Overview Salaries

Salaries in La Jolla, CA

Updated on Oct 10, 2026
City
Salary

What is the average salary in La Jolla, CA?

The average salary in La Jolla, CA is $73,057 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for La Jolla, CA, showing an average salary of $73,057 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for La Jolla, CA, showing an average salary of $6,088 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for La Jolla, CA, showing an average salary of $1,405 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for La Jolla, CA, showing an average salary of $35 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

La Jolla, California, offers a range of salaries across various industries. Job seekers can find that the average yearly salary here is about $73,057. This average reflects the diversity of job opportunities in the area. People in La Jolla work in many different fields, and they earn different salaries based on their roles.


Here are some job categories and their average salaries in La Jolla, CA:

  • Entry-level positions: $35,500
  • Administrative roles: $48,200
  • Specialized technicians: $60,900
  • Mid-level managers: $73,600
  • Experienced professionals: $86,300
  • Senior executives: $99,000
  • IT specialists: $111,700
  • Healthcare professionals: $124,400
  • High-level management: $137,100
  • Top executives: $149,800
  • Expert consultants: $162,500
  • C-suite executives: $175,200
Job seekers in La Jolla have many options to explore and find roles that match their skills and experience levels.

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What are the best paying jobs in La Jolla, CA?

Job seekers in La Jolla, CA, will find numerous high-paying opportunities in various fields. Registered Nurses earn an average of $132,085 per year, making healthcare one of the top-paying sectors. Other well-compensated positions include Occupational Therapists and Scientists, with average salaries of $124,108 and $112,972, respectively. Apart from healthcare, La Jolla offers strong earning potential in other sectors. For instance, Radiologic Technologists and Surgical Technicians earn around $112,806 and $83,182 annually. Culinary and scientific roles, such as Sous Chefs and Pharmacy Technicians, also provide competitive salaries, with averages of $72,585 and $60,120. These diverse career paths in La Jolla present excellent opportunities for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in La Jolla, CA, highlighting Registered Nurse with the highest at $132,085 and Personal Trainer with the lowest at $56,561.

  1. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $132,085
    Registered Nurses in this area work in hospitals and clinics to care for patients. They collaborate with doctors and provide essential medical care. Scripps Health and Rady Children's Hospital offer opportunities here.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in La Jolla, CA


  2. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $124,108
    Occupational Therapists help people recover from injuries and illnesses. They design treatment plans to improve patients' abilities. Kaiser Permanente and Sharp HealthCare are prominent employers in the area.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in La Jolla, CA


  3. Scientist
    Average Salary: $112,972
    Scientists in La Jolla conduct research and experiments. They contribute to advancements in health and technology. Institutions like the Salk Institute and Scripps Research provide opportunities.
    Find Scientist jobs in La Jolla, CA


  4. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $112,806
    Radiologic Technologists use imaging equipment to help doctors diagnose conditions. They ensure patient safety and comfort. Scripps Health and UC San Diego Health offer rewarding positions.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in La Jolla, CA


  5. Surgical Technician
    Average Salary: $83,182
    Surgical Technicians assist during surgeries. They prepare the operating room and help surgeons. Sharp HealthCare and Scripps Health are known employers in the area.
    Find Surgical Technician jobs in La Jolla, CA


  6. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $79,033
    LVNs provide basic medical care under the supervision of doctors. They administer medications and monitor patients. Kaiser Permanente and UC San Diego Health offer numerous opportunities.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in La Jolla, CA


  7. Sous Chef
    Average Salary: $72,585
    Sous Chefs manage kitchen staff and ensure smooth operations. They create menus and oversee food preparation. High-end restaurants and hotel chains have roles to fill.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in La Jolla, CA


  8. Pharmacy Technician
    Average Salary: $60,120
    Pharmacy Technicians help pharmacists with dispensing medications. They also manage inventory and assist customers. Rite Aid and Walgreens offer many positions.
    Find Pharmacy Technician jobs in La Jolla, CA


  9. Patient Service Representative
    Average Salary: $56,920
    Patient Service Representatives greet patients and manage appointments. They handle paperwork and ensure smooth office operations. Healthcare clinics and hospitals need these professionals.
    Find Patient Service Representative jobs in La Jolla, CA


  10. Personal Trainer
    Average Salary: $56,561
    Personal Trainers design fitness programs for clients. They motivate and guide individuals toward their health goals. Gyms like LA Fitness and Equinox have openings.
    Find Personal Trainer jobs in La Jolla, CA

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

La Jolla, CA offers several high-paying jobs that do not need a college degree. Among the top earners are positions in housekeeping, beauty consulting, and line cooking. These roles provide competitive salaries and valuable work experience. Housekeeping, beauty consulting, and line cooking lead the list of top paying jobs in La Jolla without a degree. Housekeeping staff can earn up to $46,629 a year, beauty consultants up to $43,410, and line cooks up to $43,114. These positions offer good pay and the chance to gain important skills.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in La Jolla, CA without a degree, highlighting Housekeeping with the highest at $46,629 and Bus Person with the lowest at $35,182.

