Salaries in Berkeley, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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What is the average salary in Berkeley, CA?

The average salary in Berkeley, CA is $80,492 per year.

Berkeley, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary for a job seeker in Berkeley is around $80,492. This figure varies based on the job sector and experience level. For instance, those with less than a year of experience can expect to earn around $36,450. As experience grows, so do the salary prospects, with those having over 10 years earning up to $225,000.


The top-paying sectors in Berkeley include technology, healthcare, and finance. In tech, salaries can start at $53,591 and reach up to $225,000. Healthcare professionals see a range from $70,732 to $207,859. The finance sector offers salaries from $87,873 to $190,718. These figures highlight the potential for growth and high earnings in Berkeley, making it an attractive place for job seekers.

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What are the best paying jobs in Berkeley, CA?

Berkeley, CA, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. Pharmacists lead the list with an average salary of $173,337. Staff Nurses and Registered Nurses also earn well, with salaries around $171,953 and $133,060, respectively. These roles provide not only good compensation but also the chance to make a significant impact on people's lives. Other top-paying jobs in Berkeley include Dental Hygienists, Laboratory Technologists, and Occupational Therapists. Dental Hygienists earn about $137,108 per year, while Laboratory Technologists and Occupational Therapists make around $124,921 and $113,744, respectively. These positions require specialized skills and offer stable, rewarding careers. For those with technical expertise, roles like Technical Project Lead and Program Director provide competitive salaries, with averages of $96,863 and $96,861. These jobs offer the chance to lead projects and direct programs, making them attractive to experienced professionals.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Berkeley, CA, highlighting Pharmacist with the highest at $173,337 and Clinician with the lowest at $93,148.
  1. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $173,337
    Pharmacists work in local pharmacies, hospitals, and research facilities. They ensure medications are safe and effective. They advise patients on drug use and side effects.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  2. Staff Nurse
    Average Salary: $171,953
    Staff nurses provide care in hospitals, clinics, and schools. They monitor patients and administer treatments. They work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Berkeley, CA


  3. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $137,108
    Dental hygienists clean teeth and educate patients on oral care. They work in dental offices and clinics. They use special tools to remove plaque and tartar.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $133,060
    Registered nurses provide patient care in hospitals and clinics. They monitor vital signs and administer treatments. They work with doctors and other healthcare staff.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Berkeley, CA


  5. Laboratory Technologist
    Average Salary: $124,921
    Laboratory technologists analyze samples in medical labs. They use microscopes and other equipment. They help doctors diagnose and treat illnesses.
    Find Laboratory Technologist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  6. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $113,744
    Occupational therapists help patients recover from injuries. They design treatment plans and exercises. They work in hospitals, schools, and clinics.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  7. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $109,649
    Speech language pathologists treat speech and language disorders. They work with patients of all ages. They use various techniques to improve communication skills.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  8. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $96,863
    Technical project leads manage tech projects in tech companies. They coordinate teams and ensure projects are on time. They work with developers, designers, and other tech professionals.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Berkeley, CA


  9. Program Director
    Average Salary: $96,861
    Program directors oversee programs in non-profits, schools, and government agencies. They manage budgets and staff. They ensure programs meet goals and objectives.
    Find Program Director jobs in Berkeley, CA


  10. Clinician
    Average Salary: $93,148
    Clinicians provide medical care in clinics and hospitals. They diagnose and treat patients. They work with other healthcare professionals to ensure quality care.
    Find Clinician jobs in Berkeley, CA

What are the best paying jobs in Berkeley, CA without a degree?

Job seekers in Berkeley, CA, can find well-paying roles without needing a degree. Restaurant managers earn the highest average salary, with housekeepers and canvassers also offering good pay. These positions provide opportunities to earn a solid income while gaining valuable experience. Line cooks, server assistants, and dishwashers also offer competitive wages. These jobs allow individuals to work in the bustling food service industry, often with flexible hours. Kitchen team members, servers, and baristas round out the list of high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. These roles offer a chance to work in a dynamic environment and develop essential skills.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Berkeley, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $65,740 and Barista with the lowest at $37,518.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $65,740
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in a dynamic environment with companies like Bouchon and The Plant Café.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Berkeley, CA


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $45,127
    Clean and maintain rooms and common areas. Ensure a safe and comfortable environment. Opportunities exist with hotels such as The Claremont Club & Spa and Berkeley City Club.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Berkeley, CA


  3. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $43,607
    Promote products or services by visiting homes and businesses. Engage with the community and gather feedback. Work with local businesses and organizations to spread awareness.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Berkeley, CA


