, between the 25% and 75% lines, earned from $41,600 to $97,880. For the whole country those outer lines were $31,200 and $128,560. The average (mean) pay was $80,690, 39% above the median, because high earners lift an average more than a median. The 18,213,700 jobs counted here are 12% of all jobs in the national figures.

The kinds of work

Adding up the occupations with a published job count, the largest fields of work in California are Office and Administrative Support (1,878,590 jobs, 10%), Food Preparation and Serving Related (1,622,960 jobs, 9%), Transportation and Material Moving (1,504,010 jobs, 8%) and Sales and Related (1,454,660 jobs, 8%). Some occupations are far more common here than elsewhere. Set against their share of all jobs in the country, the most concentrated are Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse (5.5 times the national share), Marriage and Family Therapists (4.5 times the national share) and Media and Communication Workers, All Other (4.3 times the national share). The table on this page lists 807 occupations; for 11 of them the Bureau released a job count but no pay figure.

Same job, different pay

Among the 647 occupations with at least 1,000 jobs and a yearly median in the state, 558 pay more than the same occupation does nationally, 45 pay less and 44 are within 2%. The widest gaps above the national median are for Insulation Workers, Mechanical ($119,690 here, $58,340 nationally), Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary ($139,720 here, $76,590 nationally) and Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other ($132,920 here, $72,990 nationally). The widest gaps below it are for Physicians, Pathologists ($186,300 here, $312,400 nationally), Massage Therapists ($45,970 here, $58,450 nationally) and Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers ($58,770 here, $68,840 nationally). A gap in pay is not a gap in living standard: prices, housing costs and taxes differ between states, and these statistics do not adjust for them.

Questions about pay in California

What is the median salary in California?

The median pay of all employees in California was $58,240 a year ($28.00 an hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national median was $50,980.

What is the most common job in California?

Home Health and Personal Care Aides, with 970,150 jobs and a median pay of $34,320 a year.

What are the highest-paying jobs in California?

The three highest medians published as a figure are Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric ($400,150), Neurologists ($357,080) and Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ($353,900).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Checked in November 2026. Figures are for employees, before tax, and leave out overtime pay and benefits. They are official statistics, not advice or a pay offer; see bls.gov/oes for the original tables.

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