What is the average salary in La Jolla, CA?
Salaries in La Jolla, California, show a range of opportunities for job seekers. The average yearly salary is $68,259. This average helps to set a standard for understanding what many people earn in the area.
Different job categories offer different pay levels. The highest-paying jobs often require more experience or advanced skills. Here are some average salaries for various roles:
- Management roles: $166,773
- Computer and mathematical jobs: $153,545
- Life, physical, and social science jobs: $140,318
- Community and social service jobs: $127,091
- Business and financial jobs: $113,864
- Architecture and engineering jobs: $100,636
- Legal jobs: $87,409
- Health diagnosing and treating practitioner jobs: $74,182
- Education, training, and library jobs: $60,955
- Sales and related jobs: $47,727
- Office and administrative support jobs: $34,500
What are the best paying jobs in La Jolla, CA?

-
Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $128,121
In this role, nurses provide care to patients and coordinate with doctors. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They ensure patients recover well and are comfortable.
Find Registered Nurse jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $118,469
Occupational therapists help patients regain skills for everyday tasks. They work with people of all ages. They often work in rehabilitation centers and hospitals, aiming to improve quality of life.
Find Occupational Therapist jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $116,937
Dental hygienists clean teeth and provide oral care. They work in dental offices and clinics. They help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums, preventing dental diseases.
Find Dental Hygienist jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Radiologic Technologist
Average Salary: $109,633
These professionals use imaging equipment to take X-rays and scans. They work in hospitals and imaging centers. They help doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions accurately.
Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Counselor
Average Salary: $96,886
Counselors offer support to individuals facing personal issues. They work in schools, hospitals, and private practices. They provide guidance and strategies to help people cope with challenges.
Find Counselor jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Technician
Average Salary: $92,446
Technicians handle technical tasks in various fields. They work in labs, manufacturing plants, and hospitals. They ensure equipment runs smoothly and maintain high standards of quality.
Find Technician jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Physical Therapist Assistant
Average Salary: $90,882
Assistants work under physical therapists to help patients regain movement. They provide exercises and treatments. They work in clinics and hospitals, helping patients recover from injuries or illnesses.
Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Surgical Technician
Average Salary: $79,765
Surgical techs assist during operations. They prepare the operating room and help surgeons. They work in hospitals, ensuring all tools are ready and sterile.
Find Surgical Technician jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Average Salary: $76,282
LVNs provide basic patient care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and home health care. They help patients with daily activities and monitor health conditions.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Sous Chef
Average Salary: $72,451
Sous chefs assist head chefs in kitchen management. They oversee daily operations. They work in restaurants and hotels, ensuring food quality and kitchen efficiency.
Find Sous Chef jobs in La Jolla, CA
What are the best paying jobs in La Jolla, CA without a degree?

-
Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $69,900
Manage day-to-day operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure high-quality dining experiences. Works closely with chefs and kitchen staff to maintain standards.
Find Restaurant Manager jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $59,156
Maintain and beautify the grounds. Use tools to mow, trim, and care for lawns and gardens. Works with landscape architects to create beautiful outdoor spaces.
Find Groundskeeper jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Housekeeping
Average Salary: $45,797
Clean and maintain rooms and common areas. Ensure a clean environment for guests. Works in hotels, motels, and resorts to provide a comfortable stay for visitors.
Find Housekeeping jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Line Cook
Average Salary: $41,052
Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Follow recipes and ensure food is cooked to perfection. Works with chefs and kitchen staff in restaurants and cafes.
Find Line Cook jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Beauty Consultant
Average Salary: $40,613
Advise clients on beauty products and treatments. Recommend products based on individual needs. Works in beauty stores and salons to enhance clients' looks and satisfaction.
Find Beauty Consultant jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Server
Average Salary: $40,590
Provide table service in a restaurant. Take orders, serve food, and handle customer inquiries. Works in dining establishments to ensure a positive dining experience.
Find Server jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Floor Tech
Average Salary: $40,165
Maintain cleanliness and safety of the casino floor. Sweep, mop, and tidy gaming areas. Works in casinos to ensure a clean and pleasant gaming environment.
Find Floor Tech jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Barista
Average Salary: $39,075
Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers to take orders. Works in cafes and coffee shops to create delicious drinks for patrons.
Find Barista jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Dishwasher
Average Salary: $37,872
Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Ensure a clean and hygienic kitchen. Works in restaurants and food service establishments to maintain kitchen standards.
Find Dishwasher jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Server Assistant
Average Salary: $36,288
Assist servers in providing excellent service. Help with setting up tables and clearing dishes. Works in restaurants to support the server staff and enhance customer satisfaction.
Find Server Assistant jobs in La Jolla, CA
Which companies offer the top salaries in La Jolla, CA?

-
Pfizer
Average Salary: $150,102
Pfizer is a world-renowned pharmaceutical company. They develop and produce medicines and vaccines for a wide range of medical conditions. They offer competitive salaries and benefits.
-
Keller Williams Realty
Average Salary: $138,076
Keller Williams is a leading real estate company. They offer rewarding career opportunities for sales agents and support staff. Their compensation plans can be very lucrative for top performers.
-
Vaco
Average Salary: $124,435
Vaco is a staffing firm that connects talent with top companies. They have a variety of roles across multiple industries. They offer good salaries and career growth opportunities.
-
UC San Diego
Average Salary: $104,359
UC San Diego is a major research university. It offers many job opportunities in education, research, and healthcare. They provide competitive benefits along with salaries.
-
Scripps Health
Average Salary: $89,267
Scripps Health is a top-rated healthcare provider in San Diego. They offer jobs in various roles, from doctors to administrative staff. They are known for their high-quality patient care.
-
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Average Salary: $65,720
The Salk Institute is a world-renowned research organization. It focuses on biological and medical research. They offer research positions with solid salaries.
-
CVS Health
Average Salary: $55,322
CVS Health is a leading health solutions company. They offer jobs in retail, healthcare, and more. They provide good benefits and opportunities for advancement.
-
EVANS HOTELS
Average Salary: $52,365
Evans Hotels is a prominent hotel management company. They manage luxury hotels in La Jolla. They offer jobs in hospitality with competitive salaries.
-
My Senior Health Plan
Average Salary: $51,919
My Senior Health Plan offers healthcare plans for seniors. They provide jobs in healthcare management and support. They offer good benefits and work-life balance.
-
Mendocino Farms
Average Salary: $49,389
Mendocino Farms is a fast-casual restaurant chain. They offer jobs in food service and management. They provide competitive wages and a friendly work environment.
How does the cost of living in La Jolla, CA compare to the national average?

Job seekers considering La Jolla, CA, should be aware that the cost of living there is significantly higher than the nationwide average. The nationwide average cost of living index is set at 100, but in La Jolla, housing costs stand at an index of 290. This means housing prices in La Jolla are nearly three times the national average, indicating that renters and homeowners alike will likely face higher expenses in this area. While other categories like groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items also have elevated costs, they do not match the extreme rates seen in housing.
When looking at other costs, La Jolla presents mixed results. Groceries, for instance, have an index of 130, which is 30% higher than the national average. Utilities are at 110, which is 10% higher, while transportation costs an index of 120, which is 20% higher. Healthcare costs in La Jolla, at an index of 150, are 50% higher than the average. Miscellaneous items, with an index of 140, are 40% higher. Although these costs are still elevated, they do not reflect the dramatic increase seen in housing prices. This information can guide job seekers in making informed decisions about relocating to La Jolla.



