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What is the average salary in San Diego, CA?

The average salary in San Diego, CA is $83,516 per year.

San Diego offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is around $83,516. This figure reflects the diverse range of industries present, from technology to healthcare and education.


The salary distribution shows a wide range of earnings. The most common salary falls between $34,500 and $52,636. Higher-paying jobs, such as those in finance and engineering, can reach up to $234,000 per year. This diversity makes San Diego an attractive place for job seekers looking for good pay and career growth.

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

San Diego offers a range of high-paying job opportunities, especially in the healthcare sector. Psychiatrists lead the way with an average salary of over $332,000. Other top earners include Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, who make around $331,000 annually, and various types of physicians, with salaries ranging from $219,000 to $274,000. In addition to healthcare, roles such as Regulatory Affairs Director and General Counsel also provide substantial compensation. These positions offer salaries upwards of $200,000, making them attractive career choices. Job seekers in San Diego can find lucrative opportunities in both medical and regulatory fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting Psychiatrist with the highest at $332,304 and General Counsel with the lowest at $202,484.
  1. Psychiatrist
    Average Salary: $332,304
    This role involves diagnosing mental health conditions and prescribing treatments. Psychiatrists work with patients to improve their mental well-being. They often collaborate with other healthcare providers.
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  2. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
    Average Salary: $331,583
    These professionals administer anesthesia to patients during surgeries. They work closely with surgeons and other medical staff. They ensure patients are safe and comfortable during procedures.
    Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Physician
    Average Salary: $274,397
    Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses. They conduct physical exams and order tests. They provide ongoing care and manage chronic conditions.
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  4. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $265,727
    Dentists focus on oral health. They perform cleanings, fillings, and extractions. They educate patients on proper dental care and hygiene.
    Find General Dentist jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $248,692
    Primary care physicians provide general health care. They manage common illnesses and chronic conditions. They coordinate care with specialists when needed.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Internal Medicine Physician
    Average Salary: $235,471
    These doctors specialize in adult medicine. They diagnose and treat complex medical conditions. They work with patients to prevent and manage diseases.
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  7. Staff Physician
    Average Salary: $219,050
    Staff physicians work in hospitals or clinics. They provide care to patients and manage their health. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
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  8. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $210,382
    This role involves ensuring compliance with regulations. Directors work with government agencies and industry groups. They help companies meet legal standards.
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  9. Pediatrician
    Average Salary: $209,128
    Pediatricians care for children's health. They provide vaccinations and check-ups. They manage common childhood illnesses and developmental issues.
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  10. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $202,484
    General counsel provides legal advice to organizations. They handle legal issues and ensure compliance. They work with executives and legal teams.
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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. Sales Inspectors, for example, earn an average of $80,325 annually. Other well-paying positions include Concrete Finishers, with an average of $67,767, and Canvassers, earning around $67,280 per year. These roles provide good income and opportunities for career growth. Restaurant Managers and Kitchen Managers also offer competitive salaries, with averages of $55,471 and $53,745, respectively. Other notable jobs include Grain Elevator Operators, Journeyman Painters, and Irrigation Technicians, all of which pay well without needing a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $80,325 and Restaurant Crew with the lowest at $45,360.
  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $80,325
    This role involves inspecting sales practices to ensure compliance with regulations. It is a key position for companies like Qualcomm and biotech firms. Inspectors work closely with sales teams to maintain high standards.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $67,767
    Concrete finishers shape and smooth concrete for buildings and roads. They work for construction companies like Swinerton and AECOM. This job requires physical strength and attention to detail.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $67,280
    Canvassers gather information and promote products or services. They work for companies like Qualcomm and local businesses. This role involves a lot of walking and talking to people.
    Find Canvasser jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $55,471
    Restaurant managers oversee daily operations. They work for chains like Panera and local eateries. Managers handle staff, schedules, and customer service to ensure smooth operations.
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  5. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $53,745
    Kitchen managers supervise kitchen staff and operations. They work for restaurants like The Fish Market and local cafes. This role requires strong organizational skills and knowledge of food safety.
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  6. Grain Elevator Operator
    Average Salary: $53,609
    Operators control machinery to move grain. They work for companies like Cargill and local grain facilities. This job involves monitoring equipment and ensuring safe operations.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Journeyman Painter
    Average Salary: $51,033
    Journeyman painters apply paint to buildings and structures. They work for companies like Sherwin-Williams and local contractors. This role requires precision and attention to detail.
    Find Journeyman Painter jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $49,338
    Irrigation technicians install and maintain irrigation systems. They work for companies like Toro and local landscaping firms. This job involves working outdoors and ensuring efficient water use.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $47,152
    Concrete laborers assist in pouring and finishing concrete. They work for construction companies like Clark Construction and local builders. This role requires physical strength and teamwork.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Restaurant Crew
    Average Salary: $45,360
    Restaurant crew members handle tasks like food prep and serving. They work for restaurants like The Fish Market and local eateries. This role involves working in a fast-paced environment and providing good customer service.
    Find Restaurant Crew jobs in San Diego, CA

