Overview Salaries

Salaries in La Mesa, CA

Updated on Jul 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in La Mesa, CA?

The average salary in La Mesa, CA is $66,064 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for La Mesa, CA, showing an average salary of $66,064 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for La Mesa, CA, showing an average salary of $5,505 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for La Mesa, CA, showing an average salary of $1,270 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for La Mesa, CA, showing an average salary of $32 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In La Mesa, CA, the average yearly salary stands at $66,064. This figure shows a good earning potential for workers in the area. A variety of industries contribute to these earnings, offering diverse opportunities.

The salary distribution reflects a balanced spread across sectors. Key industries include:

  • Professional services
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Retail
  • Manufacturing

These sectors provide a mix of job opportunities that can suit different skill sets and career goals.

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

La Mesa offers several top-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Registered Nurses can earn an average salary of around $121,846 annually. Other well-compensated roles include Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, and Physical Therapist Assistants. Aside from healthcare, business roles also provide high earnings. For instance, General Managers earn approximately $60,424 per year. Pharmacy Technicians and Licensed Vocational Nurses also enjoy competitive salaries. These positions demand specialized skills and qualifications, making them attractive for job seekers looking for financial stability and growth potential.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in La Mesa, CA, highlighting Registered Nurse with the highest at $121,846 and Dental Assistant with the lowest at $50,257.

  1. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $121,846
    Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care. They work in hospitals, doctors' offices, and clinics. Key employers in La Mesa include Grossmont Hospital and Sharp HealthCare.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in La Mesa, CA


  2. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $119,153
    Occupational therapists help patients recover from injuries or manage disabilities. They work in rehabilitation centers and hospitals. Local employers include Encompass Health and Sharp HealthCare.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in La Mesa, CA


  3. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $117,643
    Speech language pathologists work with patients who have speech and language disorders. They find jobs in schools and healthcare facilities. Key employers in La Mesa include Sharp HealthCare and local school districts.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in La Mesa, CA


  4. Physical Therapist Assistant
    Average Salary: $91,503
    Physical therapist assistants help patients recover from injuries or disabilities. They work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Employers in La Mesa include Sharp HealthCare and local physical therapy clinics.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in La Mesa, CA


  5. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $76,004
    Behavior analysts work with patients to improve their behavior. They often work in schools and healthcare settings. Employers in La Mesa include local schools and healthcare organizations.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in La Mesa, CA


  6. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $74,648
    Licensed vocational nurses provide basic patient care. They work in hospitals, doctors' offices, and clinics. Key employers in La Mesa include Grossmont Hospital and local clinics.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in La Mesa, CA


  7. General Manager
    Average Salary: $60,424
    General managers oversee the operations of businesses. They work in a variety of industries, including retail and hospitality. Key employers in La Mesa include local restaurants and retail stores.
    Find General Manager jobs in La Mesa, CA


  8. Pharmacy Technician
    Average Salary: $53,205
    Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists prepare and dispense medications. They work in pharmacies. Key employers in La Mesa include local pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens.
    Find Pharmacy Technician jobs in La Mesa, CA


  9. Certified Nursing Assistant
    Average Salary: $52,878
    Certified nursing assistants provide basic patient care. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare. Key employers in La Mesa include Sharp HealthCare and local nursing homes.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in La Mesa, CA


  10. Dental Assistant
    Average Salary: $50,257
    Dental assistants help dentists with patient care and office management. They work in dental offices. Key employers in La Mesa include local dental practices and clinics.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in La Mesa, CA

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

In La Mesa, CA, job seekers looking for top-paying roles without a degree have several attractive options. Roles such as Kitchen Team Member and Housekeeping offer competitive salaries over $42,000 annually. These positions provide a pathway to financial stability and career growth, utilizing skills that do not require formal education. Beyond food service, roles like Barista and Line Cook also offer salaries around $42,000 or more. These jobs emphasize practical skills and experience, making them accessible for those seeking a dependable income. Opportunities in recreational services and hospitality provide a mix of good pay and valuable work experiences.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in La Mesa, CA without a degree, highlighting Kitchen Team Member with the highest at $44,023 and Server with the lowest at $34,163.

