What is the average salary in Berkeley, CA?
Berkeley, CA, offers a range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $81,228. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape, where different industries contribute to the overall salary distribution. The highest-paying jobs often fall within the tech and education sectors, offering substantial income to professionals.
The salary distribution in Berkeley shows a broad spread. The top-paying jobs include roles such as software engineers, data scientists, and university professors. These positions can earn upwards of $165,000 annually. Other well-compensated jobs include healthcare professionals, financial managers, and marketing directors. This variety ensures that job seekers can find roles that match their skills and career aspirations.
What are the best paying jobs in Berkeley, CA?

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Staff Nurse
Average Salary: $175,065
Staff nurses work in hospitals and clinics, providing care to patients. They work with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Many opportunities exist in renowned medical centers.
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Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $141,936
Dental hygienists clean teeth and educate patients on oral care. They work in dental offices and clinics. Many positions are available in private practices and university dental schools.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $136,611
Registered nurses provide patient care and coordinate with doctors. They work in hospitals, clinics, and schools. Many jobs are available in top-rated healthcare facilities.
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Laboratory Technologist
Average Salary: $127,374
Laboratory technologists perform tests on samples. They work in labs and research facilities. Many positions are available in biotech companies and academic institutions.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $118,680
Speech language pathologists help people with communication disorders. They work in schools, clinics, and hospitals. Many positions are available in educational and healthcare settings.
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Professor
Average Salary: $117,892
Professors teach and conduct research at universities. They work in classrooms and labs. Many positions are available in prestigious institutions.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $115,562
Occupational therapists help people with disabilities. They work in hospitals, schools, and clinics. Many positions are available in healthcare and educational facilities.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $100,238
Technical project leads manage tech projects. They work in tech companies and startups. Many positions are available in the booming tech industry.
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Counselor
Average Salary: $93,382
Counselors help people with emotional and mental health issues. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. Many positions are available in educational and healthcare settings.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $92,979
Behavior analysts study and improve behavior. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. Many positions are available in educational and healthcare settings.
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What are the best paying jobs in Berkeley, CA without a degree?

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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $62,794
Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in a bustling environment with companies like Bouchon and The Plant Café.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $46,984
Clean and maintain rooms in hotels and motels. Ensure a comfortable stay for guests. Companies like Hilton and Marriott offer many opportunities.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $46,225
Cut, trim, and package meat for sale. Work in grocery stores and butcher shops. Ensure quality and safety of meat products.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $44,033
Distribute literature and gather signatures for campaigns. Work for political organizations and non-profits. Engage with the community and promote causes.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $42,816
Prepare and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in restaurants and cafes. Follow recipes and ensure food quality.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $41,985
Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Work in restaurants and cafes. Ensure a clean and organized kitchen.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $41,699
Help servers with tasks like setting tables and clearing dishes. Work in restaurants and cafes. Provide excellent customer service.
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Server
Average Salary: $40,693
Take orders and serve food to customers. Work in restaurants and cafes. Ensure a pleasant dining experience.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $40,133
Assist in food preparation and cooking. Work in restaurants and cafes. Support the kitchen staff and maintain a clean workspace.
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Barista
Average Salary: $38,125
Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Work in coffee shops. Create delicious drinks and provide excellent customer service.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Berkeley, CA?

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PETS Referral Center
Average Salary: $177,802
PETS Referral Center offers a range of services for pets. They focus on providing high-quality care and support for pet owners.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $129,268
Sutter Health is a well-known healthcare provider. They offer a variety of medical services and are committed to patient care.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $122,925
Kaiser Permanente is a leading healthcare organization. They provide comprehensive medical services and are known for their quality care.
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Bayer
Average Salary: $108,316
Bayer is a global pharmaceutical and life sciences company. They focus on health and nutrition, offering a range of products and services.
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University of California Berkeley
Average Salary: $95,027
UC Berkeley is a top public university. It offers a wide range of academic programs and is known for its research and innovation.
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LifeLong Medical Care
Average Salary: $82,846
LifeLong Medical Care provides healthcare services to underserved communities. They focus on delivering quality care and improving health outcomes.
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Sun Light & Power
Average Salary: $82,492
Sun Light & Power is a company that specializes in solar energy solutions. They provide innovative products to harness solar energy efficiently.
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Backroads
Average Salary: $77,816
Backroads offers guided tours and travel experiences. They focus on providing unique and memorable travel adventures.
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Berkeley Unified School District
Average Salary: $72,135
Berkeley Unified School District manages public schools in Berkeley. They focus on providing quality education to students in the area.
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HEI Hotels & Resorts
Average Salary: $64,154
HEI Hotels & Resorts manages luxury hotels and resorts. They focus on providing exceptional hospitality and guest experiences.
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, particularly in housing. The housing index in Berkeley stands at 168, which is 68% higher than the national average of 100. This means that housing costs in Berkeley are nearly double what they are on average across the country. For job seekers considering Berkeley, this high cost of housing could be a major factor in their budget planning.
In addition to housing, other expenses in Berkeley also surpass the national average. Groceries, for example, have an index of 135, which is 35% higher than the nationwide average. Utilities, while still relatively high, are slightly more affordable with an index of 103, only 3% above the national average. Transportation costs are 20% higher at 120, and healthcare costs are 15% higher at 115. Miscellaneous expenses also stand at 125, which is 25% higher than the national average. These figures highlight that while Berkeley offers many benefits, potential residents should be prepared for higher living costs in several key areas.



