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What is the average salary in Berkeley, CA?

The average salary in Berkeley, CA is $81,228 per year.

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.

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What are the best paying jobs in Berkeley, CA?

Berkeley, CA, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. Staff Nurses lead the list with an average salary of $175,065. Other top-paying jobs include Dental Hygienists, earning around $141,936, and Registered Nurses, with an average salary of $136,611. These roles provide excellent compensation and are in demand in the area. Additionally, Laboratory Technologists and Speech Language Pathologists enjoy competitive salaries, averaging $127,374 and $118,680, respectively. Professors, Technical Project Leads, Counselors, and Behavior Analysts also offer attractive pay packages, with salaries ranging from $117,892 to $92,979. These positions cater to a range of skills and educational backgrounds, making them appealing to many job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Berkeley, CA, highlighting Staff Nurse with the highest at $175,065 and Behavior Analyst with the lowest at $92,979.
  1. 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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  2. 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.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  3. 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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  4. 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.
    Find Laboratory Technologist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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.
    Find Counselor jobs in Berkeley, CA


  10. 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.
    Find Behavior Analyst 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 college degree. Restaurant managers earn the highest average salary at $62,794. Other top-paying jobs include housekeeping, meat cutter, and canvasser. These positions offer competitive pay and valuable work experience. Housekeeping staff can earn up to $46,984 annually. Meat cutters and canvassers also enjoy good salaries, with averages of $46,225 and $44,033, respectively. These jobs provide a chance to earn a solid income while gaining skills in customer service, teamwork, and more.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Berkeley, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $62,794 and Barista with the lowest at $38,125.
  1. 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.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Berkeley, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Berkeley, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Berkeley, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Berkeley, CA


  5. 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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  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $41,985
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Work in restaurants and cafes. Ensure a clean and organized kitchen.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Berkeley, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA


  8. Server
    Average Salary: $40,693
    Take orders and serve food to customers. Work in restaurants and cafes. Ensure a pleasant dining experience.
    Find Server jobs in Berkeley, CA


  9. 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.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Berkeley, CA


  10. Barista
    Average Salary: $38,125
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Work in coffee shops. Create delicious drinks and provide excellent customer service.
    Find Barista jobs in Berkeley, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Berkeley, CA?

Job seekers in Berkeley, CA, have several top-paying companies to consider. PETS Referral Center leads with an average salary of $177,802. Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente follow closely, offering average salaries of $129,268 and $122,925, respectively. These companies provide competitive compensation packages, making them attractive options for professionals in the area. Other notable employers include Bayer, University of California Berkeley, and LifeLong Medical Care, all offering average salaries above $80,000. Sun Light & Power, Backroads, Berkeley Unified School District, and HEI Hotels & Resorts also provide solid compensation, with average salaries ranging from $64,154 to $82,846. These companies present good opportunities for those seeking rewarding careers in Berkeley.
Graph displaying company salaries in Berkeley, CA, highlighting PETS Referral Center with the highest at $177,802 and HEI Hotels & Resorts with the lowest at $64,154.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. Backroads
    Average Salary: $77,816
    Backroads offers guided tours and travel experiences. They focus on providing unique and memorable travel adventures.


  9. 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.


  10. 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?

Berkeley, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index in Berkeley stands at 135, which is 35% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely driven by housing costs, which are 68% higher than the average. Other categories like groceries, transportation, and utilities also exceed the national average, making Berkeley an expensive place to live.
Cost of living comparison graph for Berkeley, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 68% higher, groceries 35% higher, utilities 3% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 15% higher, miscellaneous 25% higher.

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.

There are 745 job openings in Berkeley, CA, today!

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Berkeley, CA
745 Job Openings