Overview Salaries

Salaries in Carlsbad, CA

Updated on Jul 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Carlsbad, CA?

The average salary in Carlsbad, CA is $70,888 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Carlsbad, CA, showing an average salary of $70,888 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Carlsbad, CA, showing an average salary of $5,907 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Carlsbad, CA, showing an average salary of $1,363 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Carlsbad, CA, showing an average salary of $34 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Carlsbad, CA, offers a range of salaries across various job sectors. On average, a worker can expect to earn $70,888 per year. The average salary reflects a mix of industries and positions available in the area.

The salary distribution shows that many jobs pay between $33,800 and $144,814 annually. This distribution highlights the variety in job opportunities, from entry-level positions to higher-paying roles. The median salary of $81,377 means half of the workers earn more, while half earn less.

Some of the highest-paying jobs include:

  • Executive positions
  • Technical roles
  • Healthcare professions
  • Finance and legal jobs

This mix ensures that job seekers in Carlsbad can find opportunities that match their skills and career goals.

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What are the best paying jobs in Carlsbad, CA?

Carlsbad, CA, offers several high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Among these roles, Product Managers lead the way with an average salary of $147,740. Close behind are Systems Engineers and Attorneys, both offering salaries above $140,000. These positions require specialized skills and expertise, making them attractive to those seeking competitive compensation. Other top-paying jobs in Carlsbad include Software Engineers, Financial Advisors, and Program Managers. These roles demand a mix of technical know-how and strategic thinking, with average salaries ranging from $135,000 to $144,000. Carlsbad provides a variety of industries and companies that value these skills, making it an ideal place for job seekers looking to advance their careers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Carlsbad, CA, highlighting Product Manager with the highest at $147,740 and Dental Hygienist with the lowest at $118,177.

  1. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $147,740
    Drive product development and strategy. Work with cross-functional teams to launch successful products. Companies like biotech and tourism-related firms need your skills.
    Find Product Manager jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  2. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $143,664
    Design and maintain systems for smooth operations. Ensure all technology works well together. Companies need your expertise in software, hardware, and networks.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  3. Attorney
    Average Salary: $140,431
    Provide legal advice and represent clients. Work in areas like corporate law or real estate. Many local firms seek skilled attorneys.
    Find Attorney jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  4. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $137,012
    Create and maintain software applications. Work with teams to solve problems. Companies in tech, finance, and healthcare need your skills.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  5. Financial Advisor
    Average Salary: $135,750
    Help clients manage their finances. Provide advice on investments, retirement, and taxes. Many financial firms look for experienced advisors.
    Find Financial Advisor jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  6. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $134,346
    Oversee programs from start to finish. Coordinate teams and resources to achieve goals. Companies need your project management skills.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  7. Project Engineer
    Average Salary: $130,839
    Lead engineering projects from conception to completion. Ensure projects meet deadlines and budgets. Engineering and construction firms need your expertise.
    Find Project Engineer jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  8. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $121,541
    Guide tech projects through to success. Manage teams and timelines. Companies value your technical and leadership skills.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  9. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $121,030
    Help people with communication and swallowing disorders. Work in healthcare settings. The city needs skilled pathologists.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  10. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $118,177
    Clean teeth and educate patients on oral health. Work in dental offices. Many practices look for experienced hygienists.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Carlsbad, CA

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

Job seekers in Carlsbad, CA, can find several well-paying roles that do not require a college degree. Among these positions, restaurant managers top the list with an average salary of $55,276. These roles demand strong leadership and customer service skills, making them ideal for those eager to advance without a degree. Opportunities in food service, groundskeeping, and hospitality also offer attractive pay. For example, food service aides and kitchen team members earn about $49,264 and $42,671, respectively. These jobs focus on customer satisfaction and efficiency, making them accessible to those with relevant experience and a willingness to learn.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Carlsbad, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $55,276 and Line Cook with the lowest at $39,344.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $55,276
    Oversee the daily operations of eateries. Coordinate staff, handle customer complaints, and manage inventory. Work for local eateries and hotels.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  2. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $49,264
    Serve food and beverages in dining areas. Clear tables and ensure cleanliness. Job opportunities at dining establishments and hotels.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $46,637
    Maintain the appearance of outdoor areas. Handle tasks like mowing, pruning, and snow removal. Find work in landscaping firms.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  4. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $44,771
    Help guests with their needs. Provide information and assist with reservations. Work in hospitality venues.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  5. Banquet Houseperson
    Average Salary: $44,527
    Prepare banquet spaces for events. Set up tables, arrange chairs, and clean up. Opportunities at event spaces and hotels.
    Find Banquet Houseperson jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $43,345
    Clean rooms and common areas. Replenish supplies and ensure a tidy environment. Work in hotels and resorts.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  7. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $42,677
    Advise clients on beauty products. Perform treatments and demonstrations. Work in retail stores.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  8. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,671
    Prepare and cook meals. Follow recipes and ensure food quality. Work in various dining establishments.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  9. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $41,372
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Plant flowers, trees, and grass. Find jobs with landscaping firms.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  10. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $39,344
    Prepare ingredients and cook meals. Work in a fast-paced kitchen. Opportunities at restaurants and cafes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Carlsbad, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Carlsbad, CA?

