Salaries in Berkeley, CA

Updated on May 09, 2025
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Berkeley, CA?

The average salary in Berkeley, CA is $84,469 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $84,469 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $7,039 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $1,624 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Berkeley, CA, showing an average salary of $41 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Berkeley, CA offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average salary in Berkeley is $84,469. This figure reflects the diverse job market and the high demand for skilled professionals. Salaries vary based on the industry and experience level.


Here are some average salaries for different roles in Berkeley:

  • Entry-level positions: $36,150
  • Mid-level positions: $53,318
  • Senior-level positions: $70,486
  • High-level positions: $104,823
  • Executive-level positions: $139,159
  • Top executive positions: $173,495
These figures show the potential for growth and advancement in Berkeley's job market.

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What are the best paying jobs in Berkeley, CA?

Berkeley, CA, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. Pharmacists lead the list with an average salary of $172,903. Staff Nurses and Dental Hygienists also earn well, with salaries around $170,000 and $137,000, respectively. These roles demand specialized skills and education, making them attractive for those seeking a lucrative career. Other top-paying jobs include Registered Nurses, Laboratory Technologists, and Occupational Therapists, all earning over $100,000 annually. These positions require dedication and expertise, offering both job satisfaction and financial rewards. Job seekers in Berkeley will find these roles highly competitive and rewarding.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Berkeley, CA, highlighting Pharmacist with the highest at $172,903 and Clinician with the lowest at $93,431.

  1. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $172,903
    Pharmacists in Berkeley work in various settings, including hospitals and retail pharmacies. They ensure patients receive the right medications and dosages. Companies like CVS and Walgreens offer opportunities.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  2. Staff Nurse
    Average Salary: $169,861
    Staff nurses provide essential care in hospitals and clinics. They monitor patients, administer treatments, and assist doctors. Local hospitals like UCSF Health offer rewarding positions.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Berkeley, CA


  3. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $136,969
    Dental hygienists clean teeth and educate patients on oral care. They work in dental offices and clinics. Practices like Berkeley Dental Group hire hygienists to help maintain patient health.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $133,730
    Registered nurses care for patients and coordinate with doctors. They work in hospitals, clinics, and home care. Local facilities like Alta Bates Summit Medical Center offer diverse roles.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Berkeley, CA


  5. Laboratory Technologist
    Average Salary: $124,482
    Laboratory technologists perform tests on samples to diagnose diseases. They work in labs and hospitals. Companies like Kaiser Permanente need skilled technologists for their labs.
    Find Laboratory Technologist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  6. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $113,882
    Occupational therapists help patients recover from injuries or illnesses. They work in hospitals, schools, and clinics. Local centers like UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital offer fulfilling roles.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  7. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $110,124
    Speech language pathologists treat patients with communication disorders. They work in schools, clinics, and hospitals. Local institutions like UCSF Health need dedicated pathologists.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Berkeley, CA


  8. Program Director
    Average Salary: $97,289
    Program directors oversee programs and ensure they meet goals. They work in non-profits, schools, and hospitals. Organizations like Berkeley Community Health Center offer leadership roles.
    Find Program Director jobs in Berkeley, CA


  9. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $96,465
    Technical project leads manage tech projects and teams. They work in tech companies and startups. Firms like Berkeley Labs offer exciting opportunities for tech leaders.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Berkeley, CA


  10. Clinician
    Average Salary: $93,431
    Clinicians provide direct patient care in various settings. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Local clinics like Berkeley Community Health Center offer diverse roles.
    Find Clinician jobs in Berkeley, CA

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

Berkeley, California, offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Restaurant Manager tops the list with an average salary of $65,824. This role involves overseeing daily operations, managing staff, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Housekeeping staff can earn around $45,605 annually, providing essential services in hotels and other facilities. Other well-paying jobs include Canvasser, with an average salary of $43,607, and Line Cook, earning about $41,790 per year. These positions offer good opportunities for individuals seeking stable and rewarding careers without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Berkeley, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $65,824 and Barista with the lowest at $37,219.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $65,824
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in a dynamic environment with companies like Bouchon and The Plant Café.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Berkeley, CA


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $45,605
    Clean and maintain hotel rooms and public areas. Ensure a clean and welcoming environment for guests. Opportunities exist with hotels such as The Claremont Club & Spa.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Berkeley, CA


