What is the average salary in La Jolla, CA?
La Jolla, California, offers a variety of job opportunities across many fields. The average yearly salary in La Jolla is $70,787. This figure includes many different types of jobs, making it a good baseline for job seekers.
Here are some of the top paying jobs in La Jolla:
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations - $175,000
- Management, Business, and Financial Operations - $162,227
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations - $149,455
- Architecture and Engineering Occupations - $136,682
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations - $123,909
- Education, Training, and Library Occupations - $111,136
- Legal Occupations - $98,364
- Sales and Related Occupations - $85,591
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations - $72,818
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations - $60,045
- Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations - $47,273
What are the best paying jobs in La Jolla, CA?

-
Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $130,164
Registered nurses work in various healthcare settings. They care for patients, administer medications, and assist with treatments. Local healthcare facilities value their skills and dedication.
Find Registered Nurse jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $121,421
Occupational therapists help patients recover from injuries or improve daily living skills. They work in rehabilitation centers and hospitals. Their expertise is crucial for patient recovery.
Find Occupational Therapist jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Radiologic Technologist
Average Salary: $114,355
Radiologic technologists operate imaging equipment. They take X-rays and MRIs to help diagnose medical conditions. Their work is vital for accurate medical assessments.
Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Counselor
Average Salary: $98,391
Counselors provide mental health support to individuals and families. They work in private practices or community centers. Their guidance helps people navigate life challenges.
Find Counselor jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Technician
Average Salary: $92,315
Technicians maintain and repair equipment in various fields. They ensure machines run smoothly and efficiently. Their skills are essential in both industrial and residential settings.
Find Technician jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Surgical Technician
Average Salary: $82,427
Surgical technicians assist surgeons during operations. They prepare the operating room and help with tools. Their role is key to successful surgical procedures.
Find Surgical Technician jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Average Salary: $78,028
Licensed vocational nurses provide basic patient care. They monitor health, administer medications, and assist with daily needs. Their work supports patient well-being.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Sous Chef
Average Salary: $71,471
Sous chefs manage kitchen operations under the head chef. They prepare menus, oversee food preparation, and ensure quality. Their culinary expertise enhances dining experiences.
Find Sous Chef jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Pharmacy Technician
Average Salary: $65,307
Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists with medication preparation. They fill prescriptions and assist customers. Their work is critical in ensuring safe and effective medication use.
Find Pharmacy Technician jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Personal Trainer
Average Salary: $57,761
Personal trainers develop fitness plans for clients. They guide workouts and provide motivation. Their role helps individuals achieve their health and fitness goals.
Find Personal Trainer jobs in La Jolla, CA
What are the best paying jobs in La Jolla, CA without a degree?

-
Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $72,559
Restaurant managers oversee daily operations. They work with staff, handle customer service, and manage inventory. Companies often look for managers with experience in fast-paced environments.
Find Restaurant Manager jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Housekeeping
Average Salary: $46,888
Housekeepers clean and maintain guest rooms and public areas. This role requires attention to detail and the ability to work independently. Many hotels and resorts need housekeepers to ensure a clean environment.
Find Housekeeping jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Line Cook
Average Salary: $42,243
Line cooks prepare meals quickly and efficiently. They work in busy kitchens and need to follow recipes precisely. Fast-food chains and busy restaurants often hire line cooks to keep up with high demand.
Find Line Cook jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Beauty Consultant
Average Salary: $42,056
Beauty consultants advise clients on beauty products and treatments. They work in retail stores and should have a passion for beauty and skincare. Popular stores seek beauty consultants who can engage and educate customers.
Find Beauty Consultant jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Floor Tech
Average Salary: $41,330
Floor techs maintain the cleanliness of floors. They sweep, mop, and may use specialized equipment. These roles are crucial in keeping public spaces and commercial areas clean and safe.
Find Floor Tech jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Server
Average Salary: $41,193
Servers take orders and serve food and drinks. They need good communication skills and a friendly demeanor. Many restaurants and cafes look for servers who can provide excellent customer service.
Find Server jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Barista
Average Salary: $39,651
Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. They need to be knowledgeable about different drinks and brewing methods. Coffee shops often hire baristas to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Find Barista jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Dishwasher
Average Salary: $38,842
Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They work in commercial kitchens and must handle dirty dishes efficiently. Restaurants and cafes rely on dishwashers to keep the kitchen clean.
Find Dishwasher jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Server Assistant
Average Salary: $37,920
Server assistants help servers with tasks such as setting tables and cleaning up. They work in a fast-paced environment and must be reliable. Many dining establishments need server assistants to support the main servers.
Find Server Assistant jobs in La Jolla, CA
-
Service Team Member
Average Salary: $37,331
Service team members assist customers with their needs. They work in retail and often need to be knowledgeable about the products they sell. Companies look for team members who can provide excellent customer service.
Find Service Team Member jobs in La Jolla, CA
Which companies offer the top salaries in La Jolla, CA?

-
Pfizer
Average Salary: $145,905
Pfizer is a global pharmaceutical company. It works on new medicines and vaccines for many health issues.
-
Keller Williams Realty
Average Salary: $137,235
Keller Williams Realty helps people buy and sell homes. It is a large real estate company.
-
Vaco
Average Salary: $128,529
Vaco is a staffing and recruitment firm. It places workers in many different industries.
-
UC San Diego
Average Salary: $101,423
UC San Diego is a research university. It has a large medical center and offers many academic programs.
-
Scripps Health
Average Salary: $90,923
Scripps Health is a hospital system. It provides many health services in the San Diego area.
-
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Average Salary: $70,065
The Salk Institute conducts research in biology. It focuses on understanding diseases and life processes.
-
EVANS HOTELS
Average Salary: $56,112
EVANS HOTELS manages hotels. It provides accommodations for travelers and guests.
-
CVS Health
Average Salary: $54,526
CVS Health sells health products and services. It includes pharmacies and health insurance.
-
Front Porch Communities and Services
Average Salary: $51,251
Front Porch offers community services. It provides home repairs and maintenance.
-
My Senior Health Plan
Average Salary: $51,145
My Senior Health Plan offers health insurance. It focuses on the needs of older adults.
How does the cost of living in La Jolla, CA compare to the national average?

The cost of living in La Jolla, California, stands significantly higher than the nationwide average. Housing costs, in particular, are 78% higher, with an index of 278 compared to the average of 100. This dramatic increase can significantly impact budget planning for job seekers considering relocation.
Other expenses in La Jolla also exceed the national average. Groceries are 10% higher, while utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs are all within 5% to 18% above the nationwide average. Utilities sit at 3% above average, transportation at 17%, healthcare at 15%, and miscellaneous expenses at 18%. These numbers suggest that residents should expect to allocate a larger portion of their income to cover living expenses in La Jolla.