In Carlsbad, CA, several companies stand out for offering competitive salaries to their employees. Viasat leads the pack with an average salary of $162,245. Other top-paying companies include L3Harris, where the average salary reaches $145,468, and Pratt & Whitney, with an average salary of $143,480. Job seekers will find attractive opportunities at companies like Ionis Pharmaceuticals and GEI Consultants, both offering average salaries around $133,000. Vuori, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Anaergia also provide solid compensation packages, with averages ranging from $123,000 to $120,000. Positions at Dennis Group and Callaway Golf complete the list of well-paying companies, with average salaries from $110,000 to $109,000.
Graph displaying company salaries in Carlsbad, CA, highlighting Viasat with the highest at $162,245 and Callaway Golf with the lowest at $109,274.

  1. Viasat
    Average Salary: $162,245
    Viasat is a communications company that offers satellite and ground-based communications. They provide services to various sectors, including defense and commercial.


  2. L3Harris
    Average Salary: $145,468
    L3Harris is a technology company that focuses on defense, aeronautics, and communications. They work with government and military clients.


  3. Pratt & Whitney
    Average Salary: $143,480
    Pratt & Whitney is a manufacturer of aircraft engines. They create engines for commercial and military aircraft.


  4. Ionis Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $133,245
    Ionis Pharmaceuticals develops medicines for rare and severe diseases. Their focus is on genetic medicines that address underlying causes of diseases.


  5. GEI Consultants
    Average Salary: $124,843
    GEI Consultants offers engineering and environmental services. They provide solutions to clients in energy, water, and infrastructure.


  6. Vuori
    Average Salary: $123,284
    Vuori is a lifestyle brand that designs performance apparel. Their focus is on creating high-quality clothing for active lifestyles.


  7. Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Average Salary: $120,134
    Thermo Fisher Scientific provides scientific instruments and services. They serve the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied markets.


  8. Anaergia
    Average Salary: $119,032
    Anaergia designs and builds waste-to-energy solutions. They create systems to convert organic waste into clean energy.


  9. Dennis Group
    Average Salary: $110,086
    Dennis Group is a real estate development and management company. They focus on residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties.


  10. Callaway Golf
    Average Salary: $109,274
    Callaway Golf designs and manufactures golf equipment and apparel. Their products cater to both professional and amateur golfers.

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

The cost of living index in Carlsbad, CA, stands notably higher than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs, specifically, are 65% higher, while groceries cost 20% more. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also exceed the national average by varying degrees, making Carlsbad an expensive place to live. Professionals moving to Carlsbad should budget accordingly for these elevated costs. The overall cost of living index for Carlsbad is significantly higher than the national average, with housing alone being 65% more expensive. These elevated costs across various sectors make it essential for job seekers to consider the financial implications before relocating to Carlsbad, CA.
Cost of living comparison graph for Carlsbad, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 65% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

The cost of living in Carlsbad, CA, significantly surpasses the nationwide average, with housing costs being a major factor. Housing prices in Carlsbad are 65% higher than the national average, as evidenced by a cost of living index of 165. This high index suggests that prospective residents will likely face considerable expenses in finding suitable accommodations.


Additionally, groceries in Carlsbad are 20% more expensive than the nationwide average, with an index of 120. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also exceed the national average, each showing a 10% to 30% increase. For instance, utilities have an index of 110, meaning they cost 10% more, while groceries, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items cost 20%, 15%, 5%, and 30% more, respectively. These figures highlight the elevated cost of living in Carlsbad, making it a critical consideration for anyone contemplating a move.

There are 956 job openings in Carlsbad, CA, today!

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Discover what it's like to work in Carlsbad, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
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Carlsbad, CA
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