Salaries in Carlsbad, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Carlsbad, CA?

The average salary in Carlsbad, CA is $67,121 per year.

Carlsbad, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in Carlsbad is around $67,121. This figure provides a good starting point for job seekers looking to understand the earning potential in the area. Salaries can vary significantly based on the industry and job role.


Some of the top-paying industries in Carlsbad include healthcare, technology, and engineering. For example, healthcare professionals can earn upwards of $106,364 per year, while those in technology and engineering often see salaries around $121,136 annually. Other industries, such as retail and hospitality, offer lower salaries, with average earnings around $32,500 to $47,273. Job seekers should consider these differences when exploring career options in Carlsbad.

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What are the best paying jobs in Carlsbad, CA?

Carlsbad, CA, offers a range of top-paying jobs for skilled professionals. Program Managers, Financial Advisors, and Product Managers lead the list with high salaries. These roles require strong leadership, strategic thinking, and specialized knowledge, making them attractive to job seekers. Software Engineers, Attorneys, and Quality Managers also provide excellent compensation. These positions demand technical skills, legal expertise, and quality assurance abilities. Job seekers with these qualifications can find rewarding opportunities in Carlsbad. The city's diverse industries support these high-paying jobs, making it a great place for career growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Carlsbad, CA, highlighting Program Manager with the highest at $132,219 and Project Engineer with the lowest at $115,535.
  1. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $132,219
    This role involves overseeing projects and ensuring they meet goals. It requires strong leadership and communication skills. Companies like biotech firms and tech startups often seek these professionals.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  2. Financial Advisor
    Average Salary: $131,684
    Financial advisors provide guidance on investments and financial planning. They work with clients to help them achieve their financial goals. Local banks and financial institutions often hire these experts.
    Find Financial Advisor jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  3. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $131,322
    Product managers lead the development of new products. They work with cross-functional teams to bring products to market. Tech companies and healthcare firms often seek these professionals.
    Find Product Manager jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  4. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $125,591
    Software engineers design and develop software applications. They write code and test software to ensure it works well. Tech companies and startups often hire these experts.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  5. Attorney
    Average Salary: $125,442
    Attorneys provide legal advice and represent clients in court. They handle a variety of legal issues, from business to personal matters. Law firms and corporate legal departments often hire these professionals.
    Find Attorney jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  6. Quality Manager
    Average Salary: $123,742
    Quality managers ensure products meet quality standards. They oversee testing and implement quality control processes. Manufacturing companies and healthcare organizations often seek these experts.
    Find Quality Manager jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  7. Plumbing Technician
    Average Salary: $119,992
    Plumbing technicians install and repair plumbing systems. They work on residential and commercial projects. Local plumbing companies often hire these skilled workers.
    Find Plumbing Technician jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  8. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $117,012
    Technical project leads manage technical projects from start to finish. They coordinate teams and ensure projects are completed on time. Tech companies and engineering firms often hire these professionals.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  9. Construction Project Manager
    Average Salary: $116,420
    Construction project managers oversee construction projects. They manage budgets, schedules, and teams. Construction firms and real estate companies often hire these professionals.
    Find Construction Project Manager jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  10. Project Engineer
    Average Salary: $115,535
    Project engineers work on engineering projects. They design, develop, and test engineering solutions. Engineering firms and tech companies often hire these experts.
    Find Project Engineer jobs in Carlsbad, CA

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

Carlsbad, CA offers a range of high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Among these, drain cleaners earn the most, with an average salary of $75,192. Other well-paying positions include restaurant managers, powder coaters, and service team members. These jobs provide good earning potential and valuable experience. Restaurant managers, for example, can earn around $48,403 annually. Powder coaters and service team members also enjoy competitive salaries of about $48,317 and $41,895, respectively. These roles offer a chance to build skills and advance in various industries.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Carlsbad, CA without a degree, highlighting Drain Cleaner with the highest at $75,192 and Recreation Assistant with the lowest at $38,590.
  1. Drain Cleaner
    Average Salary: $75,192
    This role involves clearing blockages in pipes and drains. It requires using tools to remove debris. Companies like ABC Plumbing offer opportunities in this field.
    Find Drain Cleaner jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $48,403
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Local restaurants like The Bistro seek experienced managers.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  3. Powder Coater
    Average Salary: $48,317
    Apply powder coatings to metal parts. This job requires precision and attention to detail. Companies like Precision Coatings hire for this role.
    Find Powder Coater jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  4. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,895
    Provide excellent customer service in a retail setting. Assist customers with purchases and inquiries. Stores like Home Depot offer these positions.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  5. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $40,858
    Maintain the grounds of parks and properties. Tasks include mowing lawns and trimming shrubs. Local parks departments hire for these roles.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,474
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or residential properties. Ensure a tidy and welcoming environment. Hotels like the Carlsbad Inn need housekeepers.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  7. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $39,270
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Tasks include planting flowers and trimming hedges. Landscaping companies in the area offer these jobs.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  8. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $39,206
    Advise customers on beauty products. Recommend skincare and makeup. Beauty stores like Sephora hire for these roles.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  9. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $38,608
    Assist in food preparation and cooking. Work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Restaurants like The Grill offer these positions.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  10. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $38,590
    Help organize recreational activities for community members. Plan events and games. Local community centers hire for these roles.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Carlsbad, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Carlsbad, CA?

