What is the average salary in San Diego, CA?
San Diego offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $83,819. This figure reflects the diverse range of industries present, from technology to healthcare. Many professionals find rewarding careers here.
Here are some common salary ranges in San Diego:
- Technology: $70,736 to $143,209
- Healthcare: $52,618 to $161,327
- Education: $34,500 to $106,973
- Finance: $88,855 to $179,445
- Retail: $34,500 to $70,736
What are the best paying jobs in San Diego, CA?

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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Average Salary: $339,477
This role involves administering anesthesia to patients. It requires collaboration with surgeons and other healthcare professionals. They work in hospitals and specialized clinics.
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Psychiatrist
Average Salary: $331,599
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders. They work with patients to develop treatment plans. They often work in private practices and hospitals.
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Physician
Average Salary: $275,293
Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses. They conduct physical exams and interpret tests. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $264,108
Dentists provide oral care. They perform cleanings, fillings, and extractions. They work in private practices and dental clinics.
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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $249,907
Primary care physicians manage overall health. They provide routine check-ups and treat common illnesses. They work in clinics and private practices.
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Internal Medicine Physician
Average Salary: $236,714
These doctors specialize in adult medicine. They diagnose and treat complex medical issues. They work in hospitals and private practices.
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Staff Physician
Average Salary: $224,675
Staff physicians provide medical care. They work in hospitals and clinics. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure patient care.
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Regulatory Affairs Director
Average Salary: $211,923
This role involves ensuring compliance with regulations. They work with healthcare companies. They manage documentation and liaise with regulatory bodies.
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Pediatrician
Average Salary: $208,462
Pediatricians care for children's health. They provide vaccinations and treat illnesses. They work in clinics and hospitals.
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General Counsel
Average Salary: $200,051
General counsel provides legal advice. They handle contracts and litigation. They work in corporate settings and law firms.
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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: $78,013
This role involves inspecting and evaluating sales practices. It requires keen attention to detail. Companies like Qualcomm and biotech firms often need these inspectors.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $67,753
Concrete finishers shape and smooth concrete for buildings. They work on construction sites. Firms like Swinerton and Clark Construction hire these professionals.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $65,191
Canvassers gather information and promote products or services. They work for companies like Survey Sampling International. This job involves a lot of walking and meeting people.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $55,908
Restaurant managers oversee daily operations. They ensure smooth service and customer satisfaction. Chains like Panera Bread and local eateries hire these managers.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $53,884
Kitchen managers handle food preparation and staff. They ensure high-quality meals. Restaurants like The Fish Market and local cafes need these managers.
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Grain Elevator Operator
Average Salary: $53,609
These operators manage grain storage and movement. They work in facilities like those run by Cargill. This job involves handling heavy equipment.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $49,504
Irrigation technicians install and maintain water systems. They work on farms and golf courses. Companies like Toro and local landscaping firms hire these technicians.
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Concrete Laborer
Average Salary: $47,152
Concrete laborers assist in pouring and finishing concrete. They work on construction sites. Firms like Swinerton and Clark Construction often hire these workers.
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Restaurant Crew
Average Salary: $45,068
Restaurant crew members help with various tasks. They serve food and clean tables. Local restaurants and chains like Chipotle hire these workers.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $43,459
Meat cutters prepare meat for sale. They work in grocery stores and butcher shops. Companies like Vons and local markets hire these workers.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in San Diego, CA?

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Arm
Average Salary: $244,254
Arm is a leading semiconductor and software design company. It offers a wide range of technologies for mobile, computing, and IoT. Employees enjoy competitive salaries and benefits.
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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $201,561
LifeStance Health provides mental health services. It is a growing company with a focus on patient care. The company offers a supportive work environment and good compensation.
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Apple
Average Salary: $199,088
Apple is a global technology leader. It designs and sells consumer electronics, computers, and online services. Apple offers a competitive salary and a dynamic work culture.
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PlayStation
Average Salary: $197,874
PlayStation is a video game console and service by Sony. It is a fun and innovative place to work. Employees enjoy a good salary and many perks.
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Intuit
Average Salary: $190,153
Intuit makes financial software for individuals and businesses. It is a well-respected company with a focus on innovation. Intuit offers a competitive salary and benefits.
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Shield AI
Average Salary: $186,219
Shield AI develops AI software for defense and commercial applications. It is a cutting-edge company with a mission to advance technology. Employees enjoy a good salary and benefits.
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Google
Average Salary: $183,724
Google is a global technology company. It offers a wide range of products and services. Google offers a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment.
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Bristol Myers Squibb
Average Salary: $182,925
Bristol Myers Squibb is a pharmaceutical company. It develops and sells medicines. The company offers a good salary and benefits to its employees.
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PwC
Average Salary: $182,599
PwC is a professional services firm. It offers audit, tax, and consulting services. PwC offers a competitive salary and a supportive work environment.
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Eli Lilly
Average Salary: $178,187
Eli Lilly is a pharmaceutical company. It develops and sells medicines. The company offers a good salary and benefits to its employees.
How does the cost of living in San Diego, CA compare to the national average?

San Diego, California, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in San Diego stands at 186, which is 86% 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, as housing expenses will take a larger portion of their income.
The transportation index in San Diego is also above the national average, at 124. This represents a 24% increase. While this is not as steep as the housing costs, it still indicates that getting around the city will cost more than in many other places. Groceries and miscellaneous items in San Diego are also slightly higher, with indexes of 111 and 115, respectively. These are 11% and 15% higher than the national average. Utilities and healthcare costs, however, are close to the national average, with indexes of 103 and 100, respectively. This means that while some expenses are higher, others are comparable to the rest of the country.



