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What is the average salary in San Diego, CA?

The average salary in San Diego, CA is $82,358 per year.

San Diego offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in San Diego is $82,358. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape of the city. Many industries contribute to this average, including technology, healthcare, and education.


The salary distribution in San Diego shows a wide range of earnings. The top-paying jobs include roles such as software developers, who earn around $124,386 per year, and healthcare professionals, who can make up to $178,318 annually. Other high-paying sectors include finance, engineering, and management. These figures highlight the potential for career growth and financial stability in San Diego.

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What are the best paying jobs in San Diego, CA?

San Diego offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Psychiatrists lead the way with an average salary of $333,863. Other top earners include Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, who make an average of $329,365 annually. Physicians, general dentists, and primary care physicians also enjoy competitive salaries, reflecting the demand for quality healthcare services in the region. Additionally, roles such as regulatory affairs directors, pediatricians, and general counsels offer substantial earnings. These positions require specialized skills and education, but they provide excellent compensation for those who qualify. Job seekers in San Diego can find rewarding and well-paying careers in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting Psychiatrist with the highest at $333,863 and General Counsel with the lowest at $198,561.
  1. Psychiatrist
    Average Salary: $333,863
    This role involves diagnosing and treating mental health issues. Psychiatrists work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They collaborate with psychologists and social workers to provide comprehensive care.
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  2. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
    Average Salary: $329,365
    These professionals administer anesthesia during surgeries. They work closely with surgeons and anesthesiologists. They ensure patients are safe and comfortable before, during, and after procedures.
    Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Physician
    Average Salary: $270,004
    Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide the best care for patients.
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  4. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $265,349
    Dentists focus on oral health. They perform cleanings, fillings, and extractions. They work in private practices and dental clinics, ensuring patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.
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  5. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $245,177
    Primary care physicians provide general medical care. They treat a wide range of conditions and illnesses. They work in clinics and hospitals, often serving as the first point of contact for patients.
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  6. Internal Medicine Physician
    Average Salary: $233,105
    These doctors specialize in adult medicine. They diagnose and treat complex medical issues. They work in hospitals and private practices, focusing on prevention and treatment of adult diseases.
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  7. Staff Physician
    Average Salary: $215,806
    Staff physicians work in hospitals and clinics. They provide medical care to patients. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
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  8. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $211,343
    This role involves ensuring compliance with regulations. Directors work in healthcare and pharmaceutical companies. They manage regulatory submissions and maintain compliance with industry standards.
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  9. Pediatrician
    Average Salary: $208,166
    Pediatricians specialize in children's health. They provide medical care from infancy to adolescence. They work in clinics and hospitals, ensuring children receive the best care possible.
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  10. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $198,561
    General counsel provides legal advice to organizations. They handle legal issues and ensure compliance with laws. They work in corporate settings, often collaborating with other executives.
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What are the best paying jobs in San Diego, CA without a degree?

