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If you are curious about the top-paying jobs in Los Angeles, known as the “City of Angels,” you are in the right place. This vibrant city offers more than just Hollywood glamour; it’s also home to a thriving job market with some of the best-paying opportunities in the country. From the bustling tech scene in Silicon Beach to the thriving healthcare sector and the endless world of creative fields, Los Angeles presents a wide range of high-paying job possibilities.
In this blog post, we will dive into the nine highest-paying jobs in Los Angeles. We will not only reveal the top career options but also provide insights into the industries, skills, and qualifications you will need to land one of these coveted positions. Whether you are an experienced professional seeking new horizons or a recent graduate eager to kickstart your career, Los Angeles offers something for everyone looking to boost their earning potential.
Join us as we explore the wealth of opportunities that await you in Southern California’s job market, and let’s chart a course towards financial success in the City of Angels.
Doctors
Doctors in Los Angeles are employed in a variety of healthcare areas, and many of these medical professionals take up some of those with the highest salaries in the city. The diversity and size of the Los Angeles population contributed to a high need for specialised medical treatment. The following are some key areas within the medical profession that provide the highest salaries:
> Surgeons
Surgeons in Los Angeles have some of the highest earnings potentials in the healthcare industry, which makes them one of the region’s most profitable professions. As a big metropolitan city with a diversified and affluent population, Los Angeles has a thriving healthcare sector that demands the expertise of highly qualified surgeons. These medical experts have received significant training, and they have spent years developing their talents and gaining specialised knowledge.
Surgeons perform highly complex and often life-saving procedures, and the salary they receive reflects the level of responsibility as well as expertise required in the field they work in. Furthermore, the demand for surgical services in Los Angeles is consistently high, driving up surgeon pay even further. Surgeons are among the highest-paid professionals in Los Angeles due to a combination of talent, demand, and the importance of their work, highlighting their critical role in the city’s healthcare scene.
| Occupation | Surgeons |
|---|---|
| Industry/Sector | Healthcare |
| Average Annual Salary | $483,230 |
| Entry Level Salary | $240,985 |
| Job Description | Surgeons perform precise and sophisticated medical procedures to diagnose, treat, and care for patients, typically specialising in specialised fields of surgery such as orthopaedic, cardiovascular, or neurosurgery. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree, Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Degree, Residency Training in Surgery |
| Licencing or Certification | U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) |
| Skills |
|
| Top Employers | UCLA Health, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Providence, and PIH Health. |
> Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists have been among the highest-paid professionals in Los Angeles, owing to the city’s specific healthcare landscape and lifestyle preferences. Psychiatrists are experts in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioural illnesses, and they provide patients with a less invasive path to recovery. They offer a variety of treatment interventions, from pharmaceutical treatment to psychotherapy and regression therapy.
Individuals looking for guidance regarding these issues typically seek the expertise of a trained psychiatrist and are even prepared to pay out-of-pocket for their services in a city where mental well-being is vital. Because of the enormous demand for psychiatric care, as well as the specialised knowledge and abilities that psychiatrists bring to the table, their wages are among the highest in Los Angeles, highlighting their critical role in improving mental health and overall well-being in the community.
| Occupation | Psychiatrists |
|---|---|
| Industry/Sector | Healthcare |
| Average Annual Salary | $281,235 |
| Entry Level Salary | $225,120 |
| Job Description | A Psychiatrist's profession is examining, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders and emotional concerns in patients, utilising a combination of therapeutic techniques, pharmaceutical management, and compassionate care to improve their mental well-being and general quality of life. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree, Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Degree, Residency Training in Psychiatry, State Medical License, Continuing Medical Education (CME) |
| Licencing or Certification | U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA), and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) |
| Skills |
|
| Top Employers | Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA, Keck Medical Center of USC, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Huntington Hospital and UCI Medical Center. |
> Gynecologists
Gynecologists are considered one of the highest-paid occupations in Los Angeles, indicating both the specialised nature of their work and the demand for their medical expertise. These medical experts play an important role in women’s healthcare, delivering a wide range of services ranging from simple check-ups to major surgical operations. Los Angeles, with its diversified and populous demography, has a continual need for gynecological care, which contributes to the excellent salaries of practitioners in this field.
