Overview Salaries

Salaries in Irvine, CA

Updated on Sep 14, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Irvine, CA?

The average salary in Irvine, CA is $90,299 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Irvine, CA, showing an average salary of $90,299 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Irvine, CA, showing an average salary of $7,525 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Irvine, CA, showing an average salary of $1,737 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Irvine, CA, showing an average salary of $43 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Irvine, CA offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at $90,299, making it an attractive location for job seekers. Different sectors provide different salary ranges, creating opportunities for a wide range of qualifications and interests.


Here are some key salary insights from various industries in Irvine:

  • Information Technology: $121,877
  • Healthcare: $104,482
  • Engineering: $87,086
  • Finance: $79,295
  • Education: $69,691
These numbers show the potential for good earnings in Irvine, depending on the field.

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What are the best paying jobs in Irvine, CA?

For those looking for well-paying jobs in Irvine, CA, several opportunities stand out. Engineering, law, and healthcare positions lead the way with the highest salaries. A Director of Engineering or a Technical Director, for example, can earn over $200,000 annually. These roles require top-tier skills and often involve managing teams or leading complex projects. Physician Assistants and Enterprise Architects also secure substantial salaries, with averages above $170,000. Other high-paying roles include General Counsel, Wireless Engineers, and Principal Engineers. These positions demand expertise and often involve critical decision-making and strategic planning. Job seekers with specialized skills in these areas can find rewarding opportunities in Irvine.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Irvine, CA, highlighting Director Engineering with the highest at $250,657 and Principal Engineer with the lowest at $171,627.

  1. Director Engineering
    Average Salary: $250,657
    Leaders in tech firms need innovative thinkers. Oversee projects from inception to launch. Work with teams at Apple, Google, and more.
    Find Director Engineering jobs in Irvine, CA


  2. Technical Director
    Average Salary: $225,512
    Guide teams to create tech solutions. Set strategy and direction for projects. Collaborate with industry leaders at Microsoft, Amazon.
    Find Technical Director jobs in Irvine, CA


  3. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $210,808
    Provide legal advice and manage legal risks. Work closely with executives. Represent major corporations in legal matters.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Irvine, CA


  4. Wireless Engineer
    Average Salary: $209,095
    Design and develop wireless communication systems. Focus on improving connectivity and efficiency. Collaborate with tech giants like Qualcomm, Intel.
    Find Wireless Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA


  5. Technical Programs Manager
    Average Salary: $206,024
    Manage tech projects from start to finish. Ensure projects meet deadlines and budgets. Work for companies such as Cisco, Oracle.
    Find Technical Programs Manager jobs in Irvine, CA


  6. Counsel
    Average Salary: $205,907
    Offer legal support and advice. Handle complex legal issues. Work with law firms and major corporations.
    Find Counsel jobs in Irvine, CA


  7. Firmware Engineer
    Average Salary: $183,412
    Develop and test firmware for devices. Ensure devices run smoothly. Collaborate with tech companies like Intel, Broadcom.
    Find Firmware Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA


  8. Physician Assistant
    Average Salary: $172,662
    Provide healthcare services under a physician’s supervision. Assist in exams and treatments. Work in hospitals and clinics across the area.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Irvine, CA


  9. Enterprise Architect
    Average Salary: $171,699
    Design and implement enterprise-wide IT solutions. Focus on aligning IT with business goals. Work for companies like IBM, Oracle.
    Find Enterprise Architect jobs in Irvine, CA


  10. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $171,627
    Lead engineering projects and teams. Design and implement technical solutions. Collaborate with leading tech companies.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA

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

In Irvine, CA, individuals can pursue rewarding careers without needing a degree. Several high-paying jobs in Irvine offer good earnings and valuable experience. For example, Concrete Finishers earn around $60,408 annually, while Food Service Aides can make about $47,353 per year. Other opportunities include Groundskeepers, Landscapers, and Housekeeping staff, each providing competitive pay and practical skills. Exploring these roles can help job seekers find good-paying jobs that suit their experience and interests. Positions like Yard Workers and Service Team Members also offer fair compensation and the chance to develop essential work skills. Working in roles such as Beauty Consultants and Floor Techs can lead to rewarding careers with potential for growth and advancement.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Irvine, CA without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $60,408 and Server Assistant with the lowest at $41,356.

