What is the average salary in San Diego, CA?
San Diego, California, offers a range of salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at around $85,449. This reflects the diverse economic landscape of the area, providing opportunities for many job seekers.
Here are some salary insights based on different sectors in San Diego:
- Health care: $35,220
- Education: $53,505
- Professional services: $71,789
- Technology: $90,074
- Finance and insurance: $108,358
- Real estate: $126,643
- Retail and hospitality: $144,927
- Manufacturing: $163,212
- Construction: $181,496
- Transportation: $199,781
- Utilities: $218,065
- Mining: $236,350
What are the best paying jobs in San Diego, CA?

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Psychiatrist
Average Salary: $341,525
Provide mental health care, diagnose disorders, and treat patients using medication or therapy. Work with hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and Scripps Health offer opportunities.
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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Average Salary: $329,894
Administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery. Work in hospitals, surgery centers, and private practices. Work alongside skilled surgeons and anesthesiologists at facilities like UC San Diego Health.
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Physician
Average Salary: $281,613
Diagnose and treat various health conditions. Manage patient care and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Opportunities exist at major health systems such as Sharp HealthCare and Rady Children’s Hospital.
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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $264,347
Provide general medical care and manage chronic conditions. Focus on preventive care and patient education. Work with patients in family medicine practices or community health centers.
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Internal Medicine Physician
Average Salary: $247,229
Diagnose and treat adult diseases. Focus on prevention and patient education. Work in hospitals and private practices, often with large healthcare providers like Scripps Health.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $246,452
Perform dental procedures, diagnose oral health issues, and educate patients on dental care. Work in private practices or dental clinics. Practice in areas with growing demand for dental services.
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Regulatory Affairs Director
Average Salary: $213,272
Ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Manage documentation and liaise with regulatory bodies. Work for tech companies and pharmaceutical firms, often in a leadership role.
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Pediatrician
Average Salary: $206,544
Care for children’s health, diagnose illnesses, and provide vaccinations. Work in clinics and hospitals. Collaborate with parents and caregivers to ensure children’s well-being.
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General Counsel
Average Salary: $204,741
Provide legal advice and manage legal issues for the company. Work on compliance, contracts, and litigation. Opportunities exist in tech firms and financial institutions in San Diego.
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Wireless Engineer
Average Salary: $199,198
Design and develop wireless communication systems. Work on improving network performance and security. Companies like Qualcomm and Broadcom offer roles in this field.
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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: $85,014
This job involves inspecting sales teams. It is vital for ensuring compliance with laws. It often takes place at local businesses.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $63,050
A concrete finisher creates and smooths concrete. They often work for construction companies. This job is essential for building structures.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $60,249
A restaurant manager oversees daily operations. They ensure smooth service and customer satisfaction. They often work in bustling dining environments.
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Grain Elevator Operator
Average Salary: $56,763
An elevator operator handles grain loading and unloading. They ensure the safe operation of equipment. This job is vital for food processing companies.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $54,371
A kitchen manager oversees food preparation. They ensure quality and efficiency. They often work in fast-paced kitchens.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $54,319
An irrigation technician installs and maintains water systems. They ensure proper watering of crops. This job is important for agricultural businesses.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $53,940
A canvasser collects data or information. They often work door-to-door. This job can involve various industries, from research to sales.
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Laundry Aide
Average Salary: $46,605
A laundry aide helps with laundry tasks. They ensure cleanliness and order. This job is common in hotels and large facilities.
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Restaurant Crew
Average Salary: $46,304
A crew member assists in various tasks. They help in the kitchen and dining area. This job is essential for restaurant operations.
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Floor Tech
Average Salary: $44,420
A floor tech maintains cleanliness and order. They often work in retail environments. This job ensures a pleasant shopping experience.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in San Diego, CA?

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Arm
Average Salary: $241,568
Arm is a leading technology company that designs and licenses processors, software, and intellectual property. They work with some of the biggest names in the tech world.
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Apple
Average Salary: $199,746
Apple is a global tech giant known for its innovative products, including iPhones, MacBooks, and more. They offer competitive salaries and a dynamic work environment.
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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $197,931
LifeStance Health is a leading mental health care company. They provide a range of services to improve mental health care accessibility and quality.
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PlayStation
Average Salary: $196,870
PlayStation is a well-known brand in the gaming industry. They create popular gaming consoles and are part of Sony's gaming division.
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Intuit
Average Salary: $194,782
Intuit is a financial software company, famous for its products like TurboTax and QuickBooks. They focus on making personal finance easier for everyone.
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Google
Average Salary: $193,214
Google is a leading internet search company. They are known for their innovative products and services that connect people worldwide.
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Bristol Myers Squibb
Average Salary: $183,744
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company. They are committed to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines for serious diseases.
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PwC
Average Salary: $183,132
PwC is a leading professional services firm. They offer audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services to businesses and individuals.
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Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $182,487
AWS is a cloud computing platform by Amazon. They provide a wide range of services to businesses and individuals looking to store and manage their data.
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Shield AI
Average Salary: $182,362
Shield AI is a pioneering company in artificial intelligence and robotics. They are developing advanced AI systems for various applications.
How does the cost of living in San Diego, CA compare to the national average?

San Diego, California, stands out as a city with a notably higher cost of living compared to the national average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in San Diego are significantly elevated at 180, which means they are 80% more expensive than the national average. This high index value is particularly impactful for those considering relocating to the area, as finding affordable housing can be a significant challenge.
In addition to housing, other living expenses in San Diego also exceed the national average. For instance, groceries are about 15% more expensive, with an index of 115, while utilities stand at 110, representing a 10% increase. Transportation costs are also higher, with an index of 130, meaning they are 30% more than average. Healthcare and miscellaneous expenses follow at 105 and 120, respectively, which translates to 5% and 20% increases. These figures highlight that multiple aspects of daily living are more costly in San Diego compared to the rest of the country.