Furthermore, the significant training and education required to become a gynecologist, which may go on for a decade or more, justify the excellent wages that they receive. The combination of specialised expertise, a growing healthcare industry, and the importance of their services means that gynecologists have some of the most profitable occupations in Los Angeles.
| Occupation | Gynecologists |
|---|---|
| Industry/Sector | Healthcare |
| Average Annual Salary | $351,670 |
| Entry Level Salary | $261,980 |
| Job Description | Gynecologists are medical specialists who focus on the health and well-being of the female reproductive system, providing comprehensive care, performing surgeries, and offering guidance on women's health issues across different life stages. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree, Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Degree, Residency Training in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Continuing Medical Education (CME), Fellowship (Optional) |
| Licencing or Certification | United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ABOG). |
| Skills |
|
| Top Employers | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA Medical Center, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, and Keck Medical Center of USC. |
> Pediatricians
Pediatricians are regarded as the highest-paid specialists in Los Angeles due to the crucial role they play in children’s health and well-being. The huge metropolis of Los Angeles is home to a diverse population, and the demand for pediatric care stays constantly high. Pediatricians provide vital medical services ranging from routine check-ups to expert treatment for children of all ages, treating a wide range of health conditions.
Their intensive education and training, which frequently continued for more than a decade, give a justification for their high wages. Furthermore, the mental and physical well-being of children is of the utmost significance to families, which drives the city’s demand for skilled pediatricians. As a result, pediatricians are among the most paid occupations in Los Angeles, reflecting the importance of their work in protecting the health and future of the city’s youngest citizens.
| Occupation | Pediatricians |
|---|---|
| Industry/Sector | Healthcare |
| Average Annual Salary | $249,980 |
| Entry Level Salary | $186,790 |
| Job Description | Pediatricians are medical professionals specialising in the care of infants, children, and adolescents, diagnosing and treating a wide range of pediatric medical conditions, providing preventive healthcare, and offering guidance to support the overall well-being and development of young patients. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree, Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, Residency in Pediatrics |
| Licencing or Certification | United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) |
| Skills |
|
| Top Employers | Kaiser Permanente, UCLA Health, Optum, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Torrance Memorial Medical Center. |
> Orthodontists
Orthodontists are one of the highest-paying occupations in Los Angeles due to the specialised nature of their work and the constant demand for their services. These dental specialists specialise in repairing misaligned teeth and jaw abnormalities, offering patients with improved oral health and cosmetics. Los Angeles, as a centre of the entertainment industry, places a premium on cosmetic dental treatments, putting orthodontic care in high demand.
The significant amount of training and education required to become an orthodontist, which frequently requires extra years of postgraduate study, validates the high pay they receive. With a diversified and large population in Los Angeles, the demand for orthodontic services remains high, driving up the income potential for practitioners in this profession. Orthodontists play a critical role in assisting individuals in achieving their ideal smiles, and this, combined with the complicated and specialist nature of their work, secures their place among the highest-paying jobs in the city.
| Occupation | Orthodontists |
|---|---|
| Industry/Sector | Healthcare |
| Average Annual Salary | $170,245 |
| Entry Level Salary | $112,480 |
| Job Description | Orthodontists are dental specialists dedicated to improving patients' oral health by diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws through the use of braces, aligners, and other orthodontic treatments, ensuring patients achieve straighter, healthier smiles. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Degree, Orthodontic Residency |
| Licencing or Certification | American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) |
| Skills |
|
| Top Employers | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Santa Monica - UCLA Medical Center and Orthopedic Hospital, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, and MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center. |
Judges
In the realm of legal careers in Los Angeles, judges occupy an esteemed and well-compensated position. Their salaries reflect the weighty responsibilities they shoulder in upholding justice amidst the city’s dynamic and diverse legal tapestry. As the second-largest city in the United States, Los Angeles battles with an array of complex legal matters, ranging from high-profile celebrity trials to complex corporate disputes.
Consequently, judges in Los Angeles command substantial remuneration packages, not just as a reflection of their extensive education, experience, and expertise, but as a testament to the pivotal role they play in sculpting the legal landscape of this bustling urban hub. This substantial financial incentive serves not only to attract top-tier legal talent but also underscores the city’s commitment to nurturing a resilient and equitable judicial system in one of the nation’s most influential and multifaceted metropolises.
| Occupation | Judges |
|---|---|
| Industry/Sector | Legal |
| Average Annual Salary | $200,340 |
| Entry Level Salary | $192,970 |
| Job Description | Judges are legal professionals who preside over court proceedings, interpret and apply the law, make impartial decisions, and administer justice, ensuring a fair and equitable resolution of legal disputes and the upholding of the rule of law. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree, Law School Admission Test LSAT, Degree of Juris Doctorate (JD), Pass the Bar Exam |
| Licencing or Certification | - |
| Skills |
|
| Top Employers | L A County Superior Court, United States Courthouse, Los Angeles Superior Court, Central Civil West Courthouse, Metropolitan Courthouse, and Stanley Mosk Courthouse. |
Lawyers
In Los Angeles, lawyers enjoy some of the city’s highest-paying jobs, and it’s no surprise why. They earn their impressive salaries by tackling the complex legal issues that abound in this diverse and bustling city. Los Angeles is a hotspot for all kinds of legal matters, from the entertainment industry to business disputes and real estate deals. Lawyers here often handle big cases, broker multi-million-dollar agreements, and represent influential clients.
