Overview Salaries

Salaries in Carlsbad, CA

Updated on Oct 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Carlsbad, CA?

The average salary in Carlsbad, CA is $71,316 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Carlsbad, CA, showing an average salary of $71,316 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Carlsbad, CA, showing an average salary of $5,943 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Carlsbad, CA, showing an average salary of $1,371 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.

Job seekers looking at opportunities in Carlsbad, CA, will find a diverse job market with varying salary levels. The average yearly salary in the area stands at approximately $71,316. This figure can help individuals set realistic expectations for their potential earnings. With a variety of industries present, from healthcare to tech, Carlsbad offers competitive compensation across multiple sectors.


Here are some average annual salaries by industry in Carlsbad, CA:

  • Business and financial operations: $65,518
  • Community and social services: $49,659
  • Computer and mathematical: $113,095
  • Construction and extraction: $81,377
  • Education, training, and library: $43,810
  • Healthcare: $144,814
  • Installation, maintenance, and repair: $97,236
  • Legal: $160,673
  • Management: $192,391
  • Office and administrative support: $128,955
  • Sales and related: $208,250

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What are the best paying jobs in Carlsbad, CA?

Carlsbad, CA, offers several high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Systems Engineers, Product Managers, and Finance Managers lead the list with top-tier salaries. These roles attract candidates with specialized skills and experience, providing a promising career path in a thriving industry. In Carlsbad, Software Engineers and Program Managers also enjoy competitive wages. These positions require strong technical expertise and managerial skills. Job seekers in these fields can expect rewarding careers with good financial returns. Mechanical Engineers and Project Engineers further enhance the city's appeal with their attractive compensation packages. These roles focus on designing and managing projects, ensuring high-quality outcomes. Speech Language Pathologists and Financial Advisors round out the list of high earners, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in Carlsbad.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Carlsbad, CA, highlighting Systems Engineer with the highest at $154,299 and Speech Language Pathologist with the lowest at $124,705.

  1. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $154,299
    Responsible for designing, implementing, and managing computer systems. Key players work for technology firms in the city. They ensure systems run smoothly and efficiently.
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  2. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $152,969
    Focuses on the lifecycle of a product from development to market. They coordinate with various teams. They work with companies like biotech and manufacturing to bring products to life.
    Find Product Manager jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  3. Finance Manager
    Average Salary: $149,280
    Manages financial planning and reporting. They work closely with executives and departments. This role is crucial in ensuring financial stability and growth for businesses in the city.
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  4. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $147,499
    Designs, develops, and tests software applications. They often work for tech companies and startups. They ensure software meets user needs and performs well.
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  5. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $137,521
    Oversees multiple projects and teams. They coordinate resources and timelines. They play a key role in the success of projects across various industries.
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  6. Project Engineer
    Average Salary: $135,725
    Manages engineering projects from start to finish. They ensure projects meet specifications and deadlines. They work closely with construction and manufacturing companies.
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  7. Financial Advisor
    Average Salary: $135,548
    Helps individuals and businesses manage their finances. They provide advice on investments and financial planning. They work for wealth management firms and banks.
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  8. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $126,367
    Leads technical teams on projects. They ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. This role involves collaboration across different departments.
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  9. Mechanical Engineer
    Average Salary: $125,379
    Designs and develops mechanical systems. They work on everything from small parts to large machinery. Their work helps in various sectors, including manufacturing and aerospace.
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  10. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $124,705
    Helps people with communication and swallowing disorders. They work in healthcare settings. They assist patients in improving their ability to communicate effectively.
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What are the best paying jobs in Carlsbad, CA without a degree?

Carlsbad, CA, offers a variety of jobs with good pay that do not need a college degree. The top-paying positions include groundskeeper and housekeeping. Both jobs provide an annual salary around $47,000. People can also find well-paying jobs as service team members, beauty consultants, or kitchen team members. These positions offer an average salary above $43,000 each year. Other roles such as recreation assistant, line cook, server assistant, barista, and dishwasher also provide competitive wages.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Carlsbad, CA without a degree, highlighting Groundskeeper with the highest at $47,219 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $37,300.