San Diego offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. These jobs provide good earning potential and valuable experience. Sales Inspectors lead the list with an average salary of $75,957. Other top jobs include Canvassers, Concrete Finishers, and Restaurant Managers, all offering competitive pay. These positions allow individuals to start earning well without the need for a degree. Sales Inspectors, for example, earn over $75,000 annually. Canvassers and Concrete Finishers also enjoy salaries above $67,000. Restaurant Managers can earn around $55,000. These roles offer a chance to build a successful career with good income.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $75,957 and Concrete Laborer with the lowest at $46,782.
  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $75,957
    This role involves inspecting sales practices. It requires keen attention to detail. Companies like local retail stores and tech firms value this skill.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $68,012
    Canvassers gather information and promote products. They work for political campaigns and local businesses. It's a great way to meet people and learn about the community.
    Find Canvasser jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $67,086
    Concrete finishers prepare and finish concrete surfaces. They work on construction sites. This job offers steady work and good pay. Companies like construction firms hire for this role.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $55,704
    Restaurant managers oversee daily operations. They handle staff, orders, and customer service. This job is fast-paced and rewarding. Many local eateries need skilled managers.
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  5. Grain Elevator Operator
    Average Salary: $54,334
    Grain elevator operators manage grain storage and movement. They work in agricultural areas. This job is crucial for the food supply chain. Companies in the farming industry hire for this role.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $54,044
    Kitchen managers supervise kitchen staff and operations. They ensure food quality and safety. This job is essential in the food service industry. Local restaurants and cafes need experienced managers.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $53,923
    Arborist climbers trim and care for trees. They work outdoors and in various settings. This job requires physical fitness and attention to detail. Tree care companies hire for this role.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Journeyman Painter
    Average Salary: $51,033
    Journeyman painters apply paint to buildings and structures. They work on residential and commercial projects. This job offers steady work and good pay. Construction and maintenance companies hire for this role.
    Find Journeyman Painter jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $49,248
    Irrigation technicians install and maintain water systems. They work on farms and gardens. This job is important for agriculture. Companies in the farming industry hire for this role.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $46,782
    Concrete laborers assist in concrete finishing tasks. They work on construction sites. This job offers steady work and good pay. Construction companies hire for this role.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in San Diego, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in San Diego, CA?

San Diego offers many companies with competitive salaries for job seekers. LifeStance Health leads with an average salary of $205,784. Apple and PlayStation also provide high salaries, with averages of $198,189 and $193,984, respectively. Other notable companies include Intuit, PwC, and Bristol Myers Squibb, all offering salaries above $179,000. These companies provide excellent opportunities for those seeking well-paying jobs in San Diego.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting LifeStance Health with the highest at $205,784 and ServiceNow with the lowest at $169,355.
  1. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $205,784
    LifeStance Health offers mental health services. They focus on providing quality care and support to patients.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $198,189
    Apple designs and sells consumer electronics, computers, and online services. They are known for their innovative products.


  3. PlayStation
    Average Salary: $193,984
    PlayStation is a video game console brand. It offers gaming systems and entertainment to gamers worldwide.


  4. Shield AI
    Average Salary: $187,733
    Shield AI develops AI technology for autonomous systems. They focus on creating advanced software for various applications.


  5. Intuit
    Average Salary: $187,324
    Intuit creates financial software for individuals and businesses. They are known for products like TurboTax and QuickBooks.


  6. PwC
    Average Salary: $180,896
    PwC is a professional services firm. They offer audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services to clients.


  7. Bristol Myers Squibb
    Average Salary: $179,455
    Bristol Myers Squibb is a pharmaceutical company. They develop and sell medicines for various health conditions.


  8. Avidity Biosciences
    Average Salary: $176,330
    Avidity Biosciences focuses on genetic medicines. They aim to treat rare diseases with innovative therapies.


  9. Dr. Zak Dental Care
    Average Salary: $170,081
    Dr. Zak Dental Care provides dental services. They focus on patient care and oral health.


  10. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $169,355
    ServiceNow offers cloud-based software for enterprise management. They help businesses streamline their operations.

How does the cost of living in San Diego, CA compare to the national average?

San Diego, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The city's overall cost of living index is 123, which is 23% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely driven by housing costs, which are 200% of the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Diego, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 100% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 25% higher, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

San Diego, California, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in San Diego stands at 200, which is 100% higher than the national average. This means that housing costs in San Diego are twice as high as the average cost across the country. For job seekers considering a move to San Diego, this significant increase in housing costs is a crucial factor to consider.


Other expenses in San Diego also exceed the national average. Groceries cost 15% more, with an index of 115. Utilities are 5% higher, at 105. Transportation costs are 25% higher, with an index of 125. Healthcare costs are 10% above the average, at 110. Miscellaneous expenses are 20% higher, with an index of 120. These increases show that while San Diego offers many benefits, potential residents should be prepared for higher living expenses in several key areas.

There are 10,797 job openings in San Diego, CA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in San Diego, CA

Discover what it's like to work in San Diego, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
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San Diego, CA
10,797 Job Openings