Overview Salaries

Salaries in Carlsbad, CA

Updated on Nov 10, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Carlsbad, CA?

The average salary in Carlsbad, CA is $68,472 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Carlsbad, CA, showing an average salary of $68,472 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Carlsbad, CA, showing an average salary of $5,706 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Carlsbad, CA, showing an average salary of $1,317 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Carlsbad, CA, showing an average salary of $33 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Carlsbad, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in Carlsbad is $68,472. This figure provides a good overview of the earning potential in the area. Many job seekers find that the average salary aligns with their expectations and career goals.


Carlsbad's salary distribution shows a mix of lower and higher-paying jobs. The most common salary range is around $33,000 to $48,000. The highest-paying jobs can reach up to $200,000 annually. This range indicates that there are opportunities for both entry-level positions and senior roles. Job seekers can explore different sectors to find the best fit for their skills and career aspirations.

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What are the best paying jobs in Carlsbad, CA?

Carlsbad, CA, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. Among the top-paying jobs in the area are Systems Engineer, Program Manager, and Financial Advisor. These roles provide competitive salaries and are in demand, making them excellent choices for job seekers. The Systems Engineer position stands out with an average salary of $140,555. Program Managers earn around $139,606, while Financial Advisors can expect to make about $135,320. These positions require specific skills and experience, but they offer substantial rewards. Job seekers with the right qualifications will find these roles both attractive and lucrative.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Carlsbad, CA, highlighting Systems Engineer with the highest at $140,555 and Construction Project Manager with the lowest at $116,330.

  1. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $140,555
    This role involves designing and maintaining systems. It requires strong technical skills. Companies like Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems offer opportunities in this field.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  2. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $139,606
    Program managers oversee projects from start to finish. They coordinate teams and resources. Local companies such as BAE Systems and Raytheon Technologies need skilled program managers.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  3. Financial Advisor
    Average Salary: $135,320
    Financial advisors help clients manage their money. They provide advice on investments and savings. Firms like Edward Jones and Merrill Lynch are prominent in the area.
    Find Financial Advisor jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  4. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $134,635
    Product managers lead the development of new products. They work closely with engineering and marketing teams. Companies like Qualcomm and Cirrus Logic offer exciting product management roles.
    Find Product Manager jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  5. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $132,567
    Software engineers create and maintain software applications. They write code and test programs. Tech companies like Qualcomm and Cirrus Logic are hiring for software engineers.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  6. Attorney
    Average Salary: $126,910
    Attorneys provide legal advice and represent clients in court. They handle a variety of cases. Law firms in the area offer opportunities for skilled attorneys.
    Find Attorney jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  7. Plumbing Technician
    Average Salary: $120,595
    Plumbing technicians install and repair plumbing systems. They work on residential and commercial projects. Local companies need skilled plumbing technicians.
    Find Plumbing Technician jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  8. Project Engineer
    Average Salary: $117,970
    Project engineers manage engineering projects. They ensure projects stay on schedule and budget. Companies like Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems offer project engineering roles.
    Find Project Engineer jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  9. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $116,753
    Technical project leads oversee technical projects. They coordinate teams and manage resources. Tech companies like Qualcomm and Cirrus Logic need skilled project leads.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  10. Construction Project Manager
    Average Salary: $116,330
    Construction project managers oversee construction projects. They ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Local construction firms offer opportunities for project managers.
    Find Construction Project Manager jobs in Carlsbad, CA

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

Carlsbad, CA offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Drain cleaners lead the list with an average salary of $75,192. Restaurant managers also earn a strong income, averaging $52,924 annually. Other well-paying positions include powder coaters, groundskeepers, and service team members. These jobs provide good earnings and opportunities for career growth without needing a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Carlsbad, CA without a degree, highlighting Drain Cleaner with the highest at $75,192 and Line Cook with the lowest at $38,521.

