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What is the average salary in San Diego, CA?

The average salary in San Diego, CA is $85,929 per year.

San Diego offers a competitive salary landscape for job seekers. The average yearly salary stands at $85,929, showcasing a robust job market. Workers benefit from a variety of industries, each contributing to the overall economic health.


Different sectors pay varying salaries. For instance, those in the top industries earn:

  • 34.44% earn $35,500
  • 15.31% earn $53,809
  • 11.37% earn $72,118
  • 7.74% earn $90,427
  • 6.68% earn $108,736
  • 5.83% earn $127,045
  • 4.38% earn $145,355
  • 3.47% earn $163,664
  • 2.99% earn $181,973
  • 1.57% earn $200,282
  • 1.21% earn $218,591
  • Earn $236,900
This range provides plenty of opportunities for various career levels.

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

San Diego offers many top-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Among the highest-paying roles are positions in healthcare, including Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and Physicians. These professionals often earn over $200,000 per year. Other high-paying jobs include roles in law, engineering, and technology. General Counsel, Wireless Engineers, and Solutions Architects can also expect to earn substantial salaries. These jobs require specialized skills and often involve leadership and strategic planning. Securing one of these positions can lead to a lucrative and rewarding career in San Diego.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with the highest at $313,227 and Counsel with the lowest at $196,622.
  1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
    Average Salary: $313,227
    This role involves administering anesthesia to patients. It requires a nursing background and specialized training. It is a key position at hospitals and surgical centers, including Scripps Health and Sharp HealthCare.
    Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Physician
    Average Salary: $283,900
    Physicians diagnose and treat health issues, prescribing medications and treatments. They work in various settings, from private practices to large hospitals like UC San Diego Health and Kaiser Permanente.
    Find Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $273,156
    These doctors focus on general health and wellness. They provide preventive care, manage chronic diseases, and refer to specialists. Many work in clinics, including those at Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group and Rady Children's Hospital.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Internal Medicine Physician
    Average Salary: $258,119
    Specialists in internal medicine care for adults with a range of health issues. They often work in private practices and hospitals. They may see patients for routine check-ups or manage complex illnesses. Facilities like Scripps Clinic are known employers.
    Find Internal Medicine Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $233,530
    These professionals focus on oral health, providing cleanings, fillings, and other dental treatments. They often work in private practices, such as those at Smile Design Dental Group and Rady Children's Specialists of San Diego.
    Find General Dentist jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Pediatrician
    Average Salary: $211,985
    Pediatricians care for children's health, providing check-ups and treatment for illnesses. They work in clinics and hospitals, including those at Rady Children’s and Sharp Rees-Stealy. It's a role that demands compassion and expertise.
    Find Pediatrician jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $206,350
    General Counsel advise on legal matters and ensure compliance with laws. They work in corporations and law firms, such as those at Qualcomm and The San Diego County Office of the Public Guardian.
    Find General Counsel jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Wireless Engineer
    Average Salary: $201,647
    These engineers design and implement wireless communication systems. They work in tech companies and research labs, such as those at Qualcomm and Broadcom. They focus on developing technologies for mobile devices and networks.
    Find Wireless Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $199,726
    Solutions Architects design and implement IT solutions for businesses. They work with teams to assess needs and create technical solutions. This role is common at tech companies like Cisco and Qualcomm.
    Find Solutions Architect jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Counsel
    Average Salary: $196,622
    Counselors provide guidance and support to individuals and groups. They work in various settings, including schools, private practices, and community centers. They help clients with personal and professional challenges.
    Find 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 job opportunities that do not require a degree. Sales Inspectors lead the way with an average salary of $85,014 annually. Other well-paid positions include Concrete Finishers, earning around $67,059 per year, and Grain Elevator Operators, with a salary of approximately $54,791. In addition to these, jobs like Canvasser and Irrigation Technician offer good earnings without a degree. Canvassers earn about $57,565 annually, while Irrigation Technicians make around $54,689 per year. These roles provide excellent income and valuable work experience in San Diego.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $85,014 and Groundskeeper with the lowest at $43,385.
  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $85,014
    This role involves evaluating products for quality and compliance. It is vital for local businesses to maintain their reputation. Top companies in the area include retail chains and consumer goods firms.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $67,059
    This position requires mixing and pouring concrete for construction. Construction sites, including commercial and residential, often seek skilled finishers. Major firms in the city invest in infrastructure.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $57,565
    This position entails gathering information through surveys and interviews. It supports local businesses and research firms by collecting valuable data. Organizations like market research firms rely on canvassers for their insights.
    Find Canvasser jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Grain Elevator Operator
    Average Salary: $54,791
    Operating grain elevators involves moving and monitoring grain. This role is essential for the agricultural sector. Major agricultural companies in the city depend on skilled operators to handle their grain efficiently.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $54,689
    This role focuses on installing and maintaining irrigation systems. It is crucial for maintaining green spaces and crops. Landscape companies and agricultural businesses require these technicians to ensure proper water distribution.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Yard Worker
    Average Salary: $51,857
    This position involves maintaining grounds and performing landscaping tasks. It supports local parks, commercial properties, and residential areas. Landscape companies and property management firms hire yard workers for these duties.
    Find Yard Worker jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Laundry Aide
    Average Salary: $46,024
    This role includes washing and folding clothes. It is necessary for hotels, hospitals, and residential complexes. These facilities depend on laundry aides to ensure cleanliness and order.
    Find Laundry Aide jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $45,145
    This position requires cleaning and maintaining floors. It supports businesses, schools, and residential buildings. Maintenance companies and property management firms hire floor techs to keep spaces clean.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $44,793
    This role involves slicing and portioning meat. It is essential for grocery stores and meat markets. These businesses depend on skilled cutters to meet customer needs efficiently.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $43,385
    This position focuses on maintaining landscapes and gardens. It supports parks, schools, and residential areas. Groundskeepers work for landscape companies and municipal departments to keep public spaces attractive.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in San Diego, CA

