Overview Salaries

Salaries in Berkeley, CA

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Berkeley, CA?

The average salary in Berkeley, CA is $80,713 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $80,713 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $6,726 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $1,552 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.

The average yearly salary in Berkeley, CA, is $80,713. This figure offers a snapshot of the earnings landscape for professionals in the area. Job seekers can expect a range of salaries based on the field of work.

Different industries offer different salary ranges. For example, professionals in the top-paying sectors can earn salaries starting from $113,167. At the same time, those in entry-level positions may start at around $36,890. This diversity in salaries provides opportunities for individuals at various stages of their careers. The distribution of salaries reflects the area’s robust economy and the value placed on different types of work.

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What are the best paying jobs in Berkeley, CA?

In Berkeley, CA, some of the highest paying jobs include roles in healthcare and education. For instance, staff nurses, dental hygienists, and registered nurses offer substantial salaries. This is due to the area's demand for quality healthcare services and specialized roles. In addition to healthcare, certain positions in management and technology also pay well. Professors and technical project leads often earn high salaries, reflecting the value placed on education and innovation in Berkeley. These jobs often require specialized skills and experience, making them both rewarding and competitive.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Berkeley, CA, highlighting Staff Nurse with the highest at $176,236 and Behavior Analyst with the lowest at $88,150.

  1. Staff Nurse
    Average Salary: $176,236
    This role involves caring for patients and working with doctors. Many healthcare facilities in the area, like UCSF, offer competitive pay. Experience and certifications can increase earning potential.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Berkeley, CA


  2. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $141,838
    Dental hygienists clean teeth and educate patients on oral care. Practices like Berkeley Smile Studio value skilled hygienists. Working in a city known for its health-conscious residents can lead to fulfilling work.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $138,509
    RNs provide patient care and work with other healthcare professionals. Many local hospitals and clinics hire RNs. The demand for skilled nurses remains high in this region.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Berkeley, CA


  4. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $119,944
    These professionals help patients with communication and swallowing. Educational institutions and healthcare facilities in Berkeley often need their services. Working with diverse patient populations can be rewarding.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  5. Professor
    Average Salary: $117,534
    Professors teach and conduct research in their fields. UC Berkeley offers many opportunities for professors. The academic environment fosters intellectual growth and collaboration.
    Find Professor jobs in Berkeley, CA


  6. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $116,404
    Occupational therapists help patients recover from injuries or disabilities. Local healthcare centers and rehabilitation facilities need their expertise. The work can be deeply rewarding for those who enjoy helping others.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  7. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $100,478
    These professionals manage tech projects and teams. Companies like Dropbox and GitHub are known for their tech roles. The city’s tech-savvy atmosphere offers many opportunities for growth.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Berkeley, CA


  8. Counselor
    Average Salary: $95,248
    Counselors provide support and guidance to individuals. Local schools and mental health clinics need counselors. This role allows for meaningful interactions and personal growth.
    Find Counselor jobs in Berkeley, CA


  9. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $92,308
    Program managers oversee specific programs and ensure they run smoothly. Nonprofits and tech companies often seek their skills. The role requires strong organizational and leadership abilities.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Berkeley, CA


  10. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $88,150
    Behavior analysts work with individuals to improve their behaviors. Schools and therapy centers offer many opportunities. The job allows for impactful work with diverse populations.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Berkeley, CA

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

Berkeley, CA offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. A Restaurant Manager can earn up to $63,000 a year, managing the day-to-day operations of a restaurant. Recreational Assistants, who organize and lead community events, can also earn over $58,000 annually. Another well-paid role is Housekeeping, where professionals earn around $47,000 a year. Meat Cutters and Canvassers, both with salaries above $44,000, also do not need a degree. These jobs provide good earnings for those who prefer not to pursue a college degree but still want a rewarding career.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Berkeley, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $63,007 and Kitchen Team Member with the lowest at $40,434.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $63,007
    Manage food service operations. Oversee kitchen staff. Ensure customer satisfaction. Work in local restaurants like Bouchon and Nopa.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Berkeley, CA


  2. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $58,254
    Help run community programs. Plan events and activities. Engage with local residents. Work with organizations like the Berkeley Parks & Recreation Department.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $47,187
    Clean and maintain rooms. Ensure a clean environment. Work in hotels or residential properties. Join the team at establishments like the Berkeley City Club.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Berkeley, CA


