Overview Salaries

Salaries in Berkeley, CA

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Berkeley, CA?

The average salary in Berkeley, CA is $81,109 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $81,109 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $6,759 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $1,560 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $39 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Berkeley, California, offers a robust job market with competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary in Berkeley is $81,109. This figure represents the median income earned by workers in the area. Many people find well-paying opportunities in tech, education, and healthcare.

Here are some of the top-paying industries in Berkeley:

  • Information technology: $126,651 per year
  • Finance and insurance: $111,709 per year
  • Health care and social assistance: $96,767 per year
  • Professional, scientific, and technical services: $81,825 per year
  • Educational services: $66,884 per year

Job seekers can find rewarding careers with salaries above the average. These numbers show the potential for good earnings in Berkeley.

View jobs in Berkeley, CA
View all jobs in Berkeley, CA

What are the best paying jobs in Berkeley, CA?

Finding top-paying jobs in Berkeley, CA, can lead to excellent career opportunities. Healthcare roles dominate the list, offering high salaries and job stability. Staff Nurses lead with an average salary of $176,921, followed closely by Dental Hygienists at $143,264. These roles demand dedication but provide financial rewards. Beyond healthcare, other high-paying positions include Registered Nurses, Speech Language Pathologists, and Professors. These careers not only pay well but also offer meaningful work. For example, Registered Nurses earn an average of $137,884, while Speech Language Pathologists make $122,443. These professions appeal to those seeking both stability and a competitive salary. Additionally, roles like Technical Project Leads and Program Managers offer attractive compensation. These positions, particularly in tech-driven sectors, provide opportunities for professional growth and financial success. Whether in healthcare or tech, Berkeley, CA, offers many high-paying job options.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Berkeley, CA, highlighting Staff Nurse with the highest at $176,921 and Program Manager with the lowest at $93,059.

  1. Staff Nurse
    Average Salary: $176,921
    Care for patients and coordinate with medical staff. Hospitals and clinics offer numerous opportunities. Organizations like UCSF Medical Center provide a rewarding work environment.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Berkeley, CA


  2. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $143,264
    Perform cleanings and check for oral diseases. Work in dental offices and clinics. Many practices, such as Berkeley Dental, provide a collaborative atmosphere.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $137,884
    Provide direct patient care and manage treatment plans. Hospitals and clinics are always in need. Facilities like Berkeley Medical Center offer excellent training and growth.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Berkeley, CA


  4. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $122,443
    Help patients with speech and language disorders. Work in schools, hospitals, and private practices. Organizations like Berkeley Speech and Language offer a variety of settings.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  5. Professor
    Average Salary: $117,534
    Teach and conduct research in a university setting. Work at institutions such as UC Berkeley. Professors have access to many resources and support.
    Find Professor jobs in Berkeley, CA


  6. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $117,526
    Provide patient care in various locations. Hospitals and travel nursing agencies offer opportunities. Companies like Aya Healthcare provide flexible assignments.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Berkeley, CA


  7. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $116,752
    Help patients improve daily living skills. Work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Berkeley Rehabilitation offers a supportive environment for growth.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  8. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $102,157
    Manage technical projects and teams. Work for tech companies and startups. Companies like Google and Dropbox provide innovative projects and challenges.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Berkeley, CA


  9. Counselor
    Average Salary: $96,128
    Provide guidance and support for students or patients. Work in schools or healthcare settings. Counseling centers at Berkeley offer a fulfilling career path.
    Find Counselor jobs in Berkeley, CA


  10. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $93,059
    Oversee projects and ensure they meet goals. Work in various industries. Companies like Berkeley Labs offer dynamic and impactful projects.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Berkeley, CA

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

If you're looking for high-paying jobs in Berkeley without needing a degree, several options stand out. Restaurant managers can earn around $62,785 per year, offering a solid income while managing a team. Similarly, recreation assistants and housekeeping roles provide good earnings, with salaries starting around $57,000 and $46,000 respectively. These jobs allow you to gain valuable experience and skills without the need for formal education. They offer stable income and opportunities for growth, making them attractive to job seekers aiming for a rewarding career in Berkeley.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Berkeley, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $62,785 and Server with the lowest at $41,114.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $62,785
    Restaurant managers oversee daily operations. They coordinate staff, handle customer complaints, and ensure everything runs smoothly. The city offers many dining options, providing ample opportunities.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Berkeley, CA


  2. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $57,388
    These assistants work in community centers and parks. They lead programs and activities for children and adults. Many parks and recreation centers are active, offering various job openings.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $46,824
    Housekeepers clean and maintain rooms in hotels and motels. They ensure a clean and comfortable environment for guests. The city's many hotels and bed-and-breakfasts provide plenty of options.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Berkeley, CA


