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What is the average salary in San Jose, CA?

The average salary in San Jose, CA is $96,611 per year.

San Jose, CA, offers competitive salaries for job seekers. The average yearly salary in the area is $96,611. This amount varies based on the industry and experience. Many people find good-paying jobs in tech and healthcare, but many other fields offer solid income as well.

Here are some details about average salaries in various industries in San Jose:

  • Software and app development: $185,050
  • Healthcare: $100,450
  • Management: $121,600
  • Finance: $142,750
  • Education: $79,300
  • Retail: $58,150
  • Construction: $37,000
  • Manufacturing: $58,150
  • Transportation: $58,150
  • Public administration: $79,300
  • Other services: $269,650

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

San Jose is a hub for high-paying jobs, particularly in the tech and healthcare sectors. The best-paying jobs in the area often require specialized skills and experience. Physicians, engineers, and tech architects lead the way with competitive salaries. Hospitalists, principal engineers, and solutions architects are among the highest earners. Their roles demand both expertise and dedication, often leading to six-figure salaries. Other top positions include nurse managers and general dentists, who also enjoy substantial compensation packages. These jobs often come with opportunities for growth and advancement, making them attractive to many professionals.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Jose, CA, highlighting Hospitalist with the highest at $294,325 and Delivery Manager with the lowest at $193,446.
  1. Hospitalist
    Average Salary: $294,325
    Hospitalists work in various medical facilities, providing comprehensive care to inpatients. These professionals often collaborate with a range of healthcare providers. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care offer rewarding opportunities in this field.
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  2. Physician
    Average Salary: $291,191
    This role involves diagnosing and treating a wide array of medical conditions. Physicians have the chance to work with top firms like UCSF Health and El Camino Health. Their work often includes direct patient care and guiding medical teams.
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  3. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $269,056
    Primary care physicians offer essential health services, managing routine check-ups and chronic conditions. They can work for groups like Dignity Health and Palo Alto Medical Foundation. This role requires a deep understanding of patient care and community health.
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  4. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $227,971
    Principal Engineers lead teams of software engineers, ensuring projects meet quality standards. They often collaborate with tech giants like Google and Cisco Systems. This job demands strong leadership and technical expertise.
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  5. Nurse Manager
    Average Salary: $215,822
    Nurse Managers oversee nursing staff and operations in healthcare settings. They ensure high-quality patient care and manage department budgets. Companies such as Kaiser Permanente and El Camino Health provide excellent opportunities for nurse managers.
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  6. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $214,796
    Solutions Architects design systems that meet business needs. They work with teams at firms like VMware and Intel. This role requires a blend of technical skills and business acumen.
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  7. Counsel
    Average Salary: $212,803
    Counsel provides legal advice and represents clients in legal matters. They often work with firms like Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Akerman LLP. This role involves thorough research and strategic thinking.
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  8. Architect
    Average Salary: $201,746
    Architects design buildings and structures, focusing on aesthetics and functionality. They frequently collaborate with firms like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Gensler. This job demands creativity and technical skills.
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  9. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $194,733
    General Dentists provide routine dental care, including cleanings and fillings. They work in private practices and healthcare organizations like Delta Dental of California. This role requires a commitment to patient care.
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  10. Delivery Manager
    Average Salary: $193,446
    Delivery Managers oversee the delivery process, ensuring timely and efficient service. They often work in tech firms like Cisco Systems and VMware. This role requires strong project management skills.
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What are the best paying jobs in San Jose, CA without a degree?