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

San Diego offers a range of high-paying job opportunities across various industries. Companies like LifeStance Health, Apple, and PlayStation lead the way, offering average salaries above $174,000. These top employers provide competitive compensation packages, making San Diego an attractive place for job seekers looking for rewarding careers. LifeStance Health tops the list with an average salary of $202,471, followed closely by Apple and PlayStation, both offering salaries over $198,000. Intuit, Shield AI, and Eli Lilly also provide strong compensation, with average salaries ranging from $182,000 to $189,000. Google, PwC, and Avidity Biosciences continue to offer attractive salaries, making San Diego a prime location for those seeking a lucrative career.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting LifeStance Health with the highest at $202,471 and Burns & McDonnell with the lowest at $174,614.
  1. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $202,471
    LifeStance Health offers mental health services. They provide therapy and psychiatry. Their team works to help people feel better.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $199,035
    Apple makes iPhones, Macs, and other tech products. They are known for innovation. Many people use their products every day.


  3. PlayStation
    Average Salary: $198,504
    PlayStation makes video games and gaming consoles. They create fun and exciting games for players. Many gamers enjoy their products.


  4. Intuit
    Average Salary: $189,753
    Intuit makes financial software. Their products help people manage money. Many people use their software for taxes and budgeting.


  5. Shield AI
    Average Salary: $186,853
    Shield AI works on artificial intelligence. They create software for drones and other tech. Their work is cutting-edge and innovative.


  6. Eli Lilly
    Average Salary: $182,737
    Eli Lilly makes medicines. They work on treatments for many health conditions. Their products help people around the world.


  7. Google
    Average Salary: $182,564
    Google is a tech giant. They offer many services, including search and email. They are known for their innovative products and services.


  8. PwC
    Average Salary: $181,767
    PwC is an accounting firm. They help businesses with taxes and finances. They are one of the largest accounting firms in the world.


  9. Avidity Biosciences
    Average Salary: $176,758
    Avidity Biosciences works on gene therapy. They create treatments for genetic diseases. Their work is important for medical advancements.


  10. Burns & McDonnell
    Average Salary: $174,614
    Burns & McDonnell is an engineering firm. They work on many projects, including buildings and infrastructure. They are known for their quality work.

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 130, which is 30% higher than the national average of 100. This means that expenses for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous items are significantly higher in San Diego. Job seekers should consider these costs when planning their move.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Diego, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 70% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 25% higher.

San Diego, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in San Diego stands at 170, which is 70% higher than the national average. This means that housing costs in San Diego are significantly more expensive than the average cost across the country. Job seekers should consider this when planning their budget for living expenses.


Other areas also show higher costs in San Diego. Groceries have an index of 115, which is 15% above the average. Utilities cost 110, which is 10% higher. Transportation costs 120, which is 20% more than the national average. Even though healthcare costs are at the national average of 100, miscellaneous expenses are 25% higher at 125. These factors combined make San Diego a place where living costs are notably higher than the nationwide average.

There are 11,566 job openings in San Diego, CA, today!

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City
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San Diego, CA
11,566 Job Openings