  4. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $45,793
    Meat cutters work in grocery stores and butcher shops. They slice and package meat. Many stores need skilled meat cutters to keep up with customer demand.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Berkeley, CA


  5. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $44,033
    Canvassers gather information and opinions. They work for political campaigns and surveys. The vibrant political scene in the city offers many opportunities for those interested in this role.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Berkeley, CA


  6. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $43,703
    Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook meals. They work in fast-paced environments like restaurants and cafes. The city's diverse food scene ensures there are many jobs available.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Berkeley, CA


  7. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $43,542
    Server assistants help servers with tasks. They ensure customers have what they need. Many restaurants and cafes rely on them to keep service running smoothly.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $43,382
    Dishwashers clean dishes and utensils. They work in restaurants and cafes. Many dining spots need dishwashers to keep their operations running smoothly.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Berkeley, CA


  9. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,640
    Kitchen team members assist with food preparation. They work behind the scenes in restaurants and cafes. The city's many food establishments offer many job opportunities.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Berkeley, CA


  10. Server
    Average Salary: $41,114
    Servers take orders and serve food. They work in restaurants and cafes. Many dining spots need servers to ensure a great experience for customers.
    Find Server jobs in Berkeley, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Berkeley, CA?

Berkeley, CA, is home to several top-paying companies that offer competitive salaries to their employees. Leading this list is PETS Referral Center, with an average salary of $169,104, followed closely by Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente, each providing average salaries of $131,189 and $129,301, respectively. These companies recognize the value of their workforce and reward employees with generous compensation packages. Other notable employers in Berkeley include the University of California Berkeley and LifeLong Medical Care, which offer average salaries of $96,396 and $91,404, respectively. These organizations provide a range of benefits and opportunities for professional growth, making them attractive options for job seekers in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Berkeley, CA, highlighting PETS Referral Center with the highest at $169,104 and HEI Hotels & Resorts with the lowest at $64,818.

  1. PETS Referral Center
    Average Salary: $169,104
    PETS Referral Center offers a wide range of medical services for pets. They have a team of skilled veterinarians and staff.


  2. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $131,189
    Sutter Health operates hospitals and clinics throughout California. They are known for their high quality of care and large medical network.


  3. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $129,301
    Kaiser Permanente is a large healthcare provider. They offer a variety of medical services and have a strong focus on preventative care.


  4. Bayer
    Average Salary: $107,998
    Bayer is a global science company. They work in agriculture, health care, and high-tech materials. They have a strong presence in pharmaceuticals.


  5. University of California Berkeley
    Average Salary: $96,396
    UC Berkeley is a top public university. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs. It has a strong focus on research and education.


  6. LifeLong Medical Care
    Average Salary: $91,404
    LifeLong Medical Care provides healthcare services. They focus on serving the community with high-quality medical care.


  7. Backroads
    Average Salary: $82,117
    Backroads offers adventure travel experiences. They provide guided tours and cycling trips around the world.


  8. Sun Light & Power
    Average Salary: $79,521
    Sun Light & Power develops solar power technology. They focus on creating innovative solutions for energy needs.


  9. Berkeley Unified School District
    Average Salary: $70,978
    Berkeley Unified School District runs public schools in Berkeley. They focus on providing quality education to students.


  10. HEI Hotels & Resorts
    Average Salary: $64,818
    HEI Hotels & Resorts owns and manages luxury hotels. They provide excellent hospitality services.

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 200% higher, while groceries and utilities are also above average. The overall cost of living index for Berkeley stands at 175%, making it 75% more expensive than the national baseline.
Cost of living comparison graph for Berkeley, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 200% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 30% higher, healthcare 15% higher, miscellaneous 40% higher.

Berkeley, California, exhibits a cost of living significantly higher than the nationwide average, which is set at 100 for comparison. Housing costs in Berkeley are notably 300% of the national average, reflecting the high demand and limited supply of properties in the area. This means that residents can expect to spend three times more on housing compared to the average American.


The expenses for other categories also surpass the nationwide figures. Groceries are 120% of the average cost, showing that food shopping in Berkeley is 20% more expensive. Utilities, including electricity, gas, and water, stand at 110%, which is 10% above the average. Transportation costs, which include public transit and vehicle expenses, are 130%, or 30% higher than average. Healthcare prices, which include insurance and medical services, are 115%, or 15% higher. Lastly, miscellaneous expenses, which cover items such as entertainment and personal care, are 140%, or 40% higher than the average. This comprehensive look at Berkeley’s cost of living highlights the financial considerations for potential residents and job seekers.

There are 698 job openings in Berkeley, CA, today!

View Jobs in Berkeley, CA

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
698 Job Openings

Win at hiring.

Visit the help center for any questions.
Contact Support
ReadySetHire icon
©2025 • ReadySetHire