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What is the average salary in San Diego, CA?

The average salary in San Diego, CA is $82,965 per year.

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.

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

San Diego offers a range of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Among the top-paying jobs in the area are psychiatrists, who earn an average of $331,956 annually. Other well-compensated roles include certified registered nurse anesthetists, with an average salary of $328,303, and various types of physicians, such as general dentists and internal medicine physicians, earning between $201,596 and $264,692 per year. These positions require specialized education and training, but they offer excellent compensation packages. Job seekers with the right qualifications can find rewarding careers in San Diego's thriving job market.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting Psychiatrist with the highest at $331,956 and General Counsel with the lowest at $201,596.
  1. 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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  2. 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.
    Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. 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.
    Find General Dentist jobs in San Diego, CA


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


  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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?

San Diego offers many high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Sales Inspectors lead the list with an average salary of $77,953. Other top earners include Concrete Finishers, making $67,700, and Canvassers, with a salary of $67,292. These roles provide good pay and valuable opportunities for those seeking to enter the workforce without a degree. Restaurant Managers and Kitchen Managers also offer solid salaries, around $55,000 and $54,000 respectively. Other positions like Grain Elevator Operators and Journeyman Painters provide competitive wages, making them attractive options for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $77,953 and Restaurant Crew with the lowest at $45,885.
  1. 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.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in San Diego, CA


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


  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in San Diego, CA


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


  7. 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.
    Find Journeyman Painter jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. 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.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. 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.
    Find Restaurant Crew jobs in San Diego, CA

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

San Diego offers a variety of top-paying companies for job seekers. LifeStance Health leads with an average salary of $204,725, followed closely by Apple at $198,657. These companies provide competitive compensation packages, making them attractive options for professionals. Other notable companies in San Diego include PlayStation, Intuit, and Shield AI, all offering average salaries above $170,000. Companies like PwC, Google, and Bristol Myers Squibb also provide strong salaries, ranging from $172,000 to $188,000. These employers value their employees and offer rewarding career opportunities.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting LifeStance Health with the highest at $204,725 and Bristol Myers Squibb with the lowest at $172,370.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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. The overall cost of living index in San Diego is 130, which is 30% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely driven by housing costs, which are 80% higher than the national average. Other categories like groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also contribute to the elevated cost of living in San Diego.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Diego, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 80% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 15% higher, miscellaneous 25% higher.

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.

There are 11,058 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
11,058 Job Openings