Confused about making the right choice after graduation? Don’t worry, here are some of the best options that can change your life for the better. If you’re an international student living in Los Angeles, you’re already in one of the best cities for job opportunities. With so many industries growing fast, there are plenty of jobs available for international students. In this blog, we’ll look at the highest-paying jobs in Los Angeles, what each job involves, and how much you can earn. Let’s get started!
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Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in LA
If you’re aiming for a successful and well-paying career in the U.S, it’s important to know which job pays the most. Here are the top 10 highest-paying jobs in Los Angeles in 2025:
1. Cardiologist
Cardiologists are doctors who take care of the heart and blood vessels. They help people with problems like chest pain, heart attacks, or high blood pressure. This job needs many years of study and training, but it also pays a lot. In Los Angeles, there are many good hospitals, so cardiologists are needed. The cardiologist’s salary in the United States is very high, usually more than 300,000 USD a year.
Title | Details |
Average Salary | 314,200 USD/year |
Job Description | Treats heart and blood vessel diseases. Very skilled and highly trained. |
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2. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are doctors who help people with mental or emotional problems like anxiety, depression, or stress. They talk to patients, give support, and sometimes give medicine to help them feel better. In a busy city like Los Angeles, mental health is very important, so psychiatrists are in high demand. This job is also one of the highest-paying jobs in Los Angeles, with very good salaries.
Title | Details |
Average Salary | 305,320 USD/year |
Job Description | Helps people with mental and emotional health. Can prescribe medicine. |
3. General Physician
General Physicians are regular doctors who treat everyday health problems like the flu, infections, or headaches. They are the first doctors people see when they feel sick. This job needs years of education, but it pays very well, especially in Los Angeles, where healthcare is always needed.
Title | Details |
Average Salary | 292,480 USD/year |
Job Description | Treats general illnesses and provides basic healthcare. |
4. Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
GYNs (Gynaecologists and Obstetricians) are doctors who help women before, during, and after pregnancy. They also treat women’s health problems, like period issues or infections. Since they take care of childbirth and sometimes do surgeries, they are very important in healthcare. This makes them one of the highest-paying jobs in Los Angeles.
Title | Details |
Average Salary | 277,960 USD/year |
Job Description | Cares for women’s reproductive health and childbirth. |
5. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
CEOs are the top leaders of companies. They make important decisions that guide the whole business. This job comes with a lot of responsibility, which is why CEOs are paid very well. In Los Angeles, many big companies and new startups are looking for smart and experienced leaders. Being a CEO is one of the highest-paying jobs in Los Angeles.
Title | Detail |
Average Salary | 256,600 USD/year |
Job Description | Leads the company and makes high-level decisions. |
6. Airline Pilot
Airline Pilots fly aeroplanes to carry people or goods from one place to another. This job needs a lot of training, but it’s exciting and pays very well. Los Angeles has one of the busiest airports in the world, so there is a big need for skilled pilots, especially for international flights. Being a pilot is also one of the highest-paying jobs in Los Angeles.
Title | Detail |
Average Salary | 229,160 USD/year |
Job Description | Flies aeroplanes for local and international travel. |
7. Neurologist
Neurologists are doctors who treat problems with the brain, spine, and nerves. They help people who have strong headaches, memory problems, or diseases like epilepsy. They use special tests to find out what’s wrong and give the right treatment. In Los Angeles, where there are big hospitals and many patients, neurologists are needed and earn a high salary.
Title | Detail |
Average Salary | 226,310 USD/year |
Job Description | Treats problems related to the brain and nervous system. |
8. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists are doctors who make sure patients don’t feel pain during surgery. They give special medicine to help people sleep or stay pain-free during the operation. They also check the patient’s breathing, heart rate, and overall safety before, during, and after surgery. This job is very serious because it involves keeping people safe while they are unconscious. It takes a lot of training and skill, so anesthesiologists are paid very well.
