Overview Salaries

Salaries in Carlsbad, CA

Updated on Jun 10, 2026
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Carlsbad, CA?

The average salary in Carlsbad, CA is $70,516 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Carlsbad, CA, showing an average salary of $70,516 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Carlsbad, CA, showing an average salary of $5,876 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Carlsbad, CA, showing an average salary of $1,356 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 in Carlsbad, CA, can look forward to competitive salaries across various industries. The city offers a diverse job market, making it an attractive place to find employment. The average yearly salary in Carlsbad stands at $70,516, which provides a solid income for most residents.


Carlsbad's salary distribution varies by occupation. The highest-paying jobs often fall within the professional and tech sectors. For instance, the top earners work in roles such as software developers, earning over $192,000 a year. Other well-compensated fields include finance and healthcare. Below is a look at the salary breakdown:

  • Software developers: $192,000+
  • Finance professionals: $176,000+
  • Healthcare specialists: $160,000+
  • Other roles: Various salaries
Finding a job in Carlsbad can lead to a fulfilling career with attractive pay.

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What are the best paying jobs in Carlsbad, CA?

For job seekers in Carlsbad, CA, the top paying positions include roles such as Product Manager, Systems Engineer, and Software Engineer. These roles offer competitive salaries, with Product Managers earning an average of $149,144, Systems Engineers at $144,554, and Software Engineers at $138,310 annually. Such jobs promise not only high earnings but also opportunities for professional growth and career advancement in a thriving job market. Additionally, careers like Attorney and Program Manager also provide substantial compensation in Carlsbad, CA. Attorneys can expect an average salary of $137,567, while Program Managers earn around $136,686 per year. These roles require specialized skills and experience, making them valuable in various industries. Job seekers with the right qualifications can find rewarding opportunities in these high-paying fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Carlsbad, CA, highlighting Product Manager with the highest at $149,144 and Dental Hygienist with the lowest at $118,137.

  1. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $149,144
    A product manager oversees the development and strategy for tech products. In Carlsbad, CA, they work with companies like Alteryx and PTC to bring new products to market. Their role involves leading cross-functional teams to ensure product success.
    Find Product Manager jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  2. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $144,554
    Systems engineers design and maintain complex systems. In Carlsbad, CA, they collaborate with companies like Teradyne and Raytheon. Their work ensures that systems run smoothly and efficiently. They troubleshoot issues and implement solutions to improve performance.
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  3. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $138,310
    Software engineers develop applications and systems. In Carlsbad, CA, they work with tech companies such as Alteryx and PTC. They write and test code to create software that meets user needs. They play a key role in software development projects.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  4. Attorney
    Average Salary: $137,567
    Attorneys provide legal advice and represent clients in court. In Carlsbad, CA, they work for firms like Ault, Berry, Chappel, & Harris and Jones, Jones, & Allsbrook. They prepare legal documents and argue cases in court. Their expertise is essential for navigating legal challenges.
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  5. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $136,686
    Program managers lead projects from start to finish. In Carlsbad, CA, they work for companies such as Teradyne and Raytheon. They coordinate teams and resources to achieve project goals. Their role involves planning, budgeting, and monitoring progress to ensure successful outcomes.
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  6. Financial Advisor
    Average Salary: $136,359
    Financial advisors help individuals and businesses manage their finances. In Carlsbad, CA, they work with clients in various sectors. They provide advice on investments, retirement plans, and tax strategies. Their goal is to help clients achieve their financial goals.
    Find Financial Advisor jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  7. Project Engineer
    Average Salary: $126,672
    Project engineers oversee engineering projects. In Carlsbad, CA, they work for companies like Teradyne and Raytheon. They manage the design, development, and implementation of engineering projects. Their role involves coordinating teams and ensuring projects meet specifications and deadlines.
    Find Project Engineer jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  8. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $121,441
    Technical project leads guide tech projects. In Carlsbad, CA, they work with companies such as Alteryx and PTC. They manage technical teams and ensure projects are completed on time. Their role involves coordinating efforts and solving technical challenges.
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  9. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $120,855
    Speech language pathologists help individuals with communication disorders. In Carlsbad, CA, they work in healthcare facilities. They assess and treat speech and language issues. Their work improves patients' ability to communicate effectively.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  10. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $118,137
    Dental hygienists clean teeth and educate patients on oral care. In Carlsbad, CA, they work in dental offices. They perform exams, take X-rays, and apply preventive treatments. Their role is vital for maintaining patients' oral health.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Carlsbad, CA