  1. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $47,219
    A groundskeeper maintains the grounds of properties, ensuring they are well-kept. In Carlsbad, this could involve working with local parks or golf courses. The role needs someone who enjoys outdoor work and takes pride in a neat appearance.
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  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $44,879
    Housekeeping roles involve keeping rooms clean and tidy. These positions can be found in hotels, motels, and resorts. The job requires attention to detail and a strong work ethic, ensuring guests have a pleasant stay.
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  3. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $43,379
    Service team members assist customers in various settings. In Carlsbad, this role might be at a restaurant or a retail store. The job involves customer interaction, order taking, and helping guests with their needs.
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  4. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $43,354
    Beauty consultants work in stores, offering advice on skincare and makeup. They help customers find the right products and often provide tips on beauty routines. This role is ideal for those who love cosmetics and enjoy helping others.
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  5. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $43,160
    Kitchen team members are essential in restaurants. They prepare and cook food, ensuring each dish meets quality standards. This position can be found in various eateries, from casual diners to fine dining.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  6. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $41,414
    Recreation assistants work in community centers or parks. They organize activities and events for people of all ages. The job involves planning, setting up, and leading fun and educational activities.
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  7. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $40,357
    Line cooks work in fast-paced kitchen environments, preparing meals quickly and efficiently. They are part of the team that ensures the food is made on time. This role requires strong teamwork and multitasking skills.
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  8. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $39,063
    Server assistants support servers by setting up tables and assisting with service. They can be found in restaurants, where they help ensure a smooth dining experience. The job involves being attentive and responsive to guests' needs.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  9. Barista
    Average Salary: $38,922
    Baristas work in coffee shops, making a variety of beverages. They must know how to use coffee machines and create tasty drinks. This role is perfect for those who enjoy a fast-paced environment and serving customers.
    Find Barista jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  10. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $37,300
    Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They can be found in restaurants and other food service establishments. The job requires attention to detail and the ability to work in a hot, fast-paced kitchen.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Carlsbad, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Carlsbad, CA?

Job seekers looking for top-paying companies in Carlsbad, CA, will find strong opportunities at Viasat and L3Harris Technologies. These companies lead in offering competitive salaries, with Viasat paying an average of $164,949 and L3Harris Technologies offering $147,669 per year. Pratt & Whitney and Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. also provide attractive salaries, averaging around $139,000 and $138,500 respectively. Additionally, GEI Consultants, Inc. and Vuori are noteworthy for their strong average salaries of about $126,683 and $126,397. Job seekers can also consider Thermo Fisher Scientific, Dennis Group, Callaway Golf, and RQ Construction, LLC, which offer average salaries ranging from $122,489 to $108,016. These companies provide a variety of career options with competitive compensation.
Graph displaying company salaries in Carlsbad, CA, highlighting Viasat with the highest at $164,949 and RQ Construction, LLC with the lowest at $108,016.

  1. Viasat
    Average Salary: $164,949
    Viasat offers communications solutions for the aerospace and government sectors. They focus on providing global connectivity.


  2. L3Harris Technologies
    Average Salary: $147,669
    L3Harris Technologies is a leader in aerospace and defense technology. They create advanced systems for military and commercial use.


  3. Pratt & Whitney
    Average Salary: $139,186
    Pratt & Whitney is a renowned name in aviation. They produce aircraft engines and provide maintenance services for these engines.


  4. Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Average Salary: $138,566
    Ionis Pharmaceuticals focuses on discovering and developing treatments for serious diseases using RNA-targeted therapy.


  5. GEI Consultants, Inc.
    Average Salary: $126,683
    GEI Consultants provides engineering and program management services. They work in various sectors including defense and aerospace.


  6. Vuori
    Average Salary: $126,397
    Vuori designs high-performance activewear. They focus on combining style with functionality for everyday wear.


  7. Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Average Salary: $122,489
    Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a range of services and products in scientific research and analysis. They support various industries including healthcare and pharmaceuticals.


  8. Dennis Group
    Average Salary: $113,582
    Dennis Group specializes in architecture and engineering. They provide services for commercial and industrial projects.


  9. Callaway Golf
    Average Salary: $109,619
    Callaway Golf is a global leader in golf equipment. They design and manufacture golf clubs, balls, and accessories.


  10. RQ Construction, LLC
    Average Salary: $108,016
    RQ Construction, LLC focuses on construction management. They work on projects ranging from commercial to residential buildings.

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

The cost of living index in Carlsbad, California, reveals several areas above the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs are notably 80% higher, making it one of the most expensive categories. Other areas such as groceries, utilities, and healthcare also show increases, with grocery costs at 120% and healthcare at 130%. Professionals relocating to Carlsbad should budget for these higher expenses, especially in housing, to ensure a comfortable lifestyle. While the cost of living is higher, the benefits and quality of life in Carlsbad can justify these costs.
Cost of living comparison graph for Carlsbad, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 80% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 30% higher, miscellaneous 25% higher.

Carlsbad, CA, shows a higher cost of living than the nationwide average in several key areas, making it important for potential residents to consider these factors. The housing index stands at 180, which is 80% higher than the average. This significant increase suggests that housing costs in Carlsbad are considerably steeper. Additionally, groceries have a cost of living index of 120, reflecting a 20% increase from the national average. This rise in grocery prices indicates that everyday food purchases will cost more here.


Transportation and utilities in Carlsbad also show higher costs when compared to the nationwide average. Transportation costs have an index of 110, a 10% increase. Utilities also follow closely with an index of 110, showing the same 10% rise. Healthcare services have an index of 130, meaning costs are 30% higher. This is crucial for those who need regular medical care. Finally, the miscellaneous index of 125 represents a 25% increase over the average, pointing to a variety of other goods and services that are more expensive in Carlsbad. Understanding these indices helps job seekers assess the financial implications of relocating to Carlsbad.

There are 1,078 job openings in Carlsbad, CA, today!

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