Their earnings not only recognize the years of hard work and education they have invested in their careers but also acknowledge the crucial role they play in shaping the city’s legal landscape. This financial reward not only attracts top legal talent to Los Angeles but also shows the city’s commitment to maintaining a strong and fair legal system in this ever-changing urban environment.
| Occupation | Lawyers |
|---|---|
| Industry/Sector | Legal |
| Average Annual Salary | $117,160 |
| Entry Level Salary | $84,450 |
| Job Description | Lawyers are legal professionals who provide expert advice, represent clients in legal matters, draft legal documents, and advocate on their behalf in various legal settings, striving to protect their rights and interests within the bounds of the law. |
| Educational Qualification | Undergraduate Degree, Juris Doctor (JD) Diploma, pass Bar Exam |
| Licencing or Certification | - |
| Skills |
|
| Top Employers | DLA Piper, Latham & Watkins LLP, O'Melveny & Myers, Sidley Austin LLP, and Greenberg Traurig, LLP |
Bank Managers
Bank Managers in Los Angeles enjoy some of the city’s most generous paychecks, and it’s well-deserved. Los Angeles is a bustling financial hub with diverse money matters, including corporate banking, investments, and wealth management. Bank Managers are the folks responsible for looking after their clients’ financial health, managing large piles of money, and making crucial financial decisions.
The substantial salaries they earn not only recognize their years of schooling, experience, and financial smarts but also highlight how essential they are to keeping the city’s economy strong and growing. Los Angeles relies on Bank Managers to make sure its banks and financial institutions run smoothly, and that’s why they are handsomely rewarded. This attractive salary not only draws top talent but also shows how dedicated the city is to keeping its financial sector healthy and prosperous.
| Occupation | Bank Managers |
|---|---|
| Industry/Sector | Banking |
| Average Annual Salary | $71,245 |
| Entry Level Salary | $55,985 |
| Job Description | Bank Managers oversee the daily operations of a financial institution, including supervising staff, managing customer accounts, ensuring compliance with banking regulations, and making strategic decisions to optimise the bank's performance and customer satisfaction. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree in Finance or a related subject, Master's Degree in Finance or Business Administration |
| Licencing or Certification | Not Required |
| Skills |
|
| Top Employers | U.S. Bank Branch, First Bank, Bank of the West, First Republic Bank, and OneUnited Bank. |
Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
In Los Angeles, being a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is one of the highest-paying jobs, which a person can have. These individuals lead big companies, navigating complex business landscapes in a city known for its diversity and innovation. Los Angeles boasts a wide range of industries, from entertainment and tech to healthcare and real estate, and CEOs are at the forefront of these sectors.
They make crucial decisions that not only shape their companies but also impact the city’s economic well-being. Their impressive salaries aren’t just rewards for their dedication and leadership but also a recognition of how vital they are in moulding Los Angeles’ economic future. These generous pay packages are like magnets, attracting top talent and inspiring ambitious leaders to contribute to the city’s ongoing growth and prosperity.
| Occupation | Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) |
|---|---|
| Industry/Sector | Corporate |
| Average Annual Salary | $931,975 |
| Entry Level Salary | $497,230 |
| Job Description | Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are top executives responsible for leading and managing an organisation, setting its strategic direction, making critical decisions, and driving overall success while ensuring alignment with the company's mission, vision, and goals. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree, and 5 years of management experience |
| Licencing or Certification | Not Required |
| Skills |
|
| Top Employers | - |
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) hold one of the most financially rewarding jobs in the Los Angeles job marketplace. These individuals are the financial architects of major corporations, charged with the essential role of overseeing and optimising their organisations’ financial health. Los Angeles has a diversified economic environment that includes entertainment, technology, banking, and other industries, each with its own set of financial complications.
CFOs navigate these complex financial waters, making choices regarding strategies that have a direct impact on their company’s economic well-being and overall performance. Their large wages not only recognise the years of education, capability, and financial understanding they bring to the table but also highlight their essential role in determining the financial stability and growth of Los Angeles. These high salary packages not only attract top financial talent but also demonstrate the city’s commitment to supporting a vibrant and prosperous corporate sector.
| Occupation | Chief Financial Officers |
|---|---|
| Industry/Sector | Finance |
| Average Annual Salary | $486,120 |
| Entry Level Salary | $260,950 |
| Job Description | Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are senior executives who oversee an organisation's financial operations, including financial planning, budgeting, risk management, and reporting while providing strategic financial guidance to support the company's growth and stability. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree, Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master's Degree in Finance or Accounting |
| Licencing or Certification | Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Treasury Professional (CTP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) |
| Skills |
|
| Top Employers | - |
College Professors
In Los Angeles, being a College Professor is a well-paying job. These educators are rewarded for their extensive knowledge and the impact they have on students in a city known for its diverse and dynamic academic institutions. Los Angeles hosts prestigious universities and colleges, attracting students from all over the world. College Professors are key figures in shaping the future, as they share their expertise and mentor the next generation of leaders.