Job seekers in San Jose, CA, can find rewarding roles with good pay even without a college degree. Restaurant managers lead busy teams and can earn around $67,101 a year. Kitchen managers, working closely in the same environment, also enjoy an average salary of $64,290 annually. Additionally, positions like grain elevator operators, groundskeepers, and landscapers offer competitive salaries ranging from $56,000 to $67,000. These roles rely on hands-on skills and experience, making them accessible to those without formal education. For those interested in these high-paying jobs, gaining relevant experience and certifications can significantly enhance employability and earnings potential.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Jose, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $67,101 and Landscaper with the lowest at $45,229.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $67,101
    Manage restaurant operations, including staff and daily activities. Work in upscale dining or casual eateries. Companies like Panera Bread and Chipotle offer opportunities.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $64,290
    Oversee kitchen staff and ensure food quality and safety. Experience in chains like Starbucks or local restaurants is valuable. Manage busy kitchen environments.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Grain Elevator Operator
    Average Salary: $56,373
    Monitor and control grain elevators. Ensure safe handling of grain. Work with companies involved in agriculture and food processing.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $47,833
    Maintain landscapes and grounds. Tasks include landscaping, lawn care, and snow removal. Work in parks or large properties.
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  5. Yard Worker
    Average Salary: $47,293
    Assist in yard maintenance. Tasks can include cleaning, landscaping, and minor repairs. Work with residential or commercial properties.
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  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $46,627
    Clean and maintain hotel rooms or residential spaces. Follow protocols for sanitation and presentation. Work in hospitality or property management.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $45,716
    Cut and package meat products. Work in grocery stores or butcher shops. Ensure product quality and safety.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in San Jose, CA


  8. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $45,700
    Help clients choose beauty products. Provide skincare advice and makeup application. Work in retail stores like Ulta or Sephora.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in San Jose, CA


  9. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $45,274
    Prepare food in fast-paced kitchen environments. Work in restaurants and fast food establishments. Follow recipes and maintain food safety.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Jose, CA


  10. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $45,229
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Install plants, hardscaping, and irrigation systems. Work with both residential and commercial clients.
    Find Landscaper jobs in San Jose, CA

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

Job seekers in San Jose, CA, looking for top-paying companies will find excellent opportunities with a variety of tech giants. Arm, Expedia Group, and Nutanix lead the way, offering average salaries that significantly exceed the regional median. These companies provide competitive compensation packages that reflect their industry standing and commitment to employee satisfaction. Among these, Arm pays the highest average salary at nearly $249,000. Expedia Group and Nutanix also offer impressive salaries, above $237,000 and $227,000, respectively. Companies like F5, Roku, and NetApp continue to provide strong compensation packages, all surpassing $200,000 on average. For those seeking a lucrative career, these firms present a prime selection of options in the Silicon Valley area.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Jose, CA, highlighting Arm with the highest at $248,846 and Google with the lowest at $200,092.
  1. Arm
    Average Salary: $248,846
    Arm is a chip design company. It has a strong presence in the tech industry. Employees benefit from its competitive salary and benefits.


  2. Expedia Group
    Average Salary: $237,015
    Expedia Group is a leading travel company. It offers a range of services from flights to hotel bookings. The company provides an attractive salary package.


  3. Nutanix
    Average Salary: $227,374
    Nutanix specializes in cloud computing. It offers innovative solutions to businesses. The company provides a generous salary to its employees.


  4. F5
    Average Salary: $220,841
    F5 focuses on application delivery networking. It offers products that ensure secure and reliable application performance. Employees enjoy a high salary here.


  5. Roku
    Average Salary: $214,369
    Roku is a leading streaming platform. It offers devices and services to consumers. The company pays its employees well.


  6. NetApp
    Average Salary: $211,653
    NetApp is a data storage and management company. It offers innovative solutions to businesses. The company provides a competitive salary.


  7. AMD
    Average Salary: $206,766
    AMD is a semiconductor company. It designs CPUs and GPUs. The company pays its employees well.


  8. Micron Technology, Inc.
    Average Salary: $204,343
    Micron Technology, Inc. is a leading memory and storage company. It offers innovative solutions to businesses. The company provides a good salary package.


  9. ByteDance
    Average Salary: $203,693
    ByteDance is a technology company. It offers products like TikTok. The company pays its employees well.


  10. Google
    Average Salary: $200,092
    Google is a global tech giant. It offers a range of services from search to cloud computing. The company provides a competitive salary package.

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

San Jose, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing prices, for example, are 65% higher, while groceries cost 20% more. Utilities and transportation also exceed the national average by 7% and 38%, respectively. Despite these higher costs, San Jose offers attractive job opportunities that may offset some of the expenses. The city’s robust economy and diverse industries provide residents with competitive salaries. This balance makes San Jose an appealing place for many job seekers.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Jose, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 165% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 7% higher, transportation 38% higher, healthcare 16% higher, miscellaneous