Salaries in San Diego, CA
What is the average salary in San Diego, CA?
San Diego, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in the city is around $79,968. This figure can vary based on the job sector and experience level. For instance, the tech industry often provides higher salaries compared to other sectors.
Here are some average salary ranges for different job sectors in San Diego:
- Information Technology: $51,950 - $231,450
- Healthcare: $34,000 - $195,550
- Finance: $69,900 - $177,600
- Education: $36,960 - $159,650
- Retail: $11,820 - $141,700
- Manufacturing: $8,090 - $123,750
- Construction: $6,220 - $105,800
- Hospitality: $5,070 - $87,850
- Agriculture: $3,770 - $69,900
- Utilities: $2,780 - $51,950
- Mining: $2,730 - $34,000
What are the best paying jobs in San Diego, CA?

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Psychiatrist
Average Salary: $346,604
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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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Average Salary: $329,049
These professionals administer anesthesia for patients undergoing surgery. They work in hospitals and surgical centers. They must be highly skilled and work well under pressure.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $270,219
Dentists provide routine dental care, including cleanings and fillings. They work in private practices and clinics. They must stay up-to-date with the latest dental technologies and techniques.
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Physician
Average Salary: $262,806
Physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They must have excellent communication skills and be able to work well under pressure.
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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $240,324
These doctors provide routine medical care and manage chronic conditions. They work in clinics and private practices. They must be able to build strong relationships with patients and provide personalized care.
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Internal Medicine Physician
Average Salary: $227,292
Specialists in internal medicine focus on adult care. They work in hospitals and clinics. They must be able to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions.
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Regulatory Affairs Director
Average Salary: $205,773
This role involves ensuring that companies comply with regulations. They work in various industries, including healthcare and technology. They must be highly organized and detail-oriented.
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Pediatrician
Average Salary: $205,015
Pediatricians provide medical care for children. They work in hospitals and clinics. They must be able to communicate effectively with both children and their parents.
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Staff Physician
Average Salary: $202,338
Staff physicians work in hospitals and clinics. They provide routine medical care and manage chronic conditions. They must be able to work well under pressure and provide personalized care.
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Wireless Engineer
Average Salary: $195,998
Wireless engineers design and maintain wireless networks. They work in various industries, including telecommunications and technology. They must be highly skilled in both hardware and software.
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What are the best paying jobs in San Diego, CA without a degree?

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Canvasser
Average Salary: $71,464
This role involves visiting homes and businesses to gather information. It is a great way to meet people and learn about the community. Companies like political campaigns and local businesses often hire canvassers.
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Sales Inspector
Average Salary: $69,423
Sales inspectors check products for quality and compliance. They work in various industries, including retail and manufacturing. Companies like major retailers and food processing firms need these inspectors.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $67,511
Concrete finishers prepare and finish concrete surfaces. They work on construction sites, ensuring the concrete is smooth and level. Construction companies and contractors often hire these workers.
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Grain Elevator Operator
Average Salary: $56,239
Grain elevator operators manage the loading and unloading of grain. They work in large facilities, ensuring the grain is stored safely. Companies in the agriculture and food processing sectors need these operators.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $56,052
Restaurant managers oversee daily operations. They handle staff, customer service, and inventory. Many restaurants and food chains hire managers with experience in the hospitality industry.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $53,326
Kitchen managers supervise kitchen staff and ensure food quality. They work in busy kitchens, coordinating meal preparation. Restaurants and food service companies often need these managers.
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Concrete Laborer
Average Salary: $48,609
Concrete laborers assist in pouring and finishing concrete. They work on construction sites, helping with various tasks. Construction companies often hire laborers to support their projects.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $47,926
Irrigation technicians install and maintain irrigation systems. They work in landscaping and agriculture, ensuring plants get the right amount of water. Companies in these fields often need skilled technicians.
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Journeyman Painter
Average Salary: $46,158
Journeyman painters apply paint to walls and other surfaces. They work on residential and commercial projects, ensuring the paint job is neat and professional. Painting companies and contractors often hire these painters.
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Restaurant Crew
Average Salary: $43,245
Restaurant crew members perform various tasks, such as taking orders and cleaning. They work in a fast-paced environment, ensuring the restaurant runs smoothly. Many restaurants and food service companies hire crew members.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in San Diego, CA?

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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $213,502
LifeStance Health offers mental health services. They focus on providing quality care and support to patients.
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Apple
Average Salary: $197,302
Apple designs and sells consumer electronics, computers, and online services. They are known for their innovative products and strong brand.
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Shield AI
Average Salary: $185,386
Shield AI develops AI software for military and commercial use. They are leaders in autonomous systems and technology.
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PwC
Average Salary: $178,687
PwC provides assurance, tax, and consulting services. They work with businesses to help them grow and succeed.
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Intuit
Average Salary: $177,933
Intuit creates financial software for individuals and businesses. They are best known for their TurboTax and QuickBooks products.
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Avidity Biosciences
Average Salary: $174,581
Avidity Biosciences focuses on developing gene therapies. They aim to treat serious muscle and neurological diseases.
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Burns & McDonnell
Average Salary: $167,701
Burns & McDonnell is an engineering firm. They provide design and consulting services for various projects.
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ServiceNow
Average Salary: $167,628
ServiceNow offers cloud-based software for enterprise workflow automation. They help businesses manage their operations more efficiently.
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Qualcomm
Average Salary: $164,270
Qualcomm develops wireless technology products. They are a leader in mobile phone chips and 5G technology.
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Bristol Myers Squibb
Average Salary: $159,971
Bristol Myers Squibb is a pharmaceutical company. They develop and sell medicines for various health conditions.
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 cost of living index for San Diego stands at 130, which is 30% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely due to housing costs, which are 75% higher than the average. People looking to buy or rent a home in San Diego will find that these expenses are significantly higher.
Other areas also show a rise in costs. For groceries, the index is 15% higher, while utilities cost 10% more. Transportation costs are 20% higher, and miscellaneous expenses are 30% higher. Healthcare costs, however, are slightly below the national average, with a 5% decrease. This means that while living in San Diego offers many benefits, job seekers need to be aware of the higher costs in several key areas.