Their generous salaries reflect their years of hard work in research and teaching and acknowledge their essential role in advancing education and contributing to the city’s intellectual vitality. These attractive pay packages not only draw top educators but also highlight Los Angeles’ commitment to nurturing a strong and innovative academic community, making it a centre for learning and intellectual development.
| Occupation | College Professor |
|---|---|
| Industry/Sector | Education |
| Average Annual Salary | $125,120 |
| Entry Level Salary | $85,250 |
| Job Description | College Professors are educators and scholars who teach courses in their area of expertise at the post-secondary level, conduct research, publish academic work, and provide mentorship to students, fostering intellectual growth and contributing to the advancement of knowledge. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree or PhD |
| Licencing or Certification | Varies according to the domain |
| Skills |
|
| Top Employers | University of Southern California, Loyola Marymount University, California Institute of Technology, Pepperdine University, and University of California, Los Angeles |
Pilots
Pilots in Los Angeles possess one of the highest-paying jobs in the region and for good reason. The City of Angels is home to numerous major international airports, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is among the busiest in the world. This thriving aviation hub generates a high demand for professional and experienced pilots to operate commercial and private aircraft.
Pilots in Los Angeles generally make spectacular wages due to the intricate nature of their work and the significant responsibility they bear, whether they are flying large commercial airliners, private aircraft, or helicopters. Pilots have the potential for successful jobs in this glamorous and high-paying profession in the centre of the entertainment and aviation industries with a blend of extensive training, experience, and the ability to handle the severe conditions of the skies.
| Occupation | Pilots |
|---|---|
| Industry/Sector | Aviation |
| Average Annual Salary | $208,985 |
| Entry Level Salary | $167,650 |
| Job Description | Pilots are skilled aviation professionals responsible for safely operating aircraft, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew, executing flight plans, and navigating through various weather conditions to transport people and cargo to their destinations. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree or GED computer |
| Licencing or Certification | Private Pilot Certificate by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Flight Instructor Certificate, Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. |
| Skills |
|
| Top Employers | Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Ontario International Airport, Long Beach Airport, and John Wayne Airport. |
Marketing Directors
In Los Angeles, Marketing Directors are some of the highest-paid professionals around. They are really important because they are the ones who can come up with smart strategies to promote and advertise products and services for all kinds of companies, like those in the entertainment or tech world. Since Los Angeles is a big hub for movies, music, and technology, businesses need Marketing Directors who can help them stand out and succeed in the competitive market.
These Directors handle things like making the company look good, creating ads, and keeping customers interested. Because of the city’s diverse people and the constant need for fresh marketing ideas, Marketing Directors are in high demand, and that’s why they earn big bucks. Their expertise in strategy, the lively business scene in Los Angeles, and how they help companies grow all make Marketing Directors one of the highest-paying jobs in the city.
| Occupation | Marketing Directors |
|---|---|
| Industry/Sector | Marketing |
| Average Annual Salary | $207,480 |
| Entry Level Salary | $164,265 |
| Job Description | Marketing Directors are senior-level professionals who lead an organisation's marketing efforts by developing and executing strategic marketing plans, overseeing advertising campaigns, analysing market trends, and managing a team to achieve business objectives and drive brand success. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, English, or related field; Master's in Business Administration (MBA) |
| Licencing or Certification | American Marketing Association Certificate and Certification courses from Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI) |
| Skills |
|
| Top Employers | - |
What Salary is Considered Rich in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, the “rich” or “wealthy” salary takes on a unique dimension due to its exceptionally high cost of living. The city’s average salary of $68,462 per year might seem substantial elsewhere, but in this expanding metropolitan landscape, it’s just a starting point. To truly be considered rich in Los Angeles, one must earn considerably more. The difference becomes obvious when comparing Los Angeles to other major cities across the country. Rental prices in Los Angeles are a staggering 75 per cent higher than those in Houston, Texas, and 36 per cent higher than in Denver, Colorado. This difference in housing costs alone underscores the need for a significantly higher income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Conclusion
In Los Angeles, you can find many well-paying jobs that cater to a variety of talents and skills. These careers range from highly specialised medical roles such as surgeons and Psychiatrists to creative jobs like marketing directors and qualified Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). Not only do these professionals earn generous incomes, but they also play essential roles in the city’s economy and social life. Los Angeles is a unique and vibrant place, and its demands for expertise in these fields mean that these jobs offer some of the highest paychecks in town. So, if you are looking for a place where your skills and creativity can lead to substantial rewards, Los Angeles remains a top choice for high-paying career opportunities.
