Salaries in San Diego, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
City
Salary

What is the average salary in San Diego, CA?

The average salary in San Diego, CA is $79,968 per year.

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

View jobs in San Diego, CA

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

San Diego offers a variety of top-paying jobs for professionals in different sectors. Leading the list are psychiatrists, who earn an average of $346,604 annually. Other high-paying roles include certified registered nurse anesthetists and general dentists, with average earnings of $329,049 and $270,219, respectively. These positions require specialized skills and education, but they offer excellent compensation. Physicians, including internal medicine and pediatricians, also rank high in earnings. Regulatory affairs directors and wireless engineers also enjoy competitive salaries. Job seekers in San Diego can find rewarding opportunities in these well-compensated fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting Psychiatrist with the highest at $346,604 and Wireless Engineer with the lowest at $195,998.
  1. 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.
    Find Psychiatrist jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. 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.
    Find General Dentist jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. 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.
    Find Internal Medicine Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Pediatrician jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. 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.
    Find Staff Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. 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.
    Find Wireless Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA

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. Canvassers, who promote products or services, earn an average of $71,464 per year. Sales inspectors, who check the quality of goods, make around $69,423 annually. These roles provide good pay and opportunities for those without a degree. Other well-paying jobs in San Diego include concrete finishers, grain elevator operators, and restaurant managers. Concrete finishers, who prepare concrete surfaces, earn about $67,511 per year. Grain elevator operators, who manage grain storage, make around $56,239 annually. Restaurant managers, who oversee daily operations, earn about $56,052 per year. These jobs offer competitive salaries and valuable experience.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA without a degree, highlighting Canvasser with the highest at $71,464 and Restaurant Crew with the lowest at $43,245.
  1. 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.
    Find Canvasser jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. 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.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. 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.
    Find Journeyman Painter jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. 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.
    Find Restaurant Crew jobs in San Diego, CA

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

Job seekers in San Diego, CA, can find excellent salaries at top companies. LifeStance Health leads with an average salary of $213,502. Apple follows closely with $197,302. Other companies like Shield AI, PwC, and Intuit also offer high salaries, ranging from $174,581 to $178,687. These companies provide competitive compensation packages. This makes San Diego a great place for professionals seeking rewarding careers. The tech and healthcare sectors, in particular, stand out for their high-paying opportunities.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting LifeStance Health with the highest at $213,502 and Bristol Myers Squibb with the lowest at $159,971.
  1. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $213,502
    LifeStance Health offers mental health services. They focus on providing quality care and support to patients.


  2. 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.


  3. Shield AI
    Average Salary: $185,386
    Shield AI develops AI software for military and commercial use. They are leaders in autonomous systems and technology.


  4. PwC
    Average Salary: $178,687
    PwC provides assurance, tax, and consulting services. They work with businesses to help them grow and succeed.


  5. Intuit
    Average Salary: $177,933
    Intuit creates financial software for individuals and businesses. They are best known for their TurboTax and QuickBooks products.


  6. Avidity Biosciences
    Average Salary: $174,581
    Avidity Biosciences focuses on developing gene therapies. They aim to treat serious muscle and neurological diseases.


  7. Burns & McDonnell
    Average Salary: $167,701
    Burns & McDonnell is an engineering firm. They provide design and consulting services for various projects.


  8. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $167,628
    ServiceNow offers cloud-based software for enterprise workflow automation. They help businesses manage their operations more efficiently.


  9. Qualcomm
    Average Salary: $164,270
    Qualcomm develops wireless technology products. They are a leader in mobile phone chips and 5G technology.


  10. 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 overall cost of living index in San Diego is 129, which is 29% higher than the national average of 100. Housing costs are notably higher, at 75% above the average, while groceries and utilities are also above the national average by 15% and 10%, respectively.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Diego, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 75% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

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.

There are 14,274 job openings in San Diego, CA, today!

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

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City
Overview
San Diego, CA
14,274 Job Openings