Job seekers in Carlsbad, CA, can find attractive salary opportunities with several top companies. Pratt & Whitney leads the way with an average salary of $148,627, followed closely by Viasat at $145,577. CyberCoders offers $138,780, making it a strong contender for those seeking a competitive salary. Other notable companies include GEI Consultants, Clearway Energy, and Ionis Pharmaceuticals, all offering salaries above $100,000. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Vuori, Callaway Golf, and Orthofix also provide solid compensation packages, ranging from $115,117 to $106,593. These companies present excellent opportunities for professionals looking to secure a rewarding position in Carlsbad.
Graph displaying company salaries in Carlsbad, CA, highlighting Pratt & Whitney with the highest at $148,627 and Orthofix with the lowest at $106,593.
  1. Pratt & Whitney
    Average Salary: $148,627
    Pratt & Whitney is a global leader in aerospace engineering. They design, build, and service aircraft engines. Their work is vital for the aviation industry.


  2. Viasat
    Average Salary: $145,577
    Viasat provides high-speed internet and satellite communications. They serve both commercial and government sectors. Their technology connects people around the world.


  3. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $138,780
    CyberCoders is a tech staffing company. They specialize in placing tech talent in various roles. Their expertise helps tech companies find the right people.


  4. GEI Consultants
    Average Salary: $127,435
    GEI Consultants offer engineering and environmental services. They work on projects that improve infrastructure and sustainability. Their work makes communities better places to live.


  5. Clearway Energy
    Average Salary: $126,271
    Clearway Energy focuses on renewable energy solutions. They develop and manage wind and solar projects. Their mission is to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy.


  6. Ionis Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $116,375
    Ionis Pharmaceuticals is a biotech company. They develop treatments for serious diseases. Their research aims to improve the quality of life for patients.


  7. Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Average Salary: $115,117
    Thermo Fisher Scientific provides scientific instruments and services. They support research and healthcare. Their products help scientists make important discoveries.


  8. Vuori
    Average Salary: $112,609
    Vuori is a clothing brand focused on activewear. They design stylish and functional apparel. Their products help people stay active and comfortable.


  9. Callaway Golf
    Average Salary: $108,655
    Callaway Golf manufactures golf equipment and apparel. They are known for their high-quality clubs and innovative designs. Their products help golfers improve their game.


  10. Orthofix
    Average Salary: $106,593
    Orthofix is a medical device company. They develop products for orthopedic and spine care. Their solutions help patients recover from injuries and improve mobility.

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

The cost of living in Carlsbad, CA, significantly exceeds the nationwide average. Housing costs are 70% higher than the national average, with an index of 170. Other expenses, such as groceries and transportation, also surpass the average, with indices of 120 and 130, respectively.
Cost of living comparison graph for Carlsbad, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 70% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 30% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 15% higher.

The cost of living in Carlsbad, CA, is notably higher than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Carlsbad stand at 170, which is 70% higher than the national average. This significant increase means that housing expenses are a major factor driving up the overall cost of living in the area.


Other expenses also reflect higher costs in Carlsbad. For instance, groceries cost 120, which is 20% above the national average. Utilities are at 110, 10% higher than the average. Transportation costs are 130, which is 30% more than the national figure. Healthcare costs are slightly above the average at 105, which is 5% higher. Miscellaneous expenses are at 115, 15% over the average. These figures show that while some costs are only slightly higher, others are significantly more expensive in Carlsbad.

There are 1,360 job openings in Carlsbad, CA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Carlsbad, CA

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.
City
Overview
Carlsbad, CA
1,360 Job Openings