What is the average salary in San Diego, CA?
San Diego offers a competitive salary landscape for job seekers. The average yearly salary stands at $85,929, showcasing a robust job market. Workers benefit from a variety of industries, each contributing to the overall economic health.
Different sectors pay varying salaries. For instance, those in the top industries earn:
- 34.44% earn $35,500
- 15.31% earn $53,809
- 11.37% earn $72,118
- 7.74% earn $90,427
- 6.68% earn $108,736
- 5.83% earn $127,045
- 4.38% earn $145,355
- 3.47% earn $163,664
- 2.99% earn $181,973
- 1.57% earn $200,282
- 1.21% earn $218,591
- Earn $236,900
What are the best paying jobs in San Diego, CA?

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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Average Salary: $313,227
This role involves administering anesthesia to patients. It requires a nursing background and specialized training. It is a key position at hospitals and surgical centers, including Scripps Health and Sharp HealthCare.
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Physician
Average Salary: $283,900
Physicians diagnose and treat health issues, prescribing medications and treatments. They work in various settings, from private practices to large hospitals like UC San Diego Health and Kaiser Permanente.
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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $273,156
These doctors focus on general health and wellness. They provide preventive care, manage chronic diseases, and refer to specialists. Many work in clinics, including those at Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group and Rady Children's Hospital.
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Internal Medicine Physician
Average Salary: $258,119
Specialists in internal medicine care for adults with a range of health issues. They often work in private practices and hospitals. They may see patients for routine check-ups or manage complex illnesses. Facilities like Scripps Clinic are known employers.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $233,530
These professionals focus on oral health, providing cleanings, fillings, and other dental treatments. They often work in private practices, such as those at Smile Design Dental Group and Rady Children's Specialists of San Diego.
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Pediatrician
Average Salary: $211,985
Pediatricians care for children's health, providing check-ups and treatment for illnesses. They work in clinics and hospitals, including those at Rady Children’s and Sharp Rees-Stealy. It's a role that demands compassion and expertise.
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General Counsel
Average Salary: $206,350
General Counsel advise on legal matters and ensure compliance with laws. They work in corporations and law firms, such as those at Qualcomm and The San Diego County Office of the Public Guardian.
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Wireless Engineer
Average Salary: $201,647
These engineers design and implement wireless communication systems. They work in tech companies and research labs, such as those at Qualcomm and Broadcom. They focus on developing technologies for mobile devices and networks.
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Solutions Architect
Average Salary: $199,726
Solutions Architects design and implement IT solutions for businesses. They work with teams to assess needs and create technical solutions. This role is common at tech companies like Cisco and Qualcomm.
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Counsel
Average Salary: $196,622
Counselors provide guidance and support to individuals and groups. They work in various settings, including schools, private practices, and community centers. They help clients with personal and professional challenges.
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What are the best paying jobs in San Diego, CA without a degree?

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Sales Inspector
Average Salary: $85,014
This role involves evaluating products for quality and compliance. It is vital for local businesses to maintain their reputation. Top companies in the area include retail chains and consumer goods firms.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $67,059
This position requires mixing and pouring concrete for construction. Construction sites, including commercial and residential, often seek skilled finishers. Major firms in the city invest in infrastructure.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $57,565
This position entails gathering information through surveys and interviews. It supports local businesses and research firms by collecting valuable data. Organizations like market research firms rely on canvassers for their insights.
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Grain Elevator Operator
Average Salary: $54,791
Operating grain elevators involves moving and monitoring grain. This role is essential for the agricultural sector. Major agricultural companies in the city depend on skilled operators to handle their grain efficiently.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $54,689
This role focuses on installing and maintaining irrigation systems. It is crucial for maintaining green spaces and crops. Landscape companies and agricultural businesses require these technicians to ensure proper water distribution.
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Yard Worker
Average Salary: $51,857
This position involves maintaining grounds and performing landscaping tasks. It supports local parks, commercial properties, and residential areas. Landscape companies and property management firms hire yard workers for these duties.
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Laundry Aide
Average Salary: $46,024
This role includes washing and folding clothes. It is necessary for hotels, hospitals, and residential complexes. These facilities depend on laundry aides to ensure cleanliness and order.
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Floor Tech
Average Salary: $45,145
This position requires cleaning and maintaining floors. It supports businesses, schools, and residential buildings. Maintenance companies and property management firms hire floor techs to keep spaces clean.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $44,793
This role involves slicing and portioning meat. It is essential for grocery stores and meat markets. These businesses depend on skilled cutters to meet customer needs efficiently.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $43,385
This position focuses on maintaining landscapes and gardens. It supports parks, schools, and residential areas. Groundskeepers work for landscape companies and municipal departments to keep public spaces attractive.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in San Diego, CA?

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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $200,477
LifeStance Health is a leading mental health care provider. They offer a range of services from therapy to psychiatry. Their commitment to patient care is strong.
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Apple
Average Salary: $199,974
Apple designs and sells consumer electronics, computers, and online services. Known for innovation and design, it is a leader in technology.
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Intuit
Average Salary: $196,489
Intuit creates financial management software. It helps people and businesses manage their money. The company is well-known for products like TurboTax and QuickBooks.
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Google
Average Salary: $194,060
Google is a global technology company. It offers internet-related services and products. Google is famous for its search engine and innovative tech.
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Headlight
Average Salary: $187,977
Headlight is a company focused on learning and development. They create courses and programs to help people grow in their careers.
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Bristol Myers Squibb
Average Salary: $183,754
Bristol Myers Squibb is a pharmaceutical company. It develops and sells medicines for various conditions. The company is a leader in medical research.
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Shield AI
Average Salary: $183,500
Shield AI specializes in artificial intelligence. They develop AI systems for defense and commercial use. The company is at the forefront of AI technology.
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PwC
Average Salary: $183,302
PwC provides professional services. These include audit, tax, and consulting services. The firm is a global leader in its industry.
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Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Average Salary: $183,208
AWS is a cloud computing platform. It offers a range of services for businesses. AWS is a major player in the tech world.
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Travere Therapeutics
Average Salary: $182,265
Travere Therapeutics focuses on rare diseases. They develop treatments for kidney and other diseases. The company is dedicated to improving health.
How does the cost of living in San Diego, CA compare to the national average?

The cost of living in San Diego, CA, exceeds the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs, for instance, are significantly higher, with an index of 185 compared to the national average of 100. This means housing costs in San Diego are 85% more expensive than the national average. Job seekers must consider this substantial increase when evaluating potential earnings and overall budget adjustments.
Other essential expenses also reflect higher costs in San Diego. Groceries, utilities, and transportation show modest increases, with indices of 115, 105, and 120, respectively. These represent 15%, 5%, and 20% more than the nationwide average. While these costs are not as extreme as housing, they still contribute to a higher overall cost of living. Therefore, professionals should weigh these factors when planning their relocation to San Diego.



