Overview Salaries

Salaries in La Mesa, CA

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in La Mesa, CA?

The average salary in La Mesa, CA is $65,193 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for La Mesa, CA, showing an average salary of $65,193 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for La Mesa, CA, showing an average salary of $5,433 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for La Mesa, CA, showing an average salary of $1,254 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for La Mesa, CA, showing an average salary of $31 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Job seekers looking at La Mesa, CA will find a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in La Mesa stands at about $65,193. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape of the area, which offers competitive pay across many sectors.

Some of the industries that stand out include:

  • Professional services
  • Healthcare
  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
  • Technology

In these areas, salaries can vary greatly based on experience, qualifications, and the specific role. Job seekers can look forward to a range of opportunities that cater to a variety of skill sets and career goals.

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

Job seekers in La Mesa, CA, have many excellent career opportunities with high salaries. Top-paying positions include Speech Language Pathologist, Registered Nurse, and Occupational Therapist. These jobs offer competitive wages and a chance to make a positive impact in people's lives. Other well-compensated roles include Counselor, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Behavior Analyst. These positions also provide the potential for good earnings. General Manager, Licensed Vocational Nurse, and Pharmacy Technician roles are also available with decent salaries. These jobs cater to a variety of skills and interests. Job seekers in La Mesa can find rewarding and financially attractive career options.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in La Mesa, CA, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $123,575 and Pharmacy Technician with the lowest at $50,308.

  1. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $123,575
    They work with patients who have speech or language difficulties. Companies like Rady Children's Hospital often seek professionals. This role focuses on improving communication skills.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in La Mesa, CA


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $118,724
    RNs provide care to patients and support doctors. Hospitals such as Sharp Grossmont Hospital hire them. They play a key role in patient care and recovery.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in La Mesa, CA


  3. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $112,865
    They help patients perform daily tasks. Many healthcare facilities look for skilled therapists. Their goal is to improve patients' quality of life through therapy.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in La Mesa, CA


  4. Counselor
    Average Salary: $109,324
    They offer support to people facing personal challenges. Schools and mental health centers hire counselors. Their work helps individuals improve their mental well-being.
    Find Counselor jobs in La Mesa, CA


  5. Physical Therapist Assistant
    Average Salary: $87,854
    They assist physical therapists in helping patients recover. Local clinics and hospitals often seek qualified assistants. Their goal is to support patient rehabilitation.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in La Mesa, CA


  6. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $75,143
    They study and improve behaviors. Schools and healthcare organizations hire analysts. Their work helps individuals with behavioral issues lead better lives.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in La Mesa, CA


  7. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $74,196
    They provide basic medical care under supervision. Hospitals and clinics frequently hire LVNs. They ensure patients receive quality care.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in La Mesa, CA


  8. General Manager
    Average Salary: $59,280
    They oversee daily operations of businesses. Local restaurants and retail stores often seek managers. Their job is to ensure smooth business operations.
    Find General Manager jobs in La Mesa, CA


  9. Certified Nursing Assistant
    Average Salary: $52,404
    They assist nurses in patient care. Hospitals and care facilities hire CNAs. Their support helps nurses provide better care to patients.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in La Mesa, CA


  10. Pharmacy Technician
    Average Salary: $50,308
    They assist pharmacists in dispensing medication. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens hire technicians. Their work ensures patients get the right medications.
    Find Pharmacy Technician jobs in La Mesa, CA

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

Job seekers in La Mesa, CA, can find lucrative opportunities that do not require a college degree. High-paying roles include Kitchen Team Member, Housekeeping, and Barista, with average salaries around $43,000. These positions offer a chance to earn well while gaining valuable experience in a professional environment. Positions such as Line Cook, Server, and Laundry Aide also present attractive earnings. These jobs typically start at over $34,000 annually, providing job seekers with the chance to build their career without a degree. These roles allow individuals to earn a good living while acquiring essential skills and experience.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in La Mesa, CA without a degree, highlighting Kitchen Team Member with the highest at $43,196 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $34,721.

  1. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $43,196
    Join a dynamic kitchen team where every meal is an opportunity to shine. Work in renowned local eateries, ensuring every dish meets high standards. Gain hands-on experience, learning from seasoned chefs in a fast-paced environment.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in La Mesa, CA


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $42,233
    Keep living spaces tidy and welcoming. Roles in luxury hotels and resorts offer great exposure. You'll use cleaning products and equipment to maintain cleanliness and comfort. It’s a job where every detail counts.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in La Mesa, CA


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $41,706
    Create and serve coffee creations in bustling coffee shops. Learn to balance speed with quality as you cater to a diverse clientele. This role requires attention to detail and a passion for craft beverages.
    Find Barista jobs in La Mesa, CA


  4. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $37,163
    Support servers by ensuring guests have everything they need. Work in various dining establishments, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. This position is ideal for those who enjoy interacting with customers and working in teams.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in La Mesa, CA


