Overview Salaries

Salaries in San Diego, CA

Updated on Oct 10, 2026
City
Salary

What is the average salary in San Diego, CA?

The average salary in San Diego, CA is $85,786 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $85,786 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $7,149 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $1,650 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $41 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

San Diego offers a competitive salary environment, with the average yearly salary standing at $85,786. This figure provides a good baseline for understanding the earning potential in various industries within the city. From technology to healthcare, a range of sectors contribute to this robust average.


Different industries have varying salary distributions. Top earners in technology and finance make over $100,000 annually, while healthcare and education professionals also enjoy competitive wages. Here’s a quick look at some top industries and their average salaries:

  • Information Technology: $127,045
  • Healthcare: $72,118
  • Education: $53,809
  • Professional Services: $90,427
  • Finance: $108,736
San Diego’s diverse economy supports a wide range of earning potentials.

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

The job market in San Diego offers many high-paying opportunities for skilled professionals. Among the top-paying jobs in the area are Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Physicians, and Procurement Managers. These roles not only offer competitive salaries but also provide the chance to make a significant impact in healthcare and technology sectors. Job seekers with specialized skills and training can find rewarding careers in these fields. For those interested in the healthcare field, positions such as Primary Care Physician, Internal Medicine Physician, and Pediatrician offer substantial earnings. General Dentists and General Counsels also enjoy good compensation. In the tech industry, roles like Solutions Architect and Wireless Engineer are lucrative. Procurement Managers benefit from their expertise in strategic sourcing and supply chain management. These careers provide a mix of financial rewards and the opportunity to contribute to important sectors.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with the highest at $320,435 and Wireless Engineer with the lowest at $200,565.

  1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
    Average Salary: $320,435
    Anesthesia is vital for surgical procedures. Hospitals and clinics need skilled professionals to administer anesthesia. Companies like Scripps Health offer good opportunities.
    Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Physician
    Average Salary: $283,518
    Doctors diagnose and treat health issues. Hospitals and private practices employ them. Kaiser Permanente and UC San Diego Health are well-known employers.
    Find Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $273,655
    They provide general health services. Clinics and private practices hire them. Organizations such as Rady Children's Hospital offer positions.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Internal Medicine Physician
    Average Salary: $261,071
    They treat adults with complex conditions. Hospitals and medical centers seek their expertise. UC San Diego Health and Sharp HealthCare are prominent employers.
    Find Internal Medicine Physician jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $231,886
    They focus on oral health. Private practices and dental clinics hire them. Companies like Smile Doctors offer job openings.
    Find General Dentist jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Procurement Manager
    Average Salary: $224,341
    They manage the buying process for companies. Corporations in various sectors hire them. Qualcomm and Qualcomm Ventures are known employers.
    Find Procurement Manager jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Pediatrician
    Average Salary: $209,973
    They care for children's health. Hospitals and clinics employ them. Rady Children’s Hospital and Scripps Clinic are notable employers.
    Find Pediatrician jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $207,459
    They handle legal matters for companies. Corporations in tech and biotech hire them. Illumina and Cirrus Logic are leading employers.
    Find General Counsel jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $200,850
    They design tech solutions for businesses. Tech companies seek their skills. Companies like Cisco and Oracle offer roles.
    Find Solutions Architect jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Wireless Engineer
    Average Salary: $200,565
    They develop wireless communication systems. Tech firms and startups hire them. Qualcomm and Qualcomm Ventures are key employers.
    Find Wireless Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the best paying jobs in San Diego, CA without a degree?

Job seekers in San Diego, California, can find top-paying positions that do not require a degree. Positions like Sales Inspector and Canvasser offer some of the highest salaries. These roles allow individuals to earn competitive pay while gaining valuable experience and skills. Sales Inspectors in San Diego earn an average salary of $85,592, making it one of the highest-paying jobs without a degree. Other notable jobs include Canvasser, with an average salary of $57,629, and Grain Elevator Operator, at $55,716. These positions provide good pay and essential skills for career growth. Job seekers can find rewarding opportunities without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Diego, CA without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $85,592 and Kitchen Manager with the lowest at $42,457.

