Overview Salaries

Salaries in Irvine, CA

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Irvine, CA?

The average salary in Irvine, CA is $86,952 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Irvine, CA, showing an average salary of $86,952 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Irvine, CA, showing an average salary of $7,246 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Irvine, CA, showing an average salary of $1,672 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Irvine, CA, showing an average salary of $42 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Irvine, CA, offers competitive salaries across various industries, making it an attractive place for job seekers. The average yearly salary in Irvine is about $86,952. This figure reflects the range of opportunities available and the demand for skilled workers.


Some of the top-paying industries in Irvine include information technology, healthcare, and finance. These sectors offer salaries that often exceed the city's average. A breakdown of salary distribution shows that higher-paying jobs are more common in these fields. For instance, the top 10% of earners in Irvine make between $156,341 and $226,250 annually. The most common salaries in Irvine range from $34,000 to $103,909 per year.

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What are the best paying jobs in Irvine, CA?

For job seekers in Irvine, CA, several high-paying positions await. Physicians lead the way with an average salary of over $273,000. Technical and engineering roles also pay well, with Technical Director and Principal Engineer each offering salaries over $200,000. Other well-compensated jobs in Irvine include roles in law, psychology, and nursing. Clinical Psychologists and Nurse Practitioners each enjoy salaries above $200,000. General Counsel positions also bring in over $200,000 on average. Irvine offers a variety of top-paying careers across different fields for those seeking higher earnings.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Irvine, CA, highlighting Physician with the highest at $273,474 and Principal Engineer with the lowest at $171,939.

  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $273,474
    Physicians diagnose and treat patients in medical facilities. They work in hospitals and clinics with patients of all ages. Many choose to specialize in areas such as pediatrics, cardiology, or oncology.
    Find Physician jobs in Irvine, CA


  2. Technical Director
    Average Salary: $222,785
    Technical directors lead teams of IT professionals. They focus on project management and ensuring technology meets business needs. Companies here often work in software development and tech services.
    Find Technical Director jobs in Irvine, CA


  3. Clinical Psychologist
    Average Salary: $210,124
    Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. They work in hospitals, private practices, and clinics. Their goal is to help patients lead healthier lives.
    Find Clinical Psychologist jobs in Irvine, CA


  4. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $206,496
    General counsels provide legal advice to companies. They handle various legal matters and ensure compliance. They often work in corporate environments and law firms.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Irvine, CA


  5. Wireless Engineer
    Average Salary: $205,884
    Wireless engineers design and maintain communication systems. They focus on improving wireless networks and technology. They often work in tech companies and telecom firms.
    Find Wireless Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA


  6. Technical Programs Manager
    Average Salary: $195,074
    Technical programs managers oversee the development of technology projects. They coordinate between teams and ensure projects meet deadlines. They often work in software development and IT companies.
    Find Technical Programs Manager jobs in Irvine, CA


  7. Test Automation Engineer
    Average Salary: $190,341
    Test automation engineers develop automated tests for software. They ensure quality and efficiency in software development. They often work in tech companies and IT services.
    Find Test Automation Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA


  8. Firmware Engineer
    Average Salary: $182,490
    Firmware engineers create software that controls hardware. They work on embedded systems and devices. They often collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure functionality.
    Find Firmware Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA


  9. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $175,993
    Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They diagnose illnesses, prescribe treatments, and educate patients. They work in clinics, hospitals, and private practices.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Irvine, CA


  10. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $171,939
    Principal engineers lead engineering teams and projects. They design systems and solve complex problems. They often work in tech companies and research organizations.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA

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

For job seekers in Irvine, CA, several high-paying roles do not require a degree. Kitchen managers, for example, lead food service operations and earn a strong average salary of $67,251. Concrete finishers, who shape and finish concrete surfaces, also enjoy a healthy pay rate of $59,905. Another notable job is that of a restaurant manager, overseeing daily operations and staff. These managers earn an average salary of $55,025. Other top-paying positions include groundskeeper, food service aide, and housekeeping, each providing solid compensation opportunities. These jobs offer a chance to earn well without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Irvine, CA without a degree, highlighting Kitchen Manager with the highest at $67,251 and Landscaper with the lowest at $40,088.

