Overview Salaries

Salaries in La Jolla, CA

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in La Jolla, CA?

The average salary in La Jolla, CA is $69,146 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for La Jolla, CA, showing an average salary of $69,146 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for La Jolla, CA, showing an average salary of $5,762 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for La Jolla, CA, showing an average salary of $1,330 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for La Jolla, CA, showing an average salary of $33 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Job seekers in La Jolla, CA, can expect competitive salaries across various sectors. The average yearly salary in La Jolla is approximately $69,146. This figure provides a solid benchmark for many industries, helping job seekers understand the earning potential in this vibrant area.


Different industries offer varying salary ranges. For example, some of the top-paying jobs include roles in healthcare, management, and engineering. These positions can earn up to $180,460 annually. Meanwhile, entry-level positions or roles in service industries might start around $34,500 per year. Such diversity in salary ranges allows job seekers to find opportunities that match their skills and career aspirations.

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

La Jolla, CA, offers high-paying career opportunities across various fields. Registered Nurses earn an average salary of nearly $129,000. They provide essential patient care. Speech Language Pathologists also enjoy good pay, averaging around $126,000. They help patients communicate and swallow better. Other well-paying jobs include Occupational Therapists, who earn over $119,000 on average. They assist patients in regaining their daily living skills. Dental Hygienists earn close to $118,000. They focus on patients' oral health. Radiologic Technologists, earning around $110,000, use imaging equipment to help diagnose conditions. Counselors, Physical Therapist Assistants, Technicians, Surgical Technicians, and Licensed Vocational Nurses also have good salary prospects.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in La Jolla, CA, highlighting Registered Nurse with the highest at $128,893 and Licensed Vocational Nurse with the lowest at $77,487.

  1. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $128,893
    This role provides care to patients in hospitals or outpatient clinics. Nurse practitioners work with physicians and other healthcare professionals. They are employed by healthcare providers like Scripps Health and Rady Children's Hospital.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in La Jolla, CA


  2. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $125,597
    These specialists assess and treat speech and language problems. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or schools. Employers include Kaiser Permanente and Sharp HealthCare.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in La Jolla, CA


  3. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $119,314
    They help patients recover from injuries or improve their ability to perform daily activities. These therapists work in hospitals or rehabilitation centers. Employers include UC San Diego Health and Scripps Health.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in La Jolla, CA


  4. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $117,822
    They clean teeth and provide oral health education. They work in dental clinics and hospitals. Employers include Scripps Health and Kaiser Permanente.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in La Jolla, CA


  5. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $110,381
    They perform imaging tests such as X-rays and MRIs. They work in hospitals, imaging centers, and clinics. Employers include Kaiser Permanente and Rady Children’s Hospital.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in La Jolla, CA


  6. Counselor
    Average Salary: $96,905
    They provide mental health support to individuals and families. They work in community health centers, hospitals, and private practices. Employers include Kaiser Permanente and Sharp HealthCare.
    Find Counselor jobs in La Jolla, CA


  7. Physical Therapist Assistant
    Average Salary: $90,882
    They assist physical therapists in helping patients regain movement and manage pain. They work in rehabilitation centers and hospitals. Employers include Kaiser Permanente and Scripps Health.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in La Jolla, CA


  8. Technician
    Average Salary: $90,571
    They perform various technical tasks in labs and production settings. They work in hospitals, research facilities, and biotech companies. Employers include UC San Diego and Scripps Health.
    Find Technician jobs in La Jolla, CA


  9. Surgical Technician
    Average Salary: $80,676
    They assist surgeons during operations. They work in hospitals and surgical centers. Employers include Kaiser Permanente and UC San Diego Health.
    Find Surgical Technician jobs in La Jolla, CA


  10. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $77,487
    They provide basic patient care under the supervision of doctors and RNs. They work in hospitals and outpatient clinics. Employers include Kaiser Permanente and Scripps Health.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in La Jolla, CA

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

Discover some top paying jobs in La Jolla, CA that do not require a degree. Restaurant managers can earn an average of $70,857 each year. This role involves overseeing restaurant staff and ensuring smooth operations. Explore other high-paying positions such as groundskeeper and housekeeping. These jobs offer stable earnings of around $59,156 and $45,874 annually, respectively. Both roles focus on maintaining clean and appealing environments. These opportunities allow individuals to start lucrative careers without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in La Jolla, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $70,857 and Service Team Member with the lowest at $36,322.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $70,857
    Manage day-to-day operations of a restaurant, ensuring smooth service. Oversee staff and maintain cleanliness. Work at popular establishments, including high-end dining and casual eateries.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in La Jolla, CA


  2. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $59,156
    Maintain the beauty and functionality of outdoor spaces. Perform tasks like mowing lawns and trimming shrubs. Work for landscaping companies or properties.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in La Jolla, CA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $45,874
    Clean and organize rooms in hotels or residential properties. Follow strict hygiene standards. Work in accommodations that attract tourists and visitors.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in La Jolla, CA