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

Discover some of the top-paying jobs in Carlsbad, CA that do not require a college degree. These roles offer good salaries and valuable work experience. For instance, a Restaurant Manager can earn around $54,514 annually. This position involves overseeing restaurant staff and ensuring smooth operations. Other well-paying jobs include Food Service Aide, Groundskeeper, and Banquet Houseperson. These roles provide solid pay and opportunities to grow in the industry. For example, a Food Service Aide makes about $49,358 per year. Such jobs offer a pathway to better career opportunities and job stability.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Carlsbad, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $54,514 and Recreation Assistant with the lowest at $39,625.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $54,514
    Oversee daily operations, manage staff, and ensure customer satisfaction in popular local restaurants. Companies like TGI Fridays and P.F. Chang’s offer such roles.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  2. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $49,358
    Assist in food preparation and clean up in busy eateries. Restaurants like Del Taco and Panera Bread hire for this position.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $46,637
    Maintain the grounds of local businesses and parks. Companies such as Home Depot and Lowe’s hire for these roles.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  4. Banquet Houseperson
    Average Salary: $44,233
    Prepare venues for events, set up tables and chairs, and clean up after events. Event centers like the Carlsbad Events Center offer these jobs.
    Find Banquet Houseperson jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $44,150
    Serve food and drinks, take orders, and ensure guests have a pleasant experience. Restaurants like Chipotle and Starbucks hire for these roles.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $43,324
    Clean guest rooms and public areas in hotels. Hotels like Marriott and Hilton provide these opportunities.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  7. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $42,677
    Sell beauty products and provide skin care advice to customers. Companies such as Ulta Beauty and Sephora hire for these positions.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  8. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,581
    Prepare food and assist in kitchen tasks. Local restaurants like In-N-Out Burger and McDonald’s offer these jobs.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  9. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $40,364
    Maintain lawns and gardens, plant flowers, and trim trees. Companies like TruGreen and GreenPal offer landscaping jobs.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Carlsbad, CA


  10. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $39,625
    Organize activities for residents in community centers. Organizations like YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs offer such roles.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Carlsbad, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Carlsbad, CA?

Top-paying companies in Carlsbad, CA, offer competitive salaries and attractive benefits. Viasat, L3Harris, and Pratt & Whitney lead the way with average salaries exceeding $140,000. Job seekers can expect good opportunities in these companies. Ionis Pharmaceuticals, GEI Consultants, and Vuori also provide strong compensation packages. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Anaergia, Dennis Group, and Callaway Golf offer solid salaries for those seeking stability and growth. These companies value their employees, making Carlsbad a great place for job seekers to find rewarding positions.
Graph displaying company salaries in Carlsbad, CA, highlighting Viasat with the highest at $161,333 and Callaway Golf with the lowest at $109,720.

  1. Viasat
    Average Salary: $161,333
    Viasat specializes in communications. They provide satellite and terrestrial broadband services to various sectors. Viasat values innovation and excellence.


  2. L3Harris
    Average Salary: $144,646
    L3Harris focuses on aerospace and defense technologies. They design, develop, and produce high-tech systems. They are committed to quality and safety.


  3. Pratt & Whitney
    Average Salary: $142,854
    Pratt & Whitney is known for its aircraft engines. They design, build, and service engines for commercial and military aircraft. They are leaders in the aviation industry.


  4. Ionis Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $131,448
    Ionis Pharmaceuticals develops antisense drugs. Their focus is on genetic diseases. They strive for scientific excellence and innovation.


  5. GEI Consultants
    Average Salary: $124,689
    GEI Consultants provides services in civil, structural, and geotechnical engineering. They work on various infrastructure projects. They value teamwork and expertise.


  6. Vuori
    Average Salary: $122,401
    Vuori is an apparel brand. They offer high-performance activewear. Their products are designed for comfort and style.


  7. Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Average Salary: $119,787
    Thermo Fisher Scientific provides scientific instruments and services. They focus on healthcare and research. They aim to improve life quality worldwide.


  8. Anaergia
    Average Salary: $119,124
    Anaergia develops sustainable waste-to-energy solutions. They focus on renewable energy. Their mission is to provide clean energy.


  9. Dennis Group
    Average Salary: $110,590
    Dennis Group offers construction and engineering services. They work on various infrastructure projects. They focus on quality and innovation.


  10. Callaway Golf
    Average Salary: $109,720
    Callaway Golf designs and manufactures golf equipment. They offer a wide range of products. Their focus is on improving golfers' performance.

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

The cost of living in Carlsbad, CA, shows significant variation from the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing stands out with a cost index of 195, nearly double the national average. This indicates that housing in Carlsbad is substantially more expensive than the average American city. Groceries also reflect a higher cost, with an index of 112, suggesting that food expenses are 12% above the national average. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also exceed the national average, albeit to a lesser extent. Utilities cost 7% more, transportation 8% more, healthcare 2% more, and miscellaneous items 15% more. These figures provide a clear picture of the elevated cost of living in Carlsbad, making it essential for job seekers to consider these factors in their relocation decisions.
Cost of living comparison graph for Carlsbad, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 95% higher, groceries 12% higher, utilities 7% higher, transportation 8% higher, healthcare 2% higher, miscellaneous 15% higher.

The cost of living in Carlsbad, CA, is higher compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing stands out as the most significant expense in Carlsbad, with an index of 195. This means housing costs are 95% higher than the national average. People moving to Carlsbad should expect to pay significantly more for rent or homeownership compared to other parts of the country.


Other costs, like groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous items, also exceed the national average. For instance, groceries cost 12% more, utilities are 7% higher, and miscellaneous expenses are up 15%. While healthcare and transportation costs are only slightly above the national average, at 2% and 8% higher, respectively, the overall cost of living in Carlsbad remains substantially elevated. These higher costs should be a key consideration for anyone thinking about relocating to this city.

There are 817 job openings in Carlsbad, CA, today!

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Carlsbad, CA
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