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What is the average salary in San Diego, CA?

The average salary in San Diego, CA is $85,449 per year.

San Diego, California, offers a range of salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at around $85,449. This reflects the diverse economic landscape of the area, providing opportunities for many job seekers.


Here are some salary insights based on different sectors in San Diego:

  • Health care: $35,220
  • Education: $53,505
  • Professional services: $71,789
  • Technology: $90,074
  • Finance and insurance: $108,358
  • Real estate: $126,643
  • Retail and hospitality: $144,927
  • Manufacturing: $163,212
  • Construction: $181,496
  • Transportation: $199,781
  • Utilities: $218,065
  • Mining: $236,350

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

San Diego offers a variety of high-paying jobs across several industries. Among these, medical professionals often find the best opportunities. Psychiatrists, anesthetists, and physicians lead the list with impressive average salaries. These jobs not only provide financial rewards but also demand high levels of expertise and dedication. Another group of top-paying positions includes roles in technology and law. Wireless engineers and regulatory affairs directors also enjoy competitive pay packages. These jobs combine technical skills with strategic thinking, making them highly sought after. Overall, San Diego presents excellent opportunities for those seeking both rewarding careers and strong compensation.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting Psychiatrist with the highest at $341,525 and Wireless Engineer with the lowest at $199,198.
  1. Psychiatrist
    Average Salary: $341,525
    Provide mental health care, diagnose disorders, and treat patients using medication or therapy. Work with hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and Scripps Health offer opportunities.
    Find Psychiatrist jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
    Average Salary: $329,894
    Administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery. Work in hospitals, surgery centers, and private practices. Work alongside skilled surgeons and anesthesiologists at facilities like UC San Diego Health.
    Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Physician
    Average Salary: $281,613
    Diagnose and treat various health conditions. Manage patient care and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Opportunities exist at major health systems such as Sharp HealthCare and Rady Children’s Hospital.
    Find Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $264,347
    Provide general medical care and manage chronic conditions. Focus on preventive care and patient education. Work with patients in family medicine practices or community health centers.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Internal Medicine Physician
    Average Salary: $247,229
    Diagnose and treat adult diseases. Focus on prevention and patient education. Work in hospitals and private practices, often with large healthcare providers like Scripps Health.
    Find Internal Medicine Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $246,452
    Perform dental procedures, diagnose oral health issues, and educate patients on dental care. Work in private practices or dental clinics. Practice in areas with growing demand for dental services.
    Find General Dentist jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $213,272
    Ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Manage documentation and liaise with regulatory bodies. Work for tech companies and pharmaceutical firms, often in a leadership role.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Pediatrician
    Average Salary: $206,544
    Care for children’s health, diagnose illnesses, and provide vaccinations. Work in clinics and hospitals. Collaborate with parents and caregivers to ensure children’s well-being.
    Find Pediatrician jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $204,741
    Provide legal advice and manage legal issues for the company. Work on compliance, contracts, and litigation. Opportunities exist in tech firms and financial institutions in San Diego.
    Find General Counsel jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Wireless Engineer
    Average Salary: $199,198
    Design and develop wireless communication systems. Work on improving network performance and security. Companies like Qualcomm and Broadcom offer roles in this field.
    Find Wireless Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the best paying jobs in San Diego, CA without a degree?