  1. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $67,251
    Oversee the kitchen staff, manage inventory, and ensure food quality. This role involves working in top-tier establishments. Responsibilities include meal preparation and maintaining kitchen standards.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Irvine, CA


  2. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $59,905
    Apply concrete to floors, walls, or ceilings. This job includes working on construction sites. Tasks involve smoothing surfaces and ensuring quality work. Companies often seek experienced finishers for this role.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Irvine, CA


  3. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $55,025
    Supervise staff, manage daily operations, and ensure customer satisfaction. This position requires strong leadership skills. Managers often work in busy dining environments, coordinating with chefs and waitstaff.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Irvine, CA


  4. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $46,184
    Maintain landscaping, gardens, and pathways. This job involves working outdoors and using tools for upkeep. Groundskeepers often work for local businesses or residential properties, ensuring grounds look pristine.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Irvine, CA


  5. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $43,683
    Assist in food preparation and service. This role involves working in kitchens and dining areas. Aides often work in busy settings, ensuring tables are clean and food is served promptly.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Irvine, CA


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $42,629
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or residential properties. This job requires attention to detail and a strong work ethic. Housekeepers often work long hours, ensuring high standards of cleanliness.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Irvine, CA


  7. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,899
    Provide customer service and support. This position involves working in retail or service environments. Tasks include assisting customers, handling transactions, and maintaining a friendly atmosphere.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Irvine, CA


  8. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $41,035
    Maintain floors through cleaning and polishing. This role involves working in various settings, from commercial to residential. Floor techs ensure floors look clean and well-maintained.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Irvine, CA


  9. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $40,659
    Provide beauty advice and sell products. This role requires a passion for beauty and cosmetics. Consultants often work in retail stores, assisting customers with their beauty needs.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Irvine, CA


  10. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $40,088
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. This job involves working on residential and commercial properties. Landscapers often install plants, trees, and pathways, ensuring aesthetically pleasing environments.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Irvine, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Irvine, CA?

Job seekers in Irvine, CA, can look forward to competitive salaries at top companies. Apple leads the pack with an average salary of $208,052. PwC and Amazon Web Services also offer high salaries, with averages around $181,520 and $175,145, respectively. Other notable companies in Irvine include Google and Amazon.com, both of which provide average salaries exceeding $160,000. Accenture and KPMG round out the top ten, offering average salaries around $164,745 and $151,575. These companies show a strong commitment to rewarding their employees well, making Irvine an attractive place for career growth.
Graph displaying company salaries in Irvine, CA, highlighting Apple with the highest at $208,052 and AbbVie with the lowest at $149,449.

  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $208,052
    Apple is a global leader in technology, known for its innovative products. The company values creativity and excellence in all its roles.


  2. PwC
    Average Salary: $181,520
    PwC offers professional services in assurance, tax, and consulting. It is a top employer for those looking for stability and growth in the financial sector.


  3. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $175,145
    AWS provides scalable cloud computing services. It is a key player in the tech industry, offering high salaries and excellent career opportunities.


  4. Accenture
    Average Salary: $164,745
    Accenture offers consulting, technology, and outsourcing services. It is known for its strong support of professional development and innovation.


  5. Google
    Average Salary: $162,997
    Google excels in internet-related services and products. It is a leader in technology with a culture that promotes creativity and innovation.


  6. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $161,459
    Amazon is a global e-commerce and cloud computing leader. It offers many opportunities for career growth and competitive compensation.


  7. Mission Recruiting
    Average Salary: $159,382
    Mission Recruiting focuses on staffing and recruiting services. It is a great company for those interested in the recruitment industry.


  8. Ventura Foods
    Average Salary: $158,581
    Ventura Foods is a leading processor of avocados and other produce. It offers a family-owned work environment with good salaries and benefits.


  9. KPMG
    Average Salary: $151,575
    KPMG provides audit, tax, and advisory services. It is a top choice for those seeking a career in professional services.


  10. AbbVie
    Average Salary: $149,449
    AbbVie is a biopharmaceutical company focused on research-based healthcare products. It offers a stable environment with competitive salaries.

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

Irvine, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index for Irvine is 145, which is 45% higher than the average of 100. Housing in Irvine stands at 185, showing an 85% increase over the national average. Beyond housing, other costs in Irvine remain above the average. Groceries cost 15% more, utilities are 10% higher, and transportation prices are 30% above the nationwide average. These metrics reveal the financial landscape for potential job seekers relocating to Irvine.
Cost of living comparison graph for Irvine, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 85% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 30% higher, healthcare 20% higher, miscellaneous 25% higher.

Irvine, CA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index stands at 185, indicating that housing costs in Irvine are 85% higher than the national average. People looking to buy or rent a home in Irvine should prepare for significantly higher expenses.


Beyond housing, other living costs in Irvine also exceed the national average. Groceries, for example, are 15% higher, with an index of 115. Utilities cost 10% more, while transportation costs are 30% higher. Healthcare costs are 20% above average, and miscellaneous expenses are 25% higher. These figures show that multiple aspects of living in Irvine cost more than the nationwide average, making it essential for job seekers to consider these factors when planning a move.

There are 3,309 job openings in Irvine, CA, today!

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Irvine, CA
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