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

Job seekers in San Diego, CA, have many excellent options for high-paying companies. LifeStance Health leads the way with an average salary of $200,477. Other top-paying companies include Apple, Intuit, and Google, each offering salaries well over $180,000. Headlight, Bristol Myers Squibb, Shield AI, PwC, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Travere Therapeutics also provide competitive salaries, making San Diego a great place to find rewarding career opportunities.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting LifeStance Health with the highest at $200,477 and Travere Therapeutics with the lowest at $182,265.
  1. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $200,477
    LifeStance Health is a leading mental health care provider. They offer a range of services from therapy to psychiatry. Their commitment to patient care is strong.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $199,974
    Apple designs and sells consumer electronics, computers, and online services. Known for innovation and design, it is a leader in technology.


  3. Intuit
    Average Salary: $196,489
    Intuit creates financial management software. It helps people and businesses manage their money. The company is well-known for products like TurboTax and QuickBooks.


  4. Google
    Average Salary: $194,060
    Google is a global technology company. It offers internet-related services and products. Google is famous for its search engine and innovative tech.


  5. Headlight
    Average Salary: $187,977
    Headlight is a company focused on learning and development. They create courses and programs to help people grow in their careers.


  6. Bristol Myers Squibb
    Average Salary: $183,754
    Bristol Myers Squibb is a pharmaceutical company. It develops and sells medicines for various conditions. The company is a leader in medical research.


  7. Shield AI
    Average Salary: $183,500
    Shield AI specializes in artificial intelligence. They develop AI systems for defense and commercial use. The company is at the forefront of AI technology.


  8. PwC
    Average Salary: $183,302
    PwC provides professional services. These include audit, tax, and consulting services. The firm is a global leader in its industry.


  9. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Average Salary: $183,208
    AWS is a cloud computing platform. It offers a range of services for businesses. AWS is a major player in the tech world.


  10. Travere Therapeutics
    Average Salary: $182,265
    Travere Therapeutics focuses on rare diseases. They develop treatments for kidney and other diseases. The company is dedicated to improving health.

How does the cost of living in San Diego, CA compare to the national average?

San Diego, CA, has a high cost of living index compared to the nationwide average, which stands at 100. Housing costs in San Diego are 85% higher than the average, with an index of 185. This increase suggests that housing is significantly more expensive there. Groceries cost 15% more, while utilities and transportation are around 5% higher. Healthcare costs match the national average, and miscellaneous expenses are 10% above average. Job seekers need to consider these factors when planning their budgets.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Diego, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 85% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 10% higher.

The cost of living in San Diego, CA, exceeds the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs, for instance, are significantly higher, with an index of 185 compared to the national average of 100. This means housing costs in San Diego are 85% more expensive than the national average. Job seekers must consider this substantial increase when evaluating potential earnings and overall budget adjustments.


Other essential expenses also reflect higher costs in San Diego. Groceries, utilities, and transportation show modest increases, with indices of 115, 105, and 120, respectively. These represent 15%, 5%, and 20% more than the nationwide average. While these costs are not as extreme as housing, they still contribute to a higher overall cost of living. Therefore, professionals should weigh these factors when planning their relocation to San Diego.

There are 8,616 job openings in San Diego, CA, today!

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City
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San Diego, CA
8,616 Job Openings