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What is the average salary in San Diego, CA?

The average salary in San Diego, CA is $81,948 per year.

San Diego offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in San Diego is $81,948. This figure reflects a diverse job market with many high-paying sectors.


Some of the top-paying jobs in San Diego include:

  • Software Developers: $124,500
  • Medical Doctors: $142,500
  • Financial Managers: $160,500
  • Marketing Managers: $178,500
  • Chief Executives: $196,500

These roles show that San Diego has a strong demand for skilled professionals in various industries. Job seekers can find rewarding career paths with good pay in this vibrant city.

View jobs in San Diego, CA

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

San Diego offers a range of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Psychiatrists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and physicians lead the list with top salaries. These roles require specialized education and training, but they offer excellent compensation. Other well-paying jobs in San Diego include general dentists, primary care physicians, and internal medicine physicians. These positions also demand advanced degrees and certifications. Regulatory affairs directors, pediatricians, and general counsels also earn competitive salaries. These jobs attract professionals who can meet the high standards of the San Diego job market.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting Psychiatrist with the highest at $333,452 and General Counsel with the lowest at $199,277.
  1. Psychiatrist
    Average Salary: $333,452
    Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Many psychiatrists collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
    Find Psychiatrist jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
    Average Salary: $329,406
    These professionals administer anesthesia to patients. They work in hospitals, surgical centers, and private practices. They collaborate closely with surgeons and anesthesiologists to ensure patient safety.
    Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Physician
    Average Salary: $269,100
    Physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
    Find Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $265,720
    Dentists provide oral health care. They work in private practices, clinics, and hospitals. They perform routine check-ups, cleanings, and various dental procedures.
    Find General Dentist jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $245,040
    Primary care physicians provide general medical care. They work in clinics and private practices. They manage patients' overall health and refer them to specialists when needed.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Internal Medicine Physician
    Average Salary: $233,708
    These physicians specialize in adult medicine. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They diagnose and treat complex medical conditions.
    Find Internal Medicine Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Staff Physician
    Average Salary: $212,219
    Staff physicians work in hospitals and clinics. They provide medical care to patients. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure quality care.
    Find Staff Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $207,567
    Regulatory affairs directors ensure compliance with laws and regulations. They work in healthcare, biotech, and pharmaceutical companies. They manage regulatory submissions and liaise with regulatory agencies.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Pediatrician
    Average Salary: $207,277
    Pediatricians specialize in children's health. They work in clinics and hospitals. They provide routine check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment for various conditions.
    Find Pediatrician jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $199,277
    General counsels provide legal advice to organizations. They work in corporate, nonprofit, and legal sectors. They handle legal matters, contracts, and compliance issues.
    Find General Counsel jobs in San Diego, CA

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

San Diego offers a variety of high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Sales Inspectors, for example, earn an average of $74,375 annually. They inspect and evaluate sales practices to ensure compliance with regulations. Other top-paying jobs include Canvassers, who make around $69,012 per year, and Concrete Finishers, earning about $67,130 annually. These roles provide good income and opportunities for career growth without the need for a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $74,375 and Journeyman Painter with the lowest at $46,909.
  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $74,375
    Sales inspectors work for companies like Qualcomm and work in the tech industry. They ensure products meet quality standards. They inspect products and provide feedback to improve quality.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $69,012
    Canvassers visit homes and businesses to promote products and services. They work for companies like Cox Communications. They gather information and feedback from customers.
    Find Canvasser jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $67,130
    Concrete finishers work on construction sites. They prepare and finish concrete surfaces. They work for companies like Swinerton and Clark Construction. They ensure the quality of concrete work.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $55,916
    Restaurant managers oversee daily operations. They work for restaurants like The Fish Market. They manage staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth operations.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Grain Elevator Operator
    Average Salary: $54,334
    Grain elevator operators work at facilities like Cargill. They handle the loading and unloading of grain. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of equipment.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $54,143
    Kitchen managers oversee kitchen staff and operations. They work for restaurants like The Fish Market. They ensure food quality, manage inventory, and maintain kitchen standards.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $53,923
    Arborist climbers work for companies like Davey Tree. They climb trees to trim and remove branches. They ensure the health and safety of trees in urban areas.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $49,241
    Irrigation technicians work for companies like Aquatrols. They install and maintain irrigation systems. They ensure efficient water use for landscaping and agriculture.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $47,278
    Concrete laborers assist concrete finishers. They work for companies like Swinerton and Clark Construction. They prepare materials and help with concrete pouring.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Journeyman Painter
    Average Salary: $46,909
    Journeyman painters work for companies like Sherwin-Williams. They apply paint to walls and ceilings. They ensure a smooth and even finish for residential and commercial projects.
    Find Journeyman Painter jobs in San Diego, CA

