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What is the average salary in San Diego, CA?

The average salary in San Diego, CA is $83,819 per year.

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
These figures show the potential for growth and the value placed on different skills and professions in the region.

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

San Diego offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Among the top-paying roles are Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Psychiatrists, and Physicians. These positions often require specialized education and training but offer competitive salaries and the chance to make a significant impact on patients' lives. Other well-compensated jobs in San Diego include General Dentists, Primary Care Physicians, and Internal Medicine Physicians. These roles demand a strong commitment to patient care and often come with benefits that support a healthy work-life balance. For those with legal expertise, positions like Regulatory Affairs Director and General Counsel also provide attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with the highest at $339,477 and General Counsel with the lowest at $200,051.
  1. 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.
    Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Psychiatrist jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $264,108
    Dentists provide oral care. They perform cleanings, fillings, and extractions. They work in private practices and dental clinics.
    Find General Dentist jobs in San Diego, CA


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


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


  7. 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.
    Find Staff Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Pediatrician
    Average Salary: $208,462
    Pediatricians care for children's health. They provide vaccinations and treat illnesses. They work in clinics and hospitals.
    Find Pediatrician jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $200,051
    General counsel provides legal advice. They handle contracts and litigation. They work in corporate settings and law firms.
    Find General Counsel 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. Sales Inspectors lead the list with an average salary of $78,013. Other well-paying roles include Concrete Finishers, earning around $67,753, and Canvassers, with an average salary of $65,191. These positions provide good earning potential and valuable work experience. Restaurant Managers and Kitchen Managers also offer competitive salaries, with averages of $55,908 and $53,884, respectively. Other notable jobs include Grain Elevator Operators, Irrigation Technicians, Concrete Laborers, Restaurant Crew, and Meat Cutters, all providing solid income opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $78,013 and Meat Cutter with the lowest at $43,459.
  1. 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.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Canvasser jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Diego, CA


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


  6. 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.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. 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.
    Find Restaurant Crew jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. 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.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in San Diego, CA

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

Job seekers in San Diego, CA, have many top-tier companies to consider for high salaries. Arm leads the pack with an average salary of $244,254. Following closely are LifeStance Health, Apple, and PlayStation, all offering average salaries above $190,000. These companies provide excellent opportunities for those seeking competitive compensation. Additionally, Intuit, Shield AI, and Google also offer strong salaries, with averages ranging from $183,000 to $190,000. Bristol Myers Squibb, PwC, and Eli Lilly round out the list, each providing average salaries above $178,000. These companies demonstrate a commitment to rewarding their employees well.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting Arm with the highest at $244,254 and Eli Lilly with the lowest at $178,187.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index in San Diego is 124, which is 24% higher than the average of 100. Housing costs significantly contribute to this, with an index of 186, marking a 86% increase over the national average. This data suggests that job seekers should consider these higher expenses when planning their move to San Diego.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Diego, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 86% higher, groceries 11% higher, utilities 3% higher, transportation 24% higher, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 15% higher.

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.

There are 9,315 job openings in San Diego, CA, today!

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

Discover what it's like to work in San Diego, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
San Diego, CA
9,315 Job Openings