Top 10 Highest-Paying Licensed Careers in California (2026)
March 3, 2026 · HowToGetLicensed Team
California's large economy and high wages make it one of the most lucrative states for licensed professionals. We compared all 49 licensed professions available in California to find the best-paying options. Here are the top 10 by national median salary, with California-specific costs and requirements.
Top 10 at a Glance
| # | Profession | Median Salary | Education | Cost in CA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot | $171,210/yr | 80 hrs | $16,000 |
| 2 | Physical Therapist | $99,710/yr | 4,500 hrs | $95,000 |
| 3 | Occupational Therapist | $96,370/yr | 3,500 hrs | $95,000 |
| 4 | Architect | $93,310/yr | 4,000 hrs | $100,000 |
| 5 | Speech Pathologist | $89,290/yr | 2,400 hrs | $85,000 |
| 6 | Audiologist | $87,740/yr | 5,000 hrs | $90,000 |
| 7 | Dental Hygienist | $87,530/yr | 2,400 hrs | $45,000 |
| 8 | Nursing | $86,070/yr | 1,500 hrs | $20,000 |
| 9 | Cpa | $79,880/yr | 150 hrs | $3,000 |
| 10 | Respiratory Therapist | $77,960/yr | 2,200 hrs | $30,000 |
Detailed Breakdown
1. Pilot
Get your pilot license in California with 80 hours of education and approximately $16,000 in total costs. Complete California guide →
2. Physical Therapist
Get your physical therapist license in California with 4,500 hours of education and approximately $95,000 in total costs. Complete California guide →
3. Occupational Therapist
Get your occupational therapist license in California with 3,500 hours of education and approximately $95,000 in total costs. Complete California guide →
4. Architect
Get your architect license in California with 4,000 hours of education and approximately $100,000 in total costs. Complete California guide →
5. Speech Pathologist
Get your speech pathologist license in California with 2,400 hours of education and approximately $85,000 in total costs. Complete California guide →
6. Audiologist
Get your audiologist license in California with 5,000 hours of education and approximately $90,000 in total costs. Complete California guide →
7. Dental Hygienist
Get your dental hygienist license in California with 2,400 hours of education and approximately $45,000 in total costs. Complete California guide →
8. Nursing
Get your nursing license in California with 1,500 hours of education and approximately $20,000 in total costs. Complete California guide →
9. Cpa
Get your cpa license in California with 150 hours of education and approximately $3,000 in total costs. Complete California guide →
10. Respiratory Therapist
Get your respiratory therapist license in California with 2,200 hours of education and approximately $30,000 in total costs. Complete California guide →
Quick-Start Licenses in California
If you want to start earning fast, these California licenses require minimal education and under $1,000 to get started:
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Cost in CA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance Adjuster | $75,020/yr | 40 hrs | $925 |
| Contractor | $74,720/yr | None | $850 |
| Plumber | $61,550/yr | None | $850 |
| Insurance Agent | $59,080/yr | 40 hrs | $525 |
| Notary Public | $47,330/yr | 6 hrs | $225 |
California Licensing Considerations
California generally has stricter licensing requirements and higher costs than the national average. However, California's higher salaries and strong job market often more than compensate for the additional upfront investment. The state is also known for thorough consumer protection regulations, which means licensed professionals carry more credibility.
Browse all licensed professions in California on our California licensing hub. For a nationwide salary comparison, see Highest Paying Licensed Professions. To compare California with other states, check our Cheapest States analysis.