  4. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $45,793
    Cut and package meat. Follow safety guidelines. Work in grocery stores or butcher shops. Collaborate with places like Safeway and local butchers.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Berkeley, CA


  5. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $44,033
    Promote products or services. Gather information. Work on behalf of companies or political campaigns. Engage in campaigns for local businesses.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Berkeley, CA


  6. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $43,467
    Prepare ingredients and cook dishes. Work in fast-paced kitchens. Collaborate with chefs and kitchen staff. Join teams at restaurants like Pizzeria Delfina.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Berkeley, CA


  7. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $43,143
    Help servers with table setup and service. Ensure smooth operations. Work in fine dining or casual eateries. Partner with places like Chez Panisse and local cafes.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $42,405
    Clean dishes and kitchen utensils. Maintain a clean workspace. Work in fast-paced kitchen environments. Join teams at popular spots like The Elephant Bar and Grill.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Berkeley, CA


  9. Server
    Average Salary: $40,928
    Take orders and serve food. Interact with customers. Work in various dining settings. Serve at restaurants like Burma Superstar and local bistros.
    Find Server jobs in Berkeley, CA


  10. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,434
    Assist in food preparation and cooking. Work with kitchen staff. Ensure a clean and efficient kitchen. Join teams at places like The Plant Café and local eateries.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Berkeley, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Berkeley, CA?

Job seekers in Berkeley, CA, will find attractive salary opportunities at several top companies. PETS Referral Center leads with an average salary of $175,026, followed closely by Sutter Health at $129,943. These figures show that Berkeley offers competitive compensation across various industries. Other notable companies include Kaiser Permanente, which provides an average salary of $126,987, and Bayer with $107,168. The University of California Berkeley and LifeLong Medical Care also offer salaries above $95,000. Such data highlights the city's appeal for professionals seeking both rewarding careers and strong financial benefits.
Graph displaying company salaries in Berkeley, CA, highlighting PETS Referral Center with the highest at $175,026 and HEI Hotels & Resorts with the lowest at $64,205.

  1. PETS Referral Center
    Average Salary: $175,026
    PETS Referral Center provides veterinary services and supplies. They hire for a range of roles from veterinarians to administrative staff.


  2. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $129,943
    Sutter Health offers healthcare services. They have positions for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.


  3. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $126,987
    Kaiser Permanente is a healthcare organization. They have many job openings for healthcare workers and support staff.


  4. Bayer
    Average Salary: $107,168
    Bayer is a global science company. They offer jobs in research and development, among other fields.


  5. University of California Berkeley
    Average Salary: $95,884
    The University of California Berkeley is a leading institution of higher education. They hire for academic, administrative, and support roles.


  6. LifeLong Medical Care
    Average Salary: $86,928
    LifeLong Medical Care provides healthcare services. They offer positions for doctors, nurses, and administrative staff.


  7. Backroads
    Average Salary: $82,019
    Backroads offers travel experiences. They hire for roles in customer service, logistics, and sales.


  8. Sun Light & Power
    Average Salary: $80,222
    Sun Light & Power provides solar energy solutions. They have jobs for engineers, sales, and administrative roles.


  9. Berkeley Unified School District
    Average Salary: $71,298
    Berkeley Unified School District operates local schools. They hire teachers, administrators, and support staff.


  10. HEI Hotels & Resorts
    Average Salary: $64,205
    HEI Hotels & Resorts manages hotels and resorts. They offer jobs in hospitality, management, and more.

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, which is set at 100. Housing costs alone stand at 210, indicating a 110% higher price than the average. Other categories, such as groceries at 130 and transportation at 150, also point to higher expenses in Berkeley compared to the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Berkeley, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 110% higher, groceries 30% higher, utilities 20% higher, transportation 50% higher, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 40% higher.

The cost of living in Berkeley, California, stands significantly higher than the nationwide average. The housing index, for instance, is 210, indicating that housing costs are 110% higher than the national average. This means potential residents should budget more than double the cost they might expect in other parts of the country. Groceries in Berkeley also show a notable increase, with an index of 130, meaning they are 30% more expensive than the average.


Utilities in Berkeley are 120, which is 20% above the nationwide average. Transportation costs follow with an index of 150, indicating a 50% higher expense compared to the national average. Healthcare costs are slightly above average, with an index of 110, meaning they are 10% higher. Lastly, miscellaneous expenses have an index of 140, marking a 40% increase over the national average. Job seekers need to consider these factors when planning their budget in Berkeley.

There are 575 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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