  1. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $44,023
    Work in a busy kitchen, preparing meals and ensuring kitchen cleanliness. This role is vital for busy restaurants and cafes. Ideal for those who love food and teamwork.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in La Mesa, CA


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $42,418
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels and motels. This job involves following cleaning standards. It's a good choice for someone who enjoys a tidy environment.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in La Mesa, CA


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $42,081
    Prepare and serve coffee drinks in coffee shops. This job requires attention to detail and customer service. Great for those who enjoy a fast-paced environment.
    Find Barista jobs in La Mesa, CA


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $38,636
    Prepare ingredients and cook meals in fast-paced kitchens. This role demands quick thinking and teamwork. Ideal for those who love cooking and working in a busy kitchen.
    Find Line Cook jobs in La Mesa, CA


  5. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $36,849
    Organize and lead recreational activities in community centers. This job involves planning events and activities. Great for those who enjoy working with people of all ages.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in La Mesa, CA


  6. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $36,833
    Help servers with food and drink service in restaurants. This role is all about teamwork and customer service. Suitable for those who enjoy a fast-paced dining environment.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in La Mesa, CA


  7. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $35,733
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. This job is steady and requires attention to detail. Perfect for those who don’t mind working behind the scenes.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in La Mesa, CA


  8. Server
    Average Salary: $34,163
    Serve food and drinks to customers in restaurants. This role involves excellent customer service and teamwork. Ideal for those who enjoy interacting with people and working in a busy setting.
    Find Server jobs in La Mesa, CA

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

Job seekers in La Mesa, CA, can find competitive salaries at several top companies. LifeStance Health offers the highest average salary at $229,425. Following closely, Family Health Centers of San Diego provides an average salary of $120,944. Both these companies offer rewarding opportunities for professionals seeking good compensation. Other notable employers in La Mesa include Sharp HealthCare, Kaiser Permanente, and COMMUNITY CARE CENTER, all providing average salaries above $89,000. Companies like Sevita, Alvarado Parkway Institute, and Sodexo also offer attractive salaries, making La Mesa a favorable location for job seekers.
Graph displaying company salaries in La Mesa, CA, highlighting LifeStance Health with the highest at $229,425 and La Mesa Spring Valley Schools with the lowest at $55,165.

  1. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $229,425
    LifeStance Health offers a range of mental health services. Employees benefit from competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits.


  2. Family Health Centers of San Diego
    Average Salary: $120,944
    This nonprofit healthcare organization provides medical and dental services. Staff enjoy a supportive environment and good compensation.


  3. Sharp HealthCare
    Average Salary: $103,685
    A leading healthcare group, Sharp HealthCare offers various medical services. Employees receive competitive pay and opportunities for growth.


  4. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $89,417
    Kaiser Permanente is a renowned healthcare provider. Employees benefit from solid salaries and extensive benefits.


  5. COMMUNITY CARE CENTER
    Average Salary: $67,200
    This organization offers community-based health services. Employees enjoy a collaborative workplace and fair pay.


  6. Sevita
    Average Salary: $66,102
    Sevita provides services for individuals with disabilities. Employees value the work environment and the compensation.


  7. Alvarado Parkway Institute
    Average Salary: $61,999
    This institute offers professional development programs. Staff enjoy a positive work culture and decent salaries.


  8. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $60,015
    Sodexo provides food services and facilities management. Employees receive good pay and benefits.


  9. Evolve Treatment Centers
    Average Salary: $57,167
    Evolve Treatment Centers offers addiction treatment services. Staff benefit from supportive work environments and fair compensation.


  10. La Mesa Spring Valley Schools
    Average Salary: $55,165
    This school district provides educational services. Employees enjoy a stable career and competitive salaries.

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

La Mesa, CA, showcases a cost of living index significantly above the nationwide average, which stands at 100. Housing costs in La Mesa are 50% higher, while groceries are 20% more expensive. Utilities and transportation each rise 10% and 15%, respectively. Healthcare costs remain close to the national average with a 5% increase, and miscellaneous expenses are 30% higher. Job seekers must consider these figures when planning their budgets.
Cost of living comparison graph for La Mesa, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 50% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

The cost of living in La Mesa, CA, stands higher than the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs in La Mesa are notably elevated at 150, which is 50% above the average. This makes finding affordable housing a significant challenge for those relocating to or considering living in La Mesa. Groceries, another essential expense, also exceed the national average by 20%, with an index of 120. This higher cost can impact monthly budgets, influencing decisions for families and individuals alike.


Utilities and transportation costs in La Mesa also surpass the national average. Utilities have an index of 110, which is 10% higher than the baseline, while transportation costs sit at 115, marking a 15% increase. Healthcare costs, though slightly above average at 105, remain relatively close to the national benchmark, providing a bit of relief. Miscellaneous expenses, at an index of 130, are also 30% higher than the average, highlighting the overall trend of higher costs in La Mesa. These figures collectively indicate that living in La Mesa requires a careful budgeting approach to manage the increased expenses effectively.

There are 297 job openings in La Mesa, CA, today!

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La Mesa, CA
297 Job Openings

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