  1. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $46,629
    Cleaning hotel rooms and common areas. Working for top-rated hotels like the La Jolla Shores. Tasks include making beds, tidying up, and restocking supplies.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in La Jolla, CA


  2. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $43,410
    Selling beauty products and providing advice at high-end retailers. Working at stores like Sephora. Duties involve customer consultations and maintaining product displays.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in La Jolla, CA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $43,114
    Preparing meals in a fast-paced kitchen. Working at restaurants such as the Cottage La Jolla. Responsibilities include chopping, cooking, and ensuring food quality.
    Find Line Cook jobs in La Jolla, CA


  4. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $41,565
    Maintaining cleanliness and safety of floors. Working at popular entertainment venues. Tasks include sweeping, mopping, and ensuring a welcoming environment.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in La Jolla, CA


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $40,872
    Taking orders and serving food and drinks in restaurants. Working at places like Café de la Paz. Duties involve greeting guests and ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
    Find Server jobs in La Jolla, CA


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,864
    Making coffee and other drinks at cafes. Working at local spots like Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Tasks include brewing coffee and maintaining a clean work area.
    Find Barista jobs in La Jolla, CA


  7. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $39,149
    Cleaning dishes and kitchen equipment. Working at busy restaurants. Duties involve washing dishes, stocking supplies, and keeping the kitchen clean.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in La Jolla, CA


  8. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $38,421
    Supporting servers in a busy dining environment. Working at places like The Cottage La Jolla. Tasks include setting tables and assisting with meal service.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in La Jolla, CA


  9. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $38,033
    Assisting customers and handling service operations. Working in retail stores like Petco. Responsibilities include stocking shelves and providing customer service.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in La Jolla, CA


  10. Bus Person
    Average Salary: $35,182
    Clearing and setting tables at restaurants. Working at busy dining spots. Tasks include removing dishes and resetting tables quickly for the next guests.
    Find Bus Person jobs in La Jolla, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in La Jolla, CA?

Looking for high-paying job opportunities in La Jolla, CA? Keller Williams Realty, Inc. stands out as one of the top employers offering an average salary of $139,139. UC San Diego follows closely with an average salary of $103,414. Other companies with competitive salaries include Scripps Health, paying an average of $94,311, and Cheer Home Care, with an average salary of $71,618. Evans Hotels, CVS Health, Front Porch Communities & Services, My Senior Health Plan, and Mendocino Farms also provide attractive compensation packages, ranging from $56,789 to $51,145. Job seekers in La Jolla can find rewarding opportunities with these companies.
Graph displaying company salaries in La Jolla, CA, highlighting Keller Williams Realty, Inc. with the highest at $139,139 and Mendocino Farms with the lowest at $48,157.

  1. Keller Williams Realty, Inc.
    Average Salary: $139,139
    Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is a leading real estate company. They offer competitive salaries and great benefits.


  2. UC San Diego
    Average Salary: $103,414
    UC San Diego is a top university. They provide excellent salary packages along with many opportunities for growth.


  3. Scripps Health
    Average Salary: $94,311
    Scripps Health is a renowned healthcare provider. They are known for offering good pay and benefits.


  4. Cheer Home Care
    Average Salary: $71,618
    Cheer Home Care provides home care services. They offer competitive salaries to their employees.


  5. Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Average Salary: $69,506
    Salk Institute for Biological Studies conducts biological research. They offer good salaries to their staff.


  6. Evans Hotels
    Average Salary: $56,789
    Evans Hotels manages several luxury hotels. They offer attractive salaries to their employees.


  7. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $54,235
    CVS Health is a leading healthcare company. They offer good salaries to their workers.


  8. Front Porch Communities & Services
    Average Salary: $51,667
    Front Porch Communities & Services offers housing and community services. They provide good pay for their staff.


  9. My Senior Health Plan
    Average Salary: $51,145
    My Senior Health Plan offers health insurance for seniors. They pay their employees well.


  10. Mendocino Farms
    Average Salary: $48,157
    Mendocino Farms is a popular eatery. They offer good salaries to their employees.

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

La Jolla, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index alone stands at 300, significantly above the national average of 100. Other expenses such as groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items also exceed the national average, with indices of 115, 110, 130, and 120 respectively. This indicates that living in La Jolla is notably more expensive than the typical U.S. city.
Cost of living comparison graph for La Jolla, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 200% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 15% higher, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 30% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

La Jolla, California, boasts a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Among the key areas, housing costs are notably elevated, reaching 300 on the index. This means that housing expenses in La Jolla are three times higher than the average cost across the country. Job seekers should be prepared for significant outlays for housing, which will greatly impact their overall budget.


Other essential expenses, such as groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items, also exceed the national average. Groceries cost 15% more, utilities and miscellaneous expenses each cost 15% more, transportation expenses are 10% higher, and healthcare costs are 30% above the average. These increments add up, making every aspect of life in La Jolla more expensive than the nationwide baseline. Understanding these numbers can help professionals evaluate relocation options and plan their finances accordingly.

There are 425 job openings in La Jolla, CA, today!

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La Jolla, CA
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