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,777
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Follow recipes and maintain food quality. Experience is valuable in restaurants like The Fat Lady and Cha Cha Cha.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Berkeley, CA


  5. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $41,415
    Support servers by setting up tables and clearing dishes. Ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work in popular spots like The Old Anchor Pub and Café Gratitude.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $41,142
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Maintain a clean and organized kitchen area. Opportunities are available in restaurants like The Plant Café and Cha Cha Cha.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Berkeley, CA


  7. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,841
    Assist in various kitchen tasks. Support chefs and cooks in preparing meals. Work in a busy environment with restaurants like The Plant Café and Cha Cha Cha.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Berkeley, CA


  8. Server
    Average Salary: $39,667
    Take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. Ensure a positive dining experience. Opportunities exist with popular restaurants like The Fat Lady and The Old Anchor Pub.
    Find Server jobs in Berkeley, CA


  9. Barista
    Average Salary: $37,518
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Engage with customers and provide a welcoming atmosphere. Work in coffee shops like Peet’s Coffee and The Plant Café.
    Find Barista jobs in Berkeley, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Berkeley, CA?

Job seekers in Berkeley, CA, can find high-paying opportunities at several top companies. PETS Referral Center leads with a salary of $177,510, followed closely by Sutter Health at $128,390. Kaiser Permanente offers $120,598, making it another attractive option. Other notable companies include Bayer, which pays $105,665, and ProCare Therapy at $97,101. Prime Roots, University of California Berkeley, Sun Light & Power, Backroads, and LifeLong Medical Care also provide competitive salaries. These companies offer a range of benefits and opportunities for those seeking well-paying jobs in Berkeley.
Graph displaying company salaries in Berkeley, CA, highlighting PETS Referral Center with the highest at $177,510 and LifeLong Medical Care with the lowest at $75,278.
  1. PETS Referral Center
    Average Salary: $177,510
    PETS Referral Center offers specialized veterinary services. They focus on providing high-quality care for pets.


  2. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $128,390
    Sutter Health is a well-known healthcare provider. They offer a range of medical services, from primary care to specialized treatments.


  3. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $120,598
    Kaiser Permanente is a large healthcare organization. They provide comprehensive medical services to their members.


  4. Bayer
    Average Salary: $105,665
    Bayer is a global pharmaceutical and life sciences company. They focus on health and nutrition.


  5. ProCare Therapy
    Average Salary: $97,101
    ProCare Therapy offers rehabilitation services. They help patients recover from injuries and illnesses.


  6. Prime Roots
    Average Salary: $95,457
    Prime Roots is a company that provides educational and career services. They help individuals find the right path for their future.


  7. University of California Berkeley
    Average Salary: $91,420
    UC Berkeley is a top university. They offer a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities.


  8. Sun Light & Power
    Average Salary: $82,556
    Sun Light & Power specializes in solar energy solutions. They provide products and services to harness solar power.


  9. Backroads
    Average Salary: $80,776
    Backroads offers guided tours and travel experiences. They focus on adventure and exploration.


  10. LifeLong Medical Care
    Average Salary: $75,278
    LifeLong Medical Care provides healthcare services. They focus on providing accessible and quality care to the community.

How does the cost of living in Berkeley, CA compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Berkeley, CA, significantly exceeds the nationwide average. Housing costs are 100% higher, while groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also surpass the national average by 25%, 20%, 15%, 5%, and 30% respectively. This data highlights the higher expenses job seekers may face when considering a move to Berkeley.
Cost of living comparison graph for Berkeley, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 100% higher, groceries 25% higher, utilities 20% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

The cost of living in Berkeley, California, significantly exceeds the nationwide average, making it a more expensive place to live. Housing costs in Berkeley are notably higher, with an index of 200 compared to the national average of 100. This means housing costs in Berkeley are twice as high as the average cost across the country. Additionally, groceries in Berkeley cost 25% more than the national average, with an index of 125. This increase can impact monthly budgets for families and individuals alike.


Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also show higher costs in Berkeley. Utilities have an index of 120, which is 20% above the national average. Transportation costs are 15% higher, with an index of 115. Healthcare expenses, while still relatively close to the national average, are 5% higher at 105. Miscellaneous costs, which include items like clothing and entertainment, are 30% higher, with an index of 130. These factors combined make Berkeley a place where living expenses are substantially greater than the national average.

There are 808 job openings in Berkeley, CA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Berkeley, CA

Discover what it's like to work in Berkeley, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Berkeley, CA
808 Job Openings