  5. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $37,062
    Help organize activities and programs at community centers. Facilitate engaging events and workshops for all age groups. This role is perfect for those who enjoy community engagement and recreation.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in La Mesa, CA


  6. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $36,332
    Prepare food quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in hotels, restaurants, and cafes, mastering various cooking techniques. This job offers great hands-on experience in a dynamic environment.
    Find Line Cook jobs in La Mesa, CA


  7. Server
    Average Salary: $34,766
    Deliver excellent service to customers, ensuring their dining experience is memorable. Serve in various settings, from casual diners to fine restaurants. This role emphasizes customer service and teamwork.
    Find Server jobs in La Mesa, CA


  8. Laundry Aide
    Average Salary: $34,727
    Handle laundry tasks efficiently in hotels and residential settings. Operate washing machines, irons, and dryers to maintain cleanliness. This role requires attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
    Find Laundry Aide jobs in La Mesa, CA


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $34,721
    Ensure dishes and utensils are clean and ready for use. Work in busy kitchens, from diners to fine dining establishments. This job is essential for maintaining hygiene and operational efficiency in food service environments.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in La Mesa, CA

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

Job seekers in La Mesa, CA, can find attractive salary offers at several top-rated companies. LifeStance Health leads with the highest average salary at $229,868. This company provides excellent compensation for its employees. Family Health Centers of San Diego offers a competitive average salary of $115,261, making it a strong choice for many job seekers. Sharp HealthCare and Kaiser Permanente also provide good compensation packages, with average salaries of $101,052 and $91,683, respectively. These companies offer stability and attractive benefits, making them appealing for professionals in the area. Other notable employers include Sevita and COMMUNITY CARE CENTER, where average salaries range from $69,074 to $67,227, offering solid opportunities for career growth.
Graph displaying company salaries in La Mesa, CA, highlighting LifeStance Health with the highest at $229,868 and Sodexo with the lowest at $53,758.

  1. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $229,868
    LifeStance Health offers mental health services. They value their staff and offer competitive salaries. It's a great choice for those in healthcare.


  2. Family Health Centers of San Diego
    Average Salary: $115,261
    Family Health Centers of San Diego provides healthcare services. They offer a good salary for their employees. It's a stable company with good benefits.


  3. Sharp HealthCare
    Average Salary: $101,052
    Sharp HealthCare is a large healthcare provider in San Diego. They offer good salaries and many benefits. It's a great place to work in healthcare.


  4. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $91,683
    Kaiser Permanente is a well-known healthcare company. They offer a good salary and benefits to their staff. It's a respected company in the industry.


  5. Sevita
    Average Salary: $69,074
    Sevita offers services for people with disabilities. They provide a good salary and a supportive work environment. It's a good choice for those in healthcare.


  6. COMMUNITY CARE CENTER
    Average Salary: $67,227
    COMMUNITY CARE CENTER offers health services. They pay well and offer good benefits. It's a good company for those in the healthcare field.


  7. Alvarado Parkway Institute
    Average Salary: $61,325
    Alvarado Parkway Institute offers mental health services. They offer a good salary and a supportive work environment. It's a good choice for those in healthcare.


  8. Evolve Treatment Centers
    Average Salary: $56,829
    Evolve Treatment Centers offer mental health services. They pay a good salary and offer benefits. It's a respected company in the healthcare industry.


  9. La Mesa Spring Valley Schools
    Average Salary: $56,022
    La Mesa Spring Valley Schools offer educational services. They offer competitive salaries and benefits. It's a good place for those in education.


  10. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $53,758
    Sodexo offers food and facility services. They offer a good salary and benefits. It's a respected company with many opportunities.

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

The cost of living in La Mesa, CA, notably exceeds the nationwide average. For instance, housing costs are 66% higher, groceries cost 8% more, and utilities are 7% pricier. Overall, living expenses in La Mesa are around 12% above the national average. Professionals seeking employment should consider these figures when planning their budgets. La Mesa's higher costs in housing and healthcare may affect overall affordability, making it essential to weigh these factors against potential job benefits.
Cost of living comparison graph for La Mesa, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 66% higher, groceries 8% higher, utilities 7% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 20% higher, miscellaneous 12% higher.

La Mesa, California, has a higher cost of living than the national average. The housing index stands significantly higher at 166, which is 66% above the national average of 100. This means housing in La Mesa is almost 70% more expensive than the average U.S. city. This high index is likely to affect anyone considering relocating to La Mesa for employment, as housing costs will be a major expense.


In addition to housing, other expenses in La Mesa also exceed the national average. Groceries cost 8% more, with an index of 108. Utilities and transportation follow closely at 7% and 15% over the average, with indices of 107 and 115, respectively. Healthcare costs are 20% higher, indexed at 120, while miscellaneous costs sit at 12% above the average, with an index of 112. These higher costs may impact the quality of life and daily expenses for residents and new job seekers alike.

There are 406 job openings in La Mesa, CA, today!

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La Mesa, CA
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