  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $60,408
    Shape and finish concrete surfaces. Work for companies like Del Amo Contracting and Del Taco. Earn a steady income with growth potential.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Irvine, CA


  2. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $47,353
    Prepare and serve food and beverages. Job opportunities with McDonald's and other local eateries. Gain experience and skills in a fast-paced environment.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Irvine, CA


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $46,701
    Maintain the grounds and exterior of properties. Work with companies like Irvine Company and Capco. Enjoy outdoor work with a good pay.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Irvine, CA


  4. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $45,336
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Opportunities with local landscaping companies. Combine creativity with practical skills.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Irvine, CA


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $44,277
    Clean and organize rooms and common areas. Work in hotels and resorts. Gain experience in a professional setting.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Irvine, CA


  6. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $43,681
    Advise and assist clients with beauty products. Work at Sephora and other local stores. Develop sales and customer service skills.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Irvine, CA


  7. Yard Worker
    Average Salary: $43,385
    Perform basic yard maintenance tasks. Opportunities with local landscaping and maintenance companies. Work outdoors with a good pay.
    Find Yard Worker jobs in Irvine, CA


  8. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,703
    Assist in preparing and serving food. Work in fast-food and casual dining restaurants. Gain customer service and teamwork skills.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Irvine, CA


  9. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $41,465
    Maintain cleanliness and appearance of floors. Work in retail and commercial settings. Develop attention to detail and cleaning skills.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Irvine, CA


  10. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $41,356
    Support servers in busy dining environments. Opportunities at local restaurants. Gain experience in customer service and teamwork.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Irvine, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Irvine, CA?

Companies in Irvine, CA, offer competitive salaries to their employees. Apple leads the pack with an average salary of $207,829. Following closely behind is Amazon Web Services (AWS) with an average salary of $182,859. Other top-paying companies include PwC, Supernal, and Google, all offering salaries over $169,000. For job seekers, these companies present excellent opportunities. Capital Group, AbbVie, Amazon, Anduril Industries, and Ingram Micro also provide attractive compensation packages. The consistent high salaries across these firms highlight Irvine's strong job market, making it an ideal place for professionals to explore career growth.
Graph displaying company salaries in Irvine, CA, highlighting Apple with the highest at $207,829 and Ingram Micro with the lowest at $154,098.

  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $207,829
    Apple designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computers, and mobile devices. It is a global tech giant with a reputation for innovation.


  2. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Average Salary: $182,859
    AWS offers cloud computing services. Amazon is one of the largest e-commerce and cloud computing companies in the world.


  3. PwC
    Average Salary: $180,591
    PwC is a multinational professional services firm. It provides audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services.


  4. Supernal
    Average Salary: $171,992
    Supernal focuses on developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. It is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group.


  5. Google
    Average Salary: $171,331
    Google is a tech giant known for its search engine, advertising technologies, and other internet-related services.


  6. Capital Group
    Average Salary: $170,246
    Capital Group provides investment management services. It manages mutual funds, separate accounts, and private accounts.


  7. AbbVie
    Average Salary: $169,018
    AbbVie is a biopharmaceutical company. It develops and sells medicines for serious health conditions.


  8. Amazon
    Average Salary: $165,936
    Amazon operates as an e-commerce and cloud computing giant. It offers a wide range of products and services.


  9. Anduril Industries
    Average Salary: $156,606
    Anduril Industries builds technology for national security. Its products include defense systems and autonomous vehicles.


  10. Ingram Micro
    Average Salary: $154,098
    Ingram Micro is a global distributor of IT products and services. It supplies hardware, software, and other technology.

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

The cost of living in Irvine, California, significantly exceeds the nationwide average. Housing, for instance, costs 80% more than the national median, while groceries are 20% higher. This makes Irvine a costly place to live, especially for those with limited budgets. The overall cost of living index in Irvine is above 100%, meaning residents pay more than the average American for their daily needs.
Cost of living comparison graph for Irvine, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 80% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 15% higher.

Irvine, CA, shows a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is indexed at 100. Specifically, housing costs in Irvine are approximately 80% higher than the national average, with an index value of 180. This significant increase makes housing one of the most expensive aspects of living in Irvine.


Other areas also reflect higher costs. Groceries in Irvine are about 20% more expensive than the national average, with an index of 120. Utilities and transportation follow closely behind, each running about 10% above the nationwide average at 110. Even healthcare and miscellaneous costs are somewhat elevated, with indices of 105 and 115, respectively. These factors combined indicate that living in Irvine comes with notable financial considerations, especially when compared to the average living expenses across the country.

There are 3,056 job openings in Irvine, CA, today!

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Irvine, CA
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