Overview Salaries

Salaries in Berkeley, CA

Updated on Sep 11, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Berkeley, CA?

The average salary in Berkeley, CA is $81,301 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $81,301 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $6,775 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $1,563 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, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in the area is around $81,301 per year. This figure reflects the diverse job market and the potential for competitive earnings.


The salary distribution shows a wide range of earnings. The highest-paying jobs offer salaries over $150,000 per year. Many positions pay between $60,000 and $100,000 annually. This variety allows job seekers to find roles that match their skills and career goals.

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What are the best paying jobs in Berkeley, CA?

Berkeley, CA, offers a range of high-paying jobs for skilled professionals. Among the top-paying positions are healthcare roles such as Staff Nurse, Registered Nurse, and Dental Hygienist. These jobs provide not only competitive salaries but also the chance to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. In addition to healthcare, Berkeley has a strong demand for roles in technology and education. Technical Project Leads and Professors can expect to earn substantial incomes. These positions require specialized skills and education, but they offer rewarding career paths with excellent compensation. Job seekers in Berkeley can find great opportunities in these well-paying fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Berkeley, CA, highlighting Staff Nurse with the highest at $173,765 and Behavior Analyst with the lowest at $92,541.

  1. Staff Nurse
    Average Salary: $173,765
    Staff nurses work in hospitals and clinics, providing care to patients. They work with doctors and other healthcare providers. In this city, they often work in top-rated medical facilities.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Berkeley, CA


  2. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $141,571
    Dental hygienists clean teeth and educate patients on oral health. They work in dental offices and clinics. In this area, they often collaborate with renowned dental professionals.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $135,955
    Registered nurses provide care to patients in hospitals and clinics. They work with doctors and other healthcare providers. In this city, they often work in top-rated medical facilities.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Berkeley, CA


  4. Laboratory Technologist
    Average Salary: $126,587
    Laboratory technologists perform tests on samples. They work in labs and hospitals. In this area, they often collaborate with leading research institutions.
    Find Laboratory Technologist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  5. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $118,114
    Speech language pathologists help people with speech and language disorders. They work in schools and clinics. In this city, they often collaborate with top educational institutions.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  6. Professor
    Average Salary: $115,882
    Professors teach and conduct research at universities. They work in classrooms and labs. In this area, they often collaborate with top-tier academic institutions.
    Find Professor jobs in Berkeley, CA


  7. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $114,630
    Occupational therapists help people recover from injuries or illnesses. They work in hospitals and clinics. In this city, they often collaborate with leading rehabilitation centers.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  8. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $98,854
    Technical project leads manage tech projects. They work with teams of developers and engineers. In this area, they often collaborate with leading tech companies.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Berkeley, CA


  9. Clinician
    Average Salary: $92,702
    Clinicians provide direct patient care. They work in hospitals and clinics. In this city, they often collaborate with top-rated healthcare providers.
    Find Clinician jobs in Berkeley, CA


  10. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $92,541
    Behavior analysts study and improve behaviors. They work in schools and clinics. In this area, they often collaborate with leading educational institutions.
    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 degree. Restaurant managers lead teams and earn an average of $62,702 per year. Housekeeping staff, meat cutters, and canvassers also enjoy competitive salaries. These positions offer good pay and valuable experience. Line cooks, dishwashers, and server assistants earn around $42,000 annually. Kitchen team members and servers make about $40,000. Baristas, while lower-paying, still provide a solid income. These jobs provide a chance to earn while gaining skills.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Berkeley, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $62,702 and Barista with the lowest at $37,844.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $62,702
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in upscale dining establishments and local eateries.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Berkeley, CA


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $46,994
    Clean and maintain rooms and common areas. Ensure a tidy environment for guests. Opportunities in hotels, resorts, and private homes.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Berkeley, CA


  3. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $46,225
    Cut and package meat for sale. Work in grocery stores and butcher shops. Follow safety guidelines and ensure quality cuts.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Berkeley, CA


  4. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $44,033
    Promote products or services by visiting homes. Gather information and feedback. Work for local businesses and political campaigns.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Berkeley, CA


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $42,375
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in restaurants and cafes. Follow recipes and maintain food quality.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Berkeley, CA


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $41,788
    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: $41,415
    Assist servers with table setup and service. Work in restaurants and cafes. Ensure a smooth dining experience for guests.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA


  8. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,133
    Support kitchen staff in food preparation and cooking. Work in restaurants and cafes. Follow kitchen safety and hygiene standards.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Berkeley, CA


  9. Server
    Average Salary: $39,997
    Take orders and serve food and drinks. Work in restaurants and cafes. Provide excellent customer service and ensure guest satisfaction.
    Find Server jobs in Berkeley, CA


  10. Barista
    Average Salary: $37,844
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Work in coffee shops and cafes. Create specialty drinks and maintain a welcoming atmosphere.
    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 choose from. PETS Referral Center leads with an average salary of $177,374. Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente follow closely, offering average salaries of $129,478 and $124,649, respectively. These companies provide competitive compensation packages, making Berkeley an attractive place for professionals seeking higher earnings. Other notable employers in Berkeley include Bayer, the University of California Berkeley, and Sun Light & Power. Bayer offers an average salary of $108,672, while the University of California Berkeley and Sun Light & Power provide average salaries of $94,430 and $81,447, respectively. These companies also offer attractive benefits and opportunities for career growth.
Graph displaying company salaries in Berkeley, CA, highlighting PETS Referral Center with the highest at $177,374 and HEI Hotels & Resorts with the lowest at $64,208.

  1. PETS Referral Center
    Average Salary: $177,374
    PETS Referral Center offers specialized services for pets. They provide a range of services from veterinary care to pet boarding. The company values its employees and offers competitive salaries.


  2. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $129,478
    Sutter Health is a well-known healthcare provider. They offer a variety of services, from primary care to specialized treatments. The company is committed to providing high-quality care and offers good salaries.


  3. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $124,649
    Kaiser Permanente is a leading healthcare organization. They provide a wide range of medical services. The company is known for its excellent benefits and competitive pay.


  4. Bayer
    Average Salary: $108,672
    Bayer is a global pharmaceutical and life sciences company. They focus on health and nutrition. The company offers a variety of job opportunities and pays well.


  5. University of California Berkeley
    Average Salary: $94,430
    UC Berkeley is a top university known for its academic excellence. It offers a range of programs and research opportunities. The university provides good salaries for its staff.


  6. Sun Light & Power
    Average Salary: $81,447
    Sun Light & Power is a company focused on renewable energy. They develop solar power solutions. The company offers competitive pay and a chance to work on innovative projects.


  7. LifeLong Medical Care
    Average Salary: $79,690
    LifeLong Medical Care provides healthcare services to the community. They offer a range of medical services. The company values its employees and offers good salaries.


  8. Backroads
    Average Salary: $78,775
    Backroads offers guided tours and outdoor adventures. They provide unique travel experiences. The company offers good pay and a chance to work in a dynamic environment.


  9. Berkeley Unified School District
    Average Salary: $72,579
    Berkeley Unified School District manages public schools in Berkeley. They focus on providing quality education. The district offers competitive salaries for its staff.


  10. HEI Hotels & Resorts
    Average Salary: $64,208
    HEI Hotels & Resorts manages hotels and resorts. They offer a range of hospitality services. The company provides good pay and opportunities for career growth.

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 111% higher, while groceries are 27% more expensive. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also surpass the national average by 24%, 19%, 9%, and 29%, respectively. This data highlights the higher expenses job seekers may face in Berkeley.
Cost of living comparison graph for Berkeley, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 146% higher, groceries 27% higher, utilities 23% higher, transportation 47% higher, healthcare 20% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

The cost of living in Berkeley, CA, significantly exceeds the nationwide average, particularly in housing. Berkeley's housing index stands at 211, which is 111% higher than the national average. This means that housing costs in Berkeley are more than double what they would be in an average U.S. city. For job seekers, this high index suggests that they should budget considerably more for housing if they plan to relocate to Berkeley.


Other expenses in Berkeley also surpass the national average. Groceries, for example, have an index of 127, which is 27% higher than the nationwide average. Utilities follow closely at 124, which is 24% above average. Transportation costs are 19% higher, with an index of 119. Even healthcare, which often remains relatively stable, is 9% higher than average, with an index of 109. Miscellaneous expenses also stand at 129, which is 29% higher than the national average. These figures indicate that overall living expenses in Berkeley are notably higher than in most other parts of the country.

There are 714 job openings in Berkeley, CA, today!

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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.
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Berkeley, CA
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