  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $85,592
    This role focuses on assessing and verifying sales practices. Inspectors work in various companies, ensuring compliance with regulations. Opportunities exist with local businesses and larger corporations in the city.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $57,629
    Canvassers gather information for surveys and market research. They work for market research firms and political campaigns. This role involves a lot of interaction with the community, gathering insights and feedback.
    Find Canvasser jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Grain Elevator Operator
    Average Salary: $55,716
    This role involves overseeing the operations of grain elevators. Workers manage the loading and unloading of grain. This job is available with companies that handle grain processing and distribution.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $54,263
    Irrigation technicians install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems. They work for landscaping companies and agricultural firms. This role is essential for maintaining green spaces and crops in the area.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Laundry Aide
    Average Salary: $45,929
    Laundry aides help with washing, drying, and folding clothes. They work in hotels and residential facilities. This job requires attention to detail and cleanliness, ensuring garments are properly cared for.
    Find Laundry Aide jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $45,041
    Meat cutters prepare meat for sale and consumption. They work in grocery stores and butcher shops. This role involves following safety guidelines and ensuring the quality of meat products.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $44,960
    Floor technicians maintain and repair floors in various settings. They work for property management companies and retail stores. This job involves using specialized equipment to clean and polish surfaces.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $43,861
    Groundskeepers maintain the grounds of parks, schools, and businesses. They work for municipal departments and private companies. This role includes landscaping, gardening, and general upkeep of outdoor areas.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $42,672
    Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms in hotels and residential facilities. They work for hospitality companies and property management firms. This job requires attention to detail and a commitment to cleanliness.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $42,457
    Kitchen managers oversee kitchen operations in restaurants and cafes. They work for food service companies. This role involves managing staff, maintaining quality, and ensuring smooth kitchen operations.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in San Diego, CA

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

Job seekers in San Diego, CA, can find top salaries at leading companies in various industries. Apple leads with an average salary of $199,738. Close behind is LifeStance Health, offering an average salary of $198,010. Intuit also provides a competitive salary of $196,990. Tech giants Google and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are also strong contenders, offering average salaries of $194,540 and $183,313, respectively. Healthcare and finance companies like Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb, and PwC offer solid salaries ranging from $187,069 to $183,838. Smaller companies such as Headlight and Shield AI show promise with salaries around $186,142 and $185,438. These companies offer excellent opportunities for professionals seeking high compensation.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Diego, CA, highlighting Apple with the highest at $199,738 and Amazon Web Services (AWS) with the lowest at $183,313.

  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $199,738
    Apple is a global tech leader. It designs and makes innovative devices and software. Many employees enjoy competitive benefits.


  2. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $198,010
    LifeStance Health provides mental health services. It helps people with emotional and mental health challenges. The company values employee well-being and growth.


  3. Intuit
    Average Salary: $196,990
    Intuit creates financial software for individuals and businesses. It offers a supportive workplace with many benefits.


  4. Google
    Average Salary: $194,540
    Google is a search engine giant. It also offers many products and services. The company is known for its innovative environment.


  5. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.
    Average Salary: $187,069
    Acadia focuses on neuroscience. It develops medicines for brain-related conditions. The company provides a competitive salary and benefits.


  6. Headlight
    Average Salary: $186,142
    Headlight offers mental health support. It provides counseling and coaching services. The company aims to improve employee well-being.


  7. Shield AI
    Average Salary: $185,438
    Shield AI specializes in AI for defense. It develops advanced technology for military use. The company offers a dynamic work environment.


  8. Bristol Myers Squibb
    Average Salary: $184,550
    Bristol Myers Squibb is a pharmaceutical company. It develops medicines for various health conditions. The company emphasizes innovation and collaboration.


  9. PwC
    Average Salary: $183,838
    PwC offers professional services. It provides auditing, tax, and consulting services. The company values diversity and inclusion.


  10. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Average Salary: $183,313
    AWS offers cloud computing services. It helps businesses with their technology needs. The company is known for its growth opportunities.

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

San Diego, CA, boasts a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average across multiple categories. Housing costs lead at 180, meaning they are 80% higher than the national average. Other significant increases include utilities at 5% higher, groceries at 10%, transportation at 20%, healthcare at 15%, and miscellaneous expenses at 30%. Prospective residents will find various areas of spending elevated. While groceries and transportation present moderate increases, housing and utilities stand out as areas where costs notably exceed the national baseline. Job seekers should weigh these factors when considering relocation to 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 30% higher.

San Diego, CA, stands out for its higher cost of living when compared to the nationwide average, which is indexed at 100. Housing in San Diego is particularly expensive, with an index of 180, indicating that it costs 80% more than the national average. This high cost can significantly impact budgets, making it a critical factor for job seekers to consider when relocating to the area.


Utilities in San Diego follow closely with an index of 105, which means they are 5% more costly than average. Groceries also exceed the national average, with an index of 110, reflecting a 10% higher expense. Transportation costs are similarly elevated at 120, showing a 20% increase over the average. These factors combined can lead to a substantial financial burden for residents. Additionally, healthcare and miscellaneous expenses also surpass the national average, with indices of 115 and 130 respectively, representing increases of 15% and 30%. These insights help potential job seekers understand the financial landscape of San Diego, enabling them to make informed decisions about their move.

There are 8,791 job openings in San Diego, CA, today!

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San Diego, CA
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