What is the average salary in Foster City, CA?
Foster City, CA, offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at $129,033. This figure reflects a strong job market with opportunities for professionals to earn well. The salary distribution shows a range of earnings, with some sectors offering higher pay than others.
The salary distribution in Foster City includes a mix of lower, middle, and higher-paying jobs. The top-paying sectors include technology, finance, and healthcare, with salaries reaching up to $292,988 per year. Other notable sectors include education, real estate, and legal services. This variety ensures that job seekers can find roles that match their skills and career aspirations.
What are the best paying jobs in Foster City, CA?

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Regulatory Affairs Director
Average Salary: $247,183
This role involves overseeing compliance with regulations. It requires strong communication skills. Companies in this field include biotech firms and pharmaceutical companies.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $185,459
Software engineers design and develop applications. They work with cutting-edge technology. Tech companies in the area are always looking for skilled engineers.
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Product Manager
Average Salary: $173,705
Product managers lead the development of new products. They work closely with teams to bring ideas to life. Companies in this role include tech startups and established firms.
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Scientist
Average Salary: $144,478
Scientists conduct research and experiments. They work in labs and on field projects. Opportunities exist in biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $134,472
Technical project leads manage teams and projects. They ensure tasks are completed on time. This role is common in tech and engineering firms.
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Research Associate
Average Salary: $84,693
Research associates support scientists and engineers. They conduct experiments and analyze data. This role is found in academic and corporate research settings.
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Intern
Average Salary: $74,328
Interns gain experience in various fields. They assist with projects and learn from professionals. Internships are available in many industries.
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Registered Behavior Technician
Average Salary: $55,543
These professionals work with individuals with behavioral challenges. They implement treatment plans. They often work in healthcare and educational settings.
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Preschool Teacher
Average Salary: $50,950
Preschool teachers educate young children. They create a fun and safe learning environment. Opportunities exist in private and public schools.
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Server
Average Salary: $41,662
Servers work in restaurants, taking orders and serving food. They interact with customers and ensure a good dining experience. This role is common in the hospitality industry.
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What are the best paying jobs in Foster City, CA without a degree?

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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $46,269
Housekeeping staff clean and maintain facilities. They work in hotels, restaurants, and offices. They ensure a clean and welcoming environment. Companies like Hilton and Marriott offer many opportunities.
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Barista
Average Salary: $45,332
Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. They work in cafes and coffee shops. They need to know how to use coffee machines and create tasty drinks. Local cafes like Starbucks and Peet's Coffee provide many job openings.
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Server
Average Salary: $41,662
Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They work in restaurants and cafes. They need to be friendly and efficient. Many local restaurants offer good job opportunities.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $41,445
Dishwasher staff clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They work in restaurants and cafes. They need to be detail-oriented and work well under pressure. Many local eateries offer job openings.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $39,812
Kitchen team members help prepare food. They work in restaurants and cafes. They need to follow recipes and work quickly. Many local restaurants offer job openings.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Foster City, CA?

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Gilead Sciences
Average Salary: $195,358
Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on making medicines in areas of unmet medical need. They offer competitive salaries and benefits.
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Zoox
Average Salary: $193,276
Zoox is an autonomous vehicle company. They work on developing self-driving technology and offer high salaries to attract top talent.
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Visa
Average Salary: $171,916
Visa is a global leader in digital payments. They provide a wide range of financial services and offer attractive compensation packages.
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Ursus
Average Salary: $129,589
Ursus is a company that provides innovative solutions for the energy sector. They focus on sustainability and offer competitive salaries.
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Deloitte
Average Salary: $119,741
Deloitte is a leading professional services firm. They offer a variety of services including audit, consulting, and financial advisory. They provide good compensation.
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Allied Universal
Average Salary: $67,004
Allied Universal provides security and facility services. They offer diverse career opportunities and competitive pay.
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Sodexo
Average Salary: $60,972
Sodexo offers food services and facilities management. They provide a range of benefits and a supportive work environment.
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Thermo Fisher Scientific
Average Salary: $58,603
Thermo Fisher Scientific is a leader in scientific services and solutions. They offer a variety of career opportunities and good compensation.
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Peninsula Jewish Community Center
Average Salary: $57,762
The Peninsula Jewish Community Center provides community services and programs. They offer a supportive environment and competitive pay.
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Atria Senior Living
Average Salary: $48,952
Atria Senior Living offers senior living services and care. They provide a caring environment and good compensation for their employees.
How does the cost of living in Foster City, CA compare to the national average?

Foster City, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Foster City stands at 283, which is significantly higher than the national average of 100. This means housing costs are nearly three times higher than the average cost of living in the United States. People moving to Foster City will likely find that their housing expenses are much greater than what they might have expected.
Other expenses in Foster City also exceed the national average. For example, groceries cost 21% more, with an index of 121. Utilities are 19% higher, with an index of 119. Transportation costs 23% more, with an index of 123. Even miscellaneous expenses, with an index of 113, are 13% higher than the average. Healthcare costs are slightly below the national average at 104, which is 4% lower. Overall, Foster City presents a higher cost of living in most areas compared to the nationwide average.