Top 10 highest paying jobs in California 2023

Last updated on August 26th, 2023 at 11:30 am

US – If you’re seeking for work, it might be time to relocate to the west. Don’t you think California sounds good? What’s not to love about great weather, celebrity-studded streets, and a melting pot of cultures? Oh, and did we also mention that California has some of the top paid jobs?

California offers off-screen occupations that pay well, unless you have big plans to become the next superstar.

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Following are the top 10 highest paid jobs in California in 2023:

Rank	Job Title	Annual Mean Pay
1.	Lawyers	$165,310
2.	Air Traffic Controllers	$156,920
3.	Nuclear Engineers	$154,040
4.	Pharmacists	$152,780
5.	Forestry Teachers	$151,570
6.	Compensation Managers	$151,150
7.	Financial Managers	$147,480
8.	Computer Hardware Engineers	$146,160
9.	Dentists	$145,620
10.	Advertising Managers	$144,550

1) Lawyers

A lawyer may run their own office or be a part of a group practice. They prepare legal documents, conduct research on pertinent laws and regulations, and represent a variety of clients in legal proceedings. They could stand in for clients in civil or criminal cases. After receiving a bachelor’s degree, students must complete the roughly three-year Juris Doctorate program in order to practice law. In order to become an attorney in California, one must graduate from an accredited law school and pass the state bar exam. Each year, over 16,000 aspiring attorneys take this test.

2) Air Traffic Controllers

The safety of air travel is significantly influenced by air traffic controllers. Airports require more of these experts as air travel increases. They provide takeoff and landing instructions, monitor aircraft both on the ground and in the air, and assist pilots in avoiding bad weather or airport closures. 

Most are employed by the Federal Aviation Administration, which is part of the federal government. A bachelor’s degree or three years of work experience are prerequisites for this vocation, along with passing a physical exam and a behavioural consistency exam. Search for programs in aeronautics that the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative has endorsed.

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3) Nuclear Engineers

Work environments for nuclear engineers include manufacturing plants, research facilities, and nuclear power plants. In addition to designing the machinery, they also oversee maintenance tasks, produce operational manuals, and guarantee both employee and public safety. 

Nuclear engineering bachelor’s degrees are often required for entry-level work, but many engineers go on to get master’s and doctoral degrees. The government places a cap on the number of new power plants that corporations can erect in the highly regulated industry that is nuclear power. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be 900 positions nationally each year to replace workers who are retiring.

4) Pharmacists

Pharmacists produce drugs in accordance with doctors’ prescriptions. They might work in healthcare organizations, hospitals, or retail pharmacies. For patients with particular needs, compounding pharmacists make personalized drugs. A doctorate in pharmacy is required of pharmacists, as are state licensure requirements. 

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Beyond a bachelor’s degree, this degree normally needs four years of study. Applicants for certain employment in speciality fields must finish residency programs. Although the BLS predicts a -2% rise in pharmacy positions worldwide between 2020 and 2030, this occupation is expected to grow by 6% in California between 2018 and 2028.

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5) Forestry and Conservation Science Postsecondary Teachers

College-level courses can be taught by postsecondary teachers in community institutions or universities. Although many full-time postsecondary professors pursue a PhD in their specialty, teachers of forestry and conservation science are required to have a master’s degree at the very least. Forests, parks, and other natural resources are the subject of research by conservation scientists. They frequently make sure that state and federal environmental standards are followed.

6) Compensation and Benefits Managers

These human resources experts look over job descriptions and assist businesses in keeping benefits and pay competitively to draw in top personnel. Managers of benefits and compensation frequently need a bachelor’s degree in human resources. 

They also require knowledge of the rules and legislation governing the workplace. Benefits managers frequently investigate compensation structures and examine pay and benefit patterns to suggest changes to leadership. For instance, they could provide advice on time off or paid parental leave policies, or help the business set up employee wellness initiatives to cut down on medical expenses.

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7) Financial Managers

Financial managers assist businesses and clients in achieving long-term financial objectives. In order to find ways to save money, make investments better, or uncover business prospects, they also evaluate financial data. Controller, treasurer, risk manager, and insurance manager are all possible job titles. 

These business executives frequently hold a bachelor’s degree or above. However, a lot of people opt to seek graduate degrees or professional certification, especially in specialized finance fields like investment banking or government accounting.

8) Computer Hardware Engineers

These engineers create brand-new computer and technology products, including laptops, mobile phones, medical equipment, and automobiles. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering is frequently required for entry-level positions, however many also call for master’s degrees. 

Even though they might not create computer software, hardware engineers nonetheless need to be conversant with coding to make sure devices communicate with one another. Computer hardware engineers will be more in demand as more sectors incorporate computers into their products.

9) Dentists

Dentists fix broken teeth and offer preventive oral care in addition to diagnosing and treating patients for oral diseases. The majority of dentists work in dental offices, while others start their own businesses or work for the government. 

Dentists have the option of practicing general dentistry or specializing in orthodontia, prosthodontics, or oral surgery. Dentists finish their undergraduate studies, dental school, and post-doctoral training. They have to fulfill conditions for state licensing. Demand for dentists is fueled by an older population and a greater focus on preventative healthcare.

10) Advertising Managers

Campaigns to increase interest in services and goods are managed by advertising managers. They oversee the budgets for campaigns that use a range of media platforms, such as direct mail, in-store displays, print advertising, and internet advertising. 

They might manage creative divisions, negotiate advertising contracts, and establish pricing strategies. Advertising managers pursue studies in these fields. A bachelor’s degree is needed for most professions. Between 2020 and 2030, the BLS predicts there will be 31,100 job opportunities nationwide to create new roles or replace workers who are retiring.