Salaries & Top Paying Jobs in Berkeley, CA

City

Salary

What is the average salary in Berkeley, CA?

The average salary in Berkeley, CA is $80,900 per year.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $80,900 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $6,742 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $1,556 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.

Job seekers in Berkeley, CA, enjoy a range of salary opportunities. The average yearly salary stands at $80,900, reflecting a competitive job market. Higher-paying roles include positions in technology, finance, and healthcare.

Here are the common salary brackets and their corresponding percentages in the job market:

29.20% earn around $37,000
16.82% earn about $51,942
13.42% earn approximately $66,884
8.90% earn close to $81,825
6.61% earn around $96,767
5.89% earn about $111,709
4.55% earn close to $126,651
2.85% earn about $141,593
2.15% earn around $156,535
2.68% earn about $171,476
1.94% earn close to $186,418
Remaining 1.94% earn around $201,360

These figures offer a clear picture of the salary landscape in Berkeley, CA. This information can help job seekers make informed decisions about their career paths.

What are the best paying jobs in Berkeley, CA?

Top-paying jobs in Berkeley, CA, offer competitive salaries and rewarding career paths. Staff Nurses can expect an average salary of over $176,000. This high-paying role requires dedication and care in the healthcare sector. Dental Hygienists also enjoy strong earnings, averaging nearly $144,000. These well-compensated jobs demand specialized skills and education, but they offer stability and growth opportunities. Registered Nurses, Speech Language Pathologists, and Traveling Nurses are among the other high earners in the region. Each role plays a vital part in their respective industries, providing essential services and fostering community health.

Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Berkeley, CA, highlighting Staff Nurse with the highest at $176,720 and Program Manager with the lowest at $91,606.

Staff Nurse
Average Salary: $176,720
This role involves caring for patients and helping them recover. It takes place in local hospitals and clinics. Nurses collaborate with doctors and other healthcare providers.
Find Staff Nurse jobs in Berkeley, CA
Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $143,552
Dental hygienists work in clinics and private practices. They clean teeth and provide education on oral care. They often work closely with dentists to ensure patients have healthy teeth.
Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Berkeley, CA
Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $136,463
RNs provide care in various settings, from hospitals to outpatient clinics. They work with doctors to develop and manage care plans. RNs play a key role in patient recovery and health management.
Find Registered Nurse jobs in Berkeley, CA
Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $122,492
This role focuses on helping individuals with communication disorders. SLPs work in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. They create treatment plans to improve speech and language skills.
Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Berkeley, CA
Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $118,296
Traveling nurses move from one location to another, filling staffing needs. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. This role offers flexibility and the chance to experience different work environments.
Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Berkeley, CA
Professor
Average Salary: $117,534
Professors teach and conduct research at universities. They cover a wide range of subjects and often work with graduate students. Professors contribute to academic knowledge and student education.
Find Professor jobs in Berkeley, CA
Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $116,846
Occupational therapists help people of all ages improve their daily activities. They work in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. Therapists design programs to enhance patients' ability to perform tasks.
Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Berkeley, CA
Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $99,894
This role involves managing technical projects for tech companies. Project leads oversee teams and ensure projects stay on track. They often work with software developers and engineers to meet deadlines.
Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Berkeley, CA
Counselor
Average Salary: $97,615
Counselors provide support and guidance to individuals facing personal challenges. They work in schools, community centers, and private practices. Counselors help clients develop coping strategies and improve their mental health.
Find Counselor jobs in Berkeley, CA
Program Manager
Average Salary: $91,606
Program managers oversee the planning and execution of projects. They work in various sectors, including education and healthcare. Managers coordinate teams and ensure projects meet their goals and timelines.
Find Program Manager jobs in Berkeley, CA

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

Berkeley offers a range of high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. A restaurant manager stands out, with an average salary of $63,209. Other solid options include recreation assistants and housekeeping, both with average salaries above $40,000. These roles provide good income and opportunities for professional growth in a vibrant city. These positions offer competitive wages and the chance to gain valuable experience. Recreation assistants work with communities, offering programs that enhance quality of life, while housekeeping roles focus on maintaining cleanliness and comfort in various settings. Both roles require strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in teams.

Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Berkeley, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $63,209 and Barista with the lowest at $38,671.

Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $63,209
Manage daily restaurant operations. Oversee staff and ensure smooth service. Work in busy environments, keeping customers happy.
Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Berkeley, CA
Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $57,388
Organize activities and events. Supervise recreational programs for people of all ages. Provide a fun, safe environment at community centers.
Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA
Housekeeping
Average Salary: $45,877
Clean and maintain hotel rooms or residential properties. Ensure cleanliness and orderliness. Follow health and safety protocols.
Find Housekeeping jobs in Berkeley, CA
Canvasser
Average Salary: $44,033
Distribute promotional materials and collect feedback. Engage with community members. Work for local businesses or political campaigns.
Find Canvasser jobs in Berkeley, CA
Line Cook
Average Salary: $43,850
Prepare meals under pressure. Work in fast-paced kitchens. Follow recipes and maintain food quality.
Find Line Cook jobs in Berkeley, CA
Server Assistant
Average Salary: $43,568
Support servers by setting up tables and clearing dishes. Ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work in restaurants or cafes.
Find Server Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA
Dishwasher
Average Salary: $43,518
Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Maintain a tidy kitchen. Work in busy food service settings.
Find Dishwasher jobs in Berkeley, CA
Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $41,640
Assist in food preparation and cooking. Follow kitchen procedures. Work in a fast-paced environment.
Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Berkeley, CA
Server
Average Salary: $41,138
Take orders and serve food and beverages. Ensure customer satisfaction. Work in restaurants or cafes.
Find Server jobs in Berkeley, CA
Barista
Average Salary: $38,671
Prepare coffee and other beverages. Serve customers with a smile. Work in cafes or coffee shops.
Find Barista jobs in Berkeley, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Berkeley, CA?

Berkeley offers job seekers a variety of high-paying employment opportunities. PETS Referral Center leads the pack with an average salary of $159,302. Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente follow closely, offering $131,397 and $130,134, respectively. These companies provide competitive compensation, making Berkeley an attractive place for career growth. Other notable employers in Berkeley include Bayer and the University of California Berkeley, with average salaries of $106,962 and $96,864. LifeLong Medical Care and Backroads also provide solid pay, with average salaries around $91,991 and $80,508. Sun Light & Power, Berkeley Unified School District, and HEI Hotels & Resorts round out the list, offering salaries that are still above average. These companies offer great benefits and the chance for a rewarding career.

Graph displaying company salaries in Berkeley, CA, highlighting PETS Referral Center with the highest at $159,302 and HEI Hotels & Resorts with the lowest at $64,627.

PETS Referral Center
Average Salary: $159,302
PETS Referral Center offers a wide range of benefits for employees, including a competitive salary, health insurance, and retirement plans.
Sutter Health
Average Salary: $131,397
Sutter Health is a well-known healthcare provider that offers many opportunities for professional growth, along with a generous compensation package.
Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $130,134
Kaiser Permanente is a leading healthcare organization with a strong commitment to its employees' well-being. It offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.
Bayer
Average Salary: $106,962
Bayer is a global pharmaceutical and biotechnology company with a reputation for innovation. It provides a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
University of California Berkeley
Average Salary: $96,864
UC Berkeley is a top-tier research university. It offers a competitive salary and benefits for faculty and staff, along with opportunities for professional development.
LifeLong Medical Care
Average Salary: $91,991
LifeLong Medical Care is a leading healthcare provider in the Bay Area. It offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees.
Backroads
Average Salary: $80,508
Backroads is a travel company that offers a variety of benefits to its employees, including a competitive salary and health insurance.
Sun Light & Power
Average Salary: $79,304
Sun Light & Power is a leading provider of solar energy solutions. It offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits to its employees.
Berkeley Unified School District
Average Salary: $70,799
Berkeley Unified School District offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, along with opportunities for professional development.
HEI Hotels & Resorts
Average Salary: $64,627
HEI Hotels & Resorts is a leading hospitality company with a strong commitment to its employees' well-being. It offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits.

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

Berkeley, California, stands out with a cost of living index that exceeds the nationwide average of 100. Specifically, Berkeley's overall cost of living index is 165, indicating it is 65% higher than the national average. This significant difference is largely driven by housing costs, which are 180% of the national average, and groceries, which are 20% higher.

Cost of living comparison graph for Berkeley, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 180% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 30% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 40% higher.

Berkeley, CA, showcases a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing in Berkeley stands at an index of 280, which is 180% of the national average. This significant increase highlights the substantial financial commitment required for housing in this vibrant city. Job seekers should be aware that the expenses for renting or buying a home here are notably higher than in other parts of the country.

Beyond housing, other living expenses in Berkeley also exceed the national average. Groceries are priced at an index of 120, which represents 20% more than the nationwide average. Utilities, which include electricity, gas, water, and trash, show an index of 110, marking a 10% increase over the national average. Transportation costs are 30% higher, with an index of 130. Healthcare, though slightly below the average with an index of 105, still demands careful budgeting. Miscellaneous expenses, such as entertainment and personal care, show an index of 140, indicating a 40% higher cost. Overall, Berkeley's cost of living is considerably higher, requiring prospective residents to plan their finances accordingly.

Salaries in Berkeley, CA

What is the average salary in Berkeley, CA?

What are the best paying jobs in Berkeley, CA?

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

Which companies offer the top salaries in Berkeley, CA?

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

There are 665 job openings in Berkeley, CA, today!

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

Win at hiring.