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,604
    Prepare food quickly and efficiently in a commercial kitchen. Work in fast-paced environments like restaurants and cafes. Follow recipes and ensure quality.
    Find Line Cook jobs in La Jolla, CA


  5. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $41,193
    Help customers select and use beauty products. Provide personalized recommendations. Work in stores with popular brands and products.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in La Jolla, CA


  6. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $40,895
    Maintain clean and safe flooring in commercial or industrial settings. Use specialized equipment. Work for janitorial companies or facilities management.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in La Jolla, CA


  7. Server
    Average Salary: $40,544
    Take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. Provide excellent service. Work in various dining establishments, from casual to fine dining.
    Find Server jobs in La Jolla, CA


  8. Barista
    Average Salary: $38,949
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Create custom drinks. Work in coffee shops and cafes, serving a diverse clientele.
    Find Barista jobs in La Jolla, CA


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $38,174
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Ensure all items meet hygiene standards. Work in busy kitchens, from casual diners to fine dining.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in La Jolla, CA


  10. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $36,322
    Provide outstanding customer service in various settings. Help customers with their needs. Work in retail, hospitality, and service industries.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in La Jolla, CA

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

Job seekers in La Jolla, CA, have several top-paying employers to consider. Pfizer and Keller Williams Realty lead the way, offering some of the highest salaries in the area. Pfizer pays its employees an average of $144,984, while Keller Williams Realty provides an average salary of $138,814. These companies provide excellent compensation and benefits, making them attractive choices for those looking to advance their careers. Vaco, UC San Diego, and Scripps Health also offer competitive salaries, ranging from $103,899 to $126,717. These companies present good opportunities for those seeking a balance of compensation and career growth. Meanwhile, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, CVS Health, and Evans Hotels offer average salaries between $51,207 and $66,527, with My Senior Health Plan and Front Porch Communities and Services offering the lowest average salaries of $54,239 and $52,174, respectively. Exploring these options can help job seekers find a rewarding career in La Jolla.
Graph displaying company salaries in La Jolla, CA, highlighting Pfizer with the highest at $144,984 and Front Porch Communities and Services with the lowest at $51,207.

  1. Pfizer
    Average Salary: $144,984
    Pfizer is a global pharmaceutical company. They develop medicines and vaccines for a range of medical conditions.


  2. Keller Williams Realty
    Average Salary: $138,814
    Keller Williams Realty is a leading real estate brokerage. They offer residential and commercial real estate services.


  3. Vaco
    Average Salary: $126,717
    Vaco is a global staffing and recruiting firm. They place professionals in various industries.


  4. UC San Diego
    Average Salary: $103,899
    UC San Diego is a top public university. They offer a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities.


  5. Scripps Health
    Average Salary: $89,692
    Scripps Health is a private nonprofit healthcare provider. They offer medical services in Southern California.


  6. Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Average Salary: $66,527
    The Salk Institute is a biological research organization. They focus on advancing understanding in genetics, neuroscience, and plant biology.


  7. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $55,637
    CVS Health is a healthcare company. They provide pharmacy, health insurance, and wellness services.


  8. EVANS HOTELS
    Average Salary: $54,239
    EVANS HOTELS manages luxury hotels. They focus on providing excellent hospitality services.


  9. My Senior Health Plan
    Average Salary: $52,174
    My Senior Health Plan offers Medicare Advantage plans. They focus on health care for seniors.


  10. Front Porch Communities and Services
    Average Salary: $51,207
    Front Porch Communities and Services provide senior living and care services. They support the elderly in their homes.

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

The cost of living in La Jolla, California, significantly exceeds the nationwide average. Specifically, the housing cost index in La Jolla stands at 326, which is 226% higher than the national average of 100. Other categories, like groceries and utilities, also show elevated rates, with groceries at 125% and utilities at 112% of the national average. This suggests that relocating to La Jolla involves higher expenses in several key areas.
Cost of living comparison graph for La Jolla, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 226% higher, groceries 25% higher, utilities 12% higher, transportation 30% higher, healthcare 15% higher, miscellaneous 50% higher.

La Jolla, CA, stands out for its significantly high cost of living, particularly when compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in La Jolla reach an impressive 326, which is more than triple the national average. This steep increase suggests that finding affordable housing in this picturesque coastal community is particularly challenging.


Other aspects of life in La Jolla also reflect its elevated cost of living. For instance, groceries cost 25% more than the average, with an index of 125. Utilities and transportation in La Jolla are also more expensive, at 12% and 30% above the national average, respectively. Even healthcare services and miscellaneous expenses run about 50% higher than what one might find on average across the United States. This makes La Jolla a place where careful budgeting is essential for residents.

There are 411 job openings in La Jolla, CA, today!

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