Job seekers in San Diego have excellent opportunities for high-paying roles without needing a college degree. Positions like Sales Inspector and Concrete Finisher offer strong earning potential. These roles benefit from the region's growing economy and diverse industries. Sales Inspectors earn a robust average salary of $85,014, while Concrete Finishers earn around $63,050. Other top-paying jobs include Restaurant Manager, Grain Elevator Operator, and Kitchen Manager. These roles provide good pay and opportunities to grow in a vibrant job market.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $85,014 and Floor Tech with the lowest at $44,420.
  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $85,014
    This job involves inspecting sales teams. It is vital for ensuring compliance with laws. It often takes place at local businesses.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $63,050
    A concrete finisher creates and smooths concrete. They often work for construction companies. This job is essential for building structures.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $60,249
    A restaurant manager oversees daily operations. They ensure smooth service and customer satisfaction. They often work in bustling dining environments.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Grain Elevator Operator
    Average Salary: $56,763
    An elevator operator handles grain loading and unloading. They ensure the safe operation of equipment. This job is vital for food processing companies.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $54,371
    A kitchen manager oversees food preparation. They ensure quality and efficiency. They often work in fast-paced kitchens.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $54,319
    An irrigation technician installs and maintains water systems. They ensure proper watering of crops. This job is important for agricultural businesses.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $53,940
    A canvasser collects data or information. They often work door-to-door. This job can involve various industries, from research to sales.
    Find Canvasser jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Laundry Aide
    Average Salary: $46,605
    A laundry aide helps with laundry tasks. They ensure cleanliness and order. This job is common in hotels and large facilities.
    Find Laundry Aide jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Restaurant Crew
    Average Salary: $46,304
    A crew member assists in various tasks. They help in the kitchen and dining area. This job is essential for restaurant operations.
    Find Restaurant Crew jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $44,420
    A floor tech maintains cleanliness and order. They often work in retail environments. This job ensures a pleasant shopping experience.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in San Diego, CA

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

San Diego offers many job seekers attractive salary options, particularly at leading companies. Arm stands out with an average salary of $241,568, providing a lucrative opportunity for professionals. Apple, LifeStance Health, and PlayStation also offer competitive salaries, making them strong choices for those seeking a high-paying job. Google, Intuit, and Bristol Myers Squibb follow closely, all with average salaries over $180,000. PwC, Amazon Web Services, and Shield AI also provide solid compensation packages. These companies demonstrate that San Diego has many options for those seeking high-paying jobs.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting Arm with the highest at $241,568 and Shield AI with the lowest at $182,362.
  1. Arm
    Average Salary: $241,568
    Arm is a leading technology company that designs and licenses processors, software, and intellectual property. They work with some of the biggest names in the tech world.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $199,746
    Apple is a global tech giant known for its innovative products, including iPhones, MacBooks, and more. They offer competitive salaries and a dynamic work environment.


  3. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $197,931
    LifeStance Health is a leading mental health care company. They provide a range of services to improve mental health care accessibility and quality.


  4. PlayStation
    Average Salary: $196,870
    PlayStation is a well-known brand in the gaming industry. They create popular gaming consoles and are part of Sony's gaming division.


  5. Intuit
    Average Salary: $194,782
    Intuit is a financial software company, famous for its products like TurboTax and QuickBooks. They focus on making personal finance easier for everyone.


  6. Google
    Average Salary: $193,214
    Google is a leading internet search company. They are known for their innovative products and services that connect people worldwide.


  7. Bristol Myers Squibb
    Average Salary: $183,744
    Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company. They are committed to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines for serious diseases.


  8. PwC
    Average Salary: $183,132
    PwC is a leading professional services firm. They offer audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services to businesses and individuals.


  9. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $182,487
    AWS is a cloud computing platform by Amazon. They provide a wide range of services to businesses and individuals looking to store and manage their data.


  10. Shield AI
    Average Salary: $182,362
    Shield AI is a pioneering company in artificial intelligence and robotics. They are developing advanced AI systems for various applications.

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

The cost of living index in San Diego, CA, significantly exceeds the nationwide average. Housing costs in San Diego stand at 80% higher than the average, while groceries and transportation prices are 15% and 30% above the national benchmark, respectively. Utilities, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also surpass the average, each by at least 10%. For job seekers, this means that living in San Diego will likely require a higher budget compared to the average U.S. city. Understanding these percentages can help individuals make informed decisions about relocation and budgeting.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Diego, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 80% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 30% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

San Diego, California, stands out as a city with a notably higher cost of living compared to the national average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in San Diego are significantly elevated at 180, which means they are 80% more expensive than the national average. This high index value is particularly impactful for those considering relocating to the area, as finding affordable housing can be a significant challenge.


In addition to housing, other living expenses in San Diego also exceed the national average. For instance, groceries are about 15% more expensive, with an index of 115, while utilities stand at 110, representing a 10% increase. Transportation costs are also higher, with an index of 130, meaning they are 30% more than average. Healthcare and miscellaneous expenses follow at 105 and 120, respectively, which translates to 5% and 20% increases. These figures highlight that multiple aspects of daily living are more costly in San Diego compared to the rest of the country.

There are 8,233 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
8,233 Job Openings