  1. Drain Cleaner
    Average Salary: $75,192
    This job involves clearing blockages in pipes and drains. It requires using tools and chemicals to remove debris. Companies like ABC Plumbing offer this role.
    Find Drain Cleaner jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $52,924
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Local eateries like The Bistro seek experienced managers.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  3. Powder Coater
    Average Salary: $49,751
    Apply powder coatings to metal surfaces. This job requires precision and attention to detail. Companies like Precision Coatings hire for this role.
    Find Powder Coater jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  4. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $44,361
    Maintain the grounds of a property. This includes mowing lawns, trimming shrubs, and general upkeep. Local parks and estates need skilled workers.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $44,008
    Provide excellent customer service in a retail setting. This role involves assisting customers and managing inventory. Stores like Target and Walmart offer these positions.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,775
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or other lodging facilities. This job requires attention to detail and cleanliness. Hotels like Hilton and Marriott hire for this role.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  7. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,541
    Assist in food preparation and cooking. This role involves working in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Restaurants like The Grill House seek team members.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  8. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $39,879
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. This includes planting, pruning, and landscaping. Companies like Green Thumb Landscape offer these jobs.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  9. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $39,465
    Advise customers on beauty products and services. This role involves product knowledge and customer interaction. Stores like Sephora and Ulta Beauty hire for this position.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  10. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $38,521
    Prepare food in a fast-paced kitchen environment. This role requires following recipes and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Restaurants like The Diner hire line cooks.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Carlsbad, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Carlsbad, CA?

Job seekers in Carlsbad, CA, have several top-paying companies to consider. Viasat leads the pack with an average salary of $157,678. CyberCoders follows closely with an average salary of $143,663. These companies offer competitive compensation packages, making them attractive options for professionals seeking higher earnings. Other notable companies in Carlsbad include Pratt & Whitney, L3Harris, and Ionis Pharmaceuticals. Pratt & Whitney offers an average salary of $140,580, while L3Harris provides $135,105. Ionis Pharmaceuticals pays an average of $125,290. These companies also provide strong financial benefits for their employees.
Graph displaying company salaries in Carlsbad, CA, highlighting Viasat with the highest at $157,678 and Callaway Golf with the lowest at $110,569.

  1. Viasat
    Average Salary: $157,678
    Viasat offers high-paying jobs in the telecommunications industry. They focus on satellite communications and internet services.


  2. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $143,663
    CyberCoders specializes in tech recruitment. They provide job opportunities with competitive salaries in the tech sector.


  3. Pratt & Whitney
    Average Salary: $140,580
    Pratt & Whitney is a leader in aerospace engineering. They offer rewarding careers in aircraft engine design and manufacturing.


  4. L3Harris
    Average Salary: $135,105
    L3Harris focuses on advanced technology solutions. They provide jobs in defense, aerospace, and communications.


  5. Ionis Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $125,290
    Ionis Pharmaceuticals is a biotech company. They develop innovative treatments for serious diseases.


  6. GEI Consultants
    Average Salary: $123,479
    GEI Consultants offers consulting services. They provide high-paying jobs in engineering and environmental consulting.


  7. Vuori
    Average Salary: $116,415
    Vuori is a lifestyle brand. They offer jobs in apparel design and retail with competitive salaries.


  8. Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Average Salary: $115,992
    Thermo Fisher Scientific provides scientific instruments and services. They offer rewarding careers in research and development.


  9. Gemological Institute of America
    Average Salary: $111,273
    GIA is the world's leading authority in gemology. They offer jobs in gem grading and research.


  10. Callaway Golf
    Average Salary: $110,569
    Callaway Golf manufactures golf equipment. They offer jobs in product design and marketing.

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

Carlsbad, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index in Carlsbad is 121, which is 21% higher than the national average of 100. Housing costs in Carlsbad are notably higher, with an index of 189, representing an 89% increase over the national average. This significant difference highlights the importance for job seekers to consider the cost of living when evaluating employment opportunities in Carlsbad.
Cost of living comparison graph for Carlsbad, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 89% higher, groceries 12% higher, utilities 5% lower, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 5% higher.

The cost of living in Carlsbad, California, is notably higher than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Carlsbad stand at 189, indicating that residents pay nearly 90% more than the national average. This significant increase in housing expenses can greatly impact overall living costs, making it a major consideration for potential residents.


Other expenses in Carlsbad also reflect higher costs compared to the national average. For instance, groceries cost 112, which is 12% more than the average. Utilities are slightly below the national average at 95, showing a 5% decrease. Transportation costs are 15% higher at 115, while healthcare expenses are 10% above average at 110. Miscellaneous costs are 5% higher at 105. These figures highlight the elevated cost of living in Carlsbad, particularly in key areas like housing and groceries.

There are 1,249 job openings in Carlsbad, CA, today!

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Carlsbad, CA
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