San Diego pays better than most cities for these eight jobs

By the numbers: Here are the average annual salaries for these jobs:

• High school teachers - $119,850
• Radiation therapist - $149,700
• Nurse anesthetist - $294,180

Reality check: California teachers may have some of the highest salaries nationwide, but many still struggle financially because of the high cost of living, particularly housing.

The big picture: U.S. News & World Report recently released its 100 Best Jobs of 2025 list and compiled the best-paying metros.

• The list considers growth potential, work-life balance, job safety and employment rate and other factors.
• Nurse practitioners took the top spot for a second consecutive year with a median salary of $126,260.
• San Francisco and San Jose were tied as the largest hubs for high-earners.

Zoom in: San Diego County also ranks among the top five highest-paying cities for five other careers.

• Anesthesiologist - $481,420
• Nuclear medicine technologist - $138,570
• Optician - $66,990
• Orthotist and prosthetist - $96,050
• Flight attendant - $91,420

Go deeper: Check out San Diego's top workplaces and high-wage industries.