  3. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $43,607
    Promote products or services by visiting homes and businesses. Engage with the community and gather feedback. Work with local businesses and organizations to spread awareness.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Berkeley, CA


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,790
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Work under pressure to meet high standards. Experience can be gained in restaurants like The Fat Lady and Cha-Ya.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Berkeley, CA


  5. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $41,699
    Support servers by setting up tables, taking orders, and clearing dishes. Provide excellent customer service. Opportunities are available in places like Café Gratitude and The Plant Café.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $41,250
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Maintain a clean and organized kitchen. Work in busy restaurants like The Plant Café and Cha-Ya.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Berkeley, CA


  7. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,870
    Assist in various kitchen tasks, from food prep to cooking. Work in a team to ensure smooth kitchen operations. Opportunities exist in places like The Plant Café and Cha-Ya.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Berkeley, CA


  8. Server
    Average Salary: $39,499
    Take orders, serve food and drinks, and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Provide excellent customer service. Work in restaurants like Bouchon and The Fat Lady.
    Find Server jobs in Berkeley, CA


  9. Barista
    Average Salary: $37,219
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Engage with customers and provide a friendly service. Opportunities are available in coffee shops like Blue Bottle Coffee and Philz.
    Find Barista jobs in Berkeley, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Berkeley, CA?

Job seekers in Berkeley, CA, can find high-paying opportunities with several companies. PETS Referral Center leads with an average salary of $180,871. Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente also offer competitive salaries, with averages around $127,075 and $119,803, respectively. Other notable employers include Bayer, ProCare Therapy, and Prime Roots, all providing salaries above $90,000. The University of California Berkeley, Sun Light & Power, Backroads, and LifeLong Medical Care also offer attractive compensation packages. These companies present excellent career options for those seeking well-paying jobs in Berkeley.
Graph displaying company salaries in Berkeley, CA, highlighting PETS Referral Center with the highest at $180,871 and LifeLong Medical Care with the lowest at $73,900.

  1. PETS Referral Center
    Average Salary: $180,871
    PETS Referral Center offers specialized services for pets. They focus on providing high-quality care and support for pet owners.


  2. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $127,075
    Sutter Health is a well-known healthcare provider. They offer a wide range of medical services and are committed to patient care.


  3. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $119,803
    Kaiser Permanente is a leading healthcare organization. They provide comprehensive health services and are known for their quality care.


  4. Bayer
    Average Salary: $106,019
    Bayer is a global science company. They focus on health and nutrition, offering innovative products and services.


  5. ProCare Therapy
    Average Salary: $97,101
    ProCare Therapy provides rehabilitation services. They aim to help patients recover and improve their quality of life.


  6. Prime Roots
    Average Salary: $95,172
    Prime Roots is a company that focuses on sustainable practices. They work on projects that benefit the environment and communities.


  7. University of California Berkeley
    Average Salary: $91,073
    UC Berkeley is a top university. It offers a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities.


  8. Sun Light & Power
    Average Salary: $82,895
    Sun Light & Power specializes in renewable energy solutions. They focus on providing sustainable energy options.


  9. Backroads
    Average Salary: $80,821
    Backroads offers guided tours and travel experiences. They focus on adventure and exploration in beautiful locations.


  10. LifeLong Medical Care
    Average Salary: $73,900
    LifeLong Medical Care provides healthcare services. They focus on delivering quality care to underserved communities.

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 150, which is 50% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely driven by housing costs, which are 150% of the national average. Other categories like groceries and utilities also show significant increases, making Berkeley an expensive place to live.
Cost of living comparison graph for Berkeley, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 150% higher, groceries 30% higher, utilities 20% higher, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 15% higher, miscellaneous 40% higher.

The cost of living in Berkeley, California, significantly exceeds the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Berkeley are notably higher, with an index of 250. This means housing expenses are 150% greater than the average cost across the country. For job seekers considering Berkeley, this could mean a substantial portion of their budget will go towards housing.


Other expenses in Berkeley also surpass the national average. Groceries have a cost of living index of 130, indicating a 30% increase over the average. Utilities, with an index of 120, are 20% higher. Transportation costs are 10% higher at 110, while healthcare costs are 15% higher at 115. Miscellaneous expenses, including entertainment, clothing, and personal care, are 40% higher at 140. These figures highlight that while Berkeley offers a high quality of life, it also comes with a higher financial commitment compared to the national average.

There are 760 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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