Top Paying Jobs in Chico, CA (2026)
Chico, CA has 70 jobs across diverse industries. The highest-paying occupations include Physicians, All Other ($224,840), Architectural and Engineering Managers ($175,290), Pharmacists ($171,200). The cost of living index is 101.2 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,625/month.
$145K
Avg. median salary
101.2
Cost of living index
$1,625
Median 2BR rent
N/A
Population
Highest paying careers in Chico
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physicians, All Other | Healthcare | $225K | $108.1/hr |
| 2 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Management | $175K | $84.28/hr |
| 3 | Pharmacists | Healthcare | $171K | $82.31/hr |
| 4 | Chief Executives | Management | $167K | $80.26/hr |
| 5 | Dentists, General | Healthcare | $167K | $80.22/hr |
| 6 | Nurse Practitioners | Healthcare | $159K | $76.64/hr |
| 7 | Veterinarians | Healthcare | $156K | $75.02/hr |
| 8 | Lawyers | Legal | $152K | $73.05/hr |
| 9 | Physician Assistants | Healthcare | $148K | $71.33/hr |
| 10 | Registered Nurses | Healthcare | $142K | $68.14/hr |
| 11 | Medical and Health Services Managers | Management | $139K | $67.04/hr |
| 12 | Fundraising Managers | Management | $137K | $65.8/hr |
| 13 | Marketing Managers | Management | $136K | $65.21/hr |
| 14 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Management | $136K | $65.2/hr |
| 15 | Human Resources Managers | Management | $135K | $64.88/hr |
| 16 | Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | Management | $133K | $/hr |
| 17 | Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $133K | $63.72/hr |
| 18 | Optometrists | Healthcare | $132K | $63.24/hr |
| 19 | Physical Therapists | Healthcare | $131K | $63.16/hr |
| 20 | Occupational Therapists | Healthcare | $129K | $62.01/hr |
| 21 | Software Developers | Technology | $126K | $60.81/hr |
| 22 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | Public Safety | $126K | $60.64/hr |
| 23 | Financial Managers | Management | $124K | $59.82/hr |
| 24 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | Science | $124K | $59.78/hr |
| 25 | Education Administrators, Postsecondary | Management | $124K | $59.41/hr |
Affordability snapshot: Chico
Cost of living vs. national average+1.2% more expensive
Studio apartment (FMR)$/mo
1-bedroom apartment (FMR)$/mo
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,625/mo
3-bedroom apartment (FMR)$/mo
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After federal and state taxes