Title | Detail |
Average Salary | 224,010 USD/year |
Job Description | Gives anaesthesia and manages patient comfort during surgery. |
9. Lawyer
Lawyers help people with legal problems. They speak in court, write contracts, and give advice about the law. In Los Angeles, lawyers are needed for many things, like real estate, business, and the entertainment industry. With experience, lawyers can earn a high salary. It’s also one of the highest-paying jobs in Los Angeles.
Title | Detail |
Average Salary | 177,550 USD/year |
Job Description | Helps clients with legal advice and court cases. |
10. Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and build things like roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures we use every day. In a big and growing city like Los Angeles, there’s always construction happening, so civil engineers are very important. The job needs good math, science, and problem-solving skills. It also pays well and offers many opportunities to work on big projects.
Title | Detail |
Average Salary | 174,660 USD/year |
Job Description | Designs and oversees building projects and infrastructure. |
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Ways to Find High-Paying Jobs in Los Angeles
If you want a high-paying job in Los Angeles, you need more than just a degree. You need the right skills, tools, and a smart plan. Whether you’re a student or someone looking for better work, here are easy steps to help you:
1. Use Job Websites: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor list thousands of jobs. You can search by location, salary, and job type. Set up job alerts to get updates right away.
2. Go to Career Fairs: Many colleges and universities in LA host career fairs. These events let you meet company recruiters, ask questions, and apply for jobs on the spot.
3. Apply for Internships: Internships can lead to full-time jobs. Even if they don’t pay much at first, they help you build experience, meet people, and get your foot in the door.
4. Network with People: Talk to professors, classmates, or friends who already work in your field. Many jobs aren’t posted online; they come from people you know.
5. Visit Company Websites: Some companies post job openings only on their own websites. Make a list of companies you like and check their ‘Careers’ page often.
Tips to Get a High-Paying Job in LA?
Getting a good, high-paying job in Los Angeles is a great goal for international students. It might seem hard in the beginning, but if you take small steps and stay focused, you can do it. Here are some simple tips to help you out:
1. Choose the Right Career: Start by thinking about what kind of job you want. Look for careers that match your interests and skills. Jobs in healthcare, technology, finance, or engineering usually pay well in LA.
2. Get the Right Education: Most high-paying jobs require a college degree. Some jobs even require a master’s degree or more. Try to study at a good university in Los Angeles and focus on a subject that fits your career goal.
3. Get Experience: While studying, try to get some work experience. You can do this through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering.
4. Improve Your English: Many high-paying jobs need good communication skills. If English is not your first language, try to practice more.
5. Meet New People: In LA, it really helps to know people in your field. Go to job fairs, school events, or industry meetups. Talk to your professors or classmates about career advice. These connections can help you find job openings.
6. Make a Good Resume and Online Profile: Create a resume that shows your education, skills, and experience. Also, make a LinkedIn profile so employers can find you online. Always update your resume for each job you apply for.
7. Practice for Interviews: Before any job interview, learn about the company and practice your answers to common questions. Be confident and show why you are a good fit for the job.
8. Be Patient and Keep Trying: Finding a high-paying job takes time. You might face challenges, but don’t give up. Keep learning, improving, and applying.
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FAQs
Some of the best-paid roles include Cardiologists, Psychiatrists, CEOs, Airline Pilots, and Lawyers. These positions usually require advanced education and experience.
Yes, as long as they have the proper work permits (like OPT or CPT) and meet the qualifications, students can work in good-paying roles.
In most cases, yes. Roles in healthcare, law, and engineering usually require at least a bachelor’s degree. Some need higher-level qualifications.
Healthcare, tech, aviation, business, and legal services are some of the most rewarding sectors in terms of salary and growth.
Cardiologists in LA can earn around 314,200 USD per year, making it one of the most lucrative professions in the city.
Yes, especially roles in civil, software, or electrical engineering. With the city’s constant development, engineers are in demand.
Use job portals like LinkedIn and Indeed, attend career fairs, apply for internships, and network with professionals in your field.
Because many opportunities aren’t advertised online. Knowing people in your industry can help you discover openings and get referrals.
Communication, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership are key to standing out and growing in most roles.
Gain work experience through internships, study in-demand skills, improve your English, build a strong resume, and stay persistent.
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