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

San Diego offers a variety of top-paying companies for job seekers. LifeStance Health leads with an average salary of $208,214. Apple and PlayStation follow closely, offering average salaries of $197,845 and $196,760, respectively. These companies provide competitive compensation packages, making San Diego an attractive place for professionals seeking higher earnings. Other notable companies in San Diego include Shield AI, Intuit, and PwC, all offering average salaries over $175,000. Bristol Myers Squibb, Avidity Biosciences, and Burns & McDonnell also provide strong salaries, ranging from $176,817 to $170,144. ServiceNow rounds out the list with an average salary of $169,333. These companies demonstrate San Diego's robust job market and the potential for high earnings.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting LifeStance Health with the highest at $208,214 and ServiceNow with the lowest at $169,333.
  1. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $208,214
    LifeStance Health offers mental health services. It is known for its supportive work environment and competitive pay.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $197,845
    Apple designs and sells consumer electronics. It is a leading tech company with a strong reputation.


  3. PlayStation
    Average Salary: $196,760
    PlayStation is a video game console and service. It is part of Sony and offers exciting opportunities in gaming.


  4. Shield AI
    Average Salary: $187,563
    Shield AI develops AI for military and commercial applications. It is a growing company with innovative projects.


  5. Intuit
    Average Salary: $186,858
    Intuit creates financial software like TurboTax. It is a well-known company with a strong focus on technology.


  6. PwC
    Average Salary: $179,941
    PwC is a global consulting firm. It offers many opportunities in accounting and advisory services.


  7. Bristol Myers Squibb
    Average Salary: $176,817
    Bristol Myers Squibb is a pharmaceutical company. It develops medicines for various health conditions.


  8. Avidity Biosciences
    Average Salary: $175,473
    Avidity Biosciences focuses on genetic medicines. It is a growing biotech company with innovative research.


  9. Burns & McDonnell
    Average Salary: $170,144
    Burns & McDonnell is an engineering firm. It works on infrastructure projects across many industries.


  10. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $169,333
    ServiceNow provides cloud-based software. It is a leading company in IT service management.

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 overall cost of living index in San Diego is 119, which is 19% higher than the national average of 100. Housing costs are notably higher, at 180, which is 80% above the average. This indicates that job seekers should consider these elevated expenses when planning for life in San Diego.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Diego, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 80% higher, groceries 3% higher, utilities 7% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 5% higher.

San Diego, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in San Diego are notably higher, with an index of 180. This means housing expenses are 80% more than the national average. Job seekers should be aware that finding affordable housing may be a challenge in this area.


Other expenses, such as groceries and utilities, are also above the national average. Groceries have a cost of living index of 103, which is 3% higher. Utilities, with an index of 107, are 7% more expensive. While these increases are significant, they are not as steep as the housing costs. Transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also show slight increases, with indices of 115, 110, and 105, respectively. These are 15%, 10%, and 5% higher than the national average. Overall, San Diego offers a vibrant lifestyle but comes with higher living expenses.

There are 11,173 job openings in San Diego, CA, today!

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

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City
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San Diego, CA
11,173 Job Openings