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 San Diego is $82,965. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape of the city. Many industries contribute to this average, including healthcare, technology, and education.
The salary distribution in San Diego shows a range of earnings. The most common salary falls between $34,500 and $52,500. This range is seen in roles such as administrative assistants and customer service representatives. Higher salaries, from $160,500 to $232,500, are typical for professionals in fields like engineering, finance, and information technology. These figures highlight the potential for growth and advancement in San Diego's job market.
What are the best paying jobs in San Diego, CA?

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Psychiatrist
Average Salary: $331,956
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health issues. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Many psychiatrists work with local health organizations.
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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Average Salary: $328,303
These professionals administer anesthesia. They work in hospitals and surgical centers. Many collaborate with top medical facilities in the area.
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Physician
Average Salary: $272,194
Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They often partner with leading healthcare providers in the region.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $264,692
Dentists provide oral care. They work in private practices and dental clinics. Many work with well-known dental firms in the area.
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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $245,478
Primary care physicians offer general medical care. They work in clinics and private practices. They often collaborate with major healthcare organizations.
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Internal Medicine Physician
Average Salary: $234,261
These doctors specialize in adult medicine. They work in hospitals and private practices. They often partner with top medical institutions in the area.
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Staff Physician
Average Salary: $219,050
Staff physicians provide medical care in hospitals. They work in various departments. They often collaborate with leading healthcare providers.
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Regulatory Affairs Director
Average Salary: $210,934
Directors ensure compliance with regulations. They work in healthcare and biotech firms. They often work with major companies in the region.
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Pediatrician
Average Salary: $208,782
Pediatricians care for children's health. They work in clinics and hospitals. They often partner with top pediatric healthcare providers.
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General Counsel
Average Salary: $201,596
General counsels provide legal advice. They work in corporations and law firms. They often work with major companies in the area.
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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: $77,953
This role involves inspecting and evaluating sales practices. They work with companies like Qualcomm and work to ensure compliance with regulations. They often travel to different locations to perform their duties.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $67,700
Concrete finishers shape and finish concrete surfaces. They work on construction sites, often for companies like Swinerton. They use tools to smooth and texture the concrete, ensuring it meets quality standards.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $67,292
Canvassers gather information and promote products or services. They work for companies like U-Haul and visit homes and businesses. They need to be persuasive and able to communicate effectively with people.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $55,368
Restaurant managers oversee daily operations. They work for places like The Cheesecake Factory and ensure everything runs smoothly. They manage staff, handle customer service, and keep the business running efficiently.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $54,386
Kitchen managers supervise kitchen staff and operations. They work in restaurants like The Fish Market. They ensure food is prepared safely and on time. They also manage inventory and maintain kitchen standards.
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Grain Elevator Operator
Average Salary: $53,609
Grain elevator operators manage the flow of grain. They work for companies like Cargill. They control machinery to load, unload, and transport grain. They need to follow safety protocols and ensure efficient operations.
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Journeyman Painter
Average Salary: $51,033
Journeyman painters apply paint to surfaces. They work for companies like Sherwin-Williams. They prepare surfaces, mix paint, and apply it to walls, ceilings, and other areas. They need to pay attention to detail and ensure a high-quality finish.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $49,108
Irrigation technicians install and maintain irrigation systems. They work for companies like Rain Bird. They ensure that landscapes and crops receive the right amount of water. They need to understand irrigation systems and be able to troubleshoot issues.
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Concrete Laborer
Average Salary: $46,782
Concrete laborers assist in pouring and finishing concrete. They work for construction companies like Clark Construction. They help mix concrete, pour it into forms, and smooth it out. They need to be physically strong and able to work outdoors.
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Restaurant Crew
Average Salary: $45,885
Restaurant crew members help with various tasks. They work in places like In-N-Out Burger. They take orders, serve food, and clean tables. They need to be friendly and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in San Diego, CA?

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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $204,725
LifeStance Health is a mental health care company. They offer a range of services from therapy to psychiatry. They value their employees and offer competitive salaries.
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Apple
Average Salary: $198,657
Apple is a tech giant known for its innovative products. They design, manufacture, and market iPhones, Macs, and more. The company offers a dynamic work environment with attractive salaries.
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PlayStation
Average Salary: $197,243
PlayStation is a video game company. They create gaming consoles and software. They offer a creative and rewarding work environment with competitive pay.
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Intuit
Average Salary: $188,556
Intuit develops financial software. They are well-known for products like TurboTax and QuickBooks. They offer a supportive workplace with good salaries.
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Shield AI
Average Salary: $187,824
Shield AI specializes in AI technology. They develop software for autonomous systems. They offer a challenging and rewarding work environment with competitive pay.
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PwC
Average Salary: $181,454
PwC is a global professional services firm. They offer auditing, tax, and consulting services. They value their employees and offer competitive salaries.
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Google
Average Salary: $181,327
Google is a tech giant known for its search engine. They also offer a range of other products and services. They offer a dynamic work environment with attractive salaries.
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Avidity Biosciences
Average Salary: $176,010
Avidity Biosciences is a biotech company. They focus on developing gene therapies. They offer a cutting-edge work environment with competitive pay.
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Dr. Zak Dental Care
Average Salary: $172,819
Dr. Zak Dental Care is a dental practice. They offer a range of dental services. They value their employees and offer competitive salaries.
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Bristol Myers Squibb
Average Salary: $172,370
Bristol Myers Squibb is a pharmaceutical company. They develop medicines for various conditions. They offer a supportive workplace with good salaries.
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, which is set at 100. The housing index in San Diego stands at 180, indicating that housing costs are 80% higher than the national average. This significant increase means that job seekers need to budget more for housing if they consider relocating to San Diego.
Other expenses also reflect higher costs in San Diego. For example, groceries cost 10% more, with an index of 110. Utilities are 5% higher at 105, and transportation costs are 20% above average, with an index of 120. Healthcare costs are 15% higher, at 115, and miscellaneous expenses are 25% more, with an index of 125. These figures show that while San Diego offers many benefits, it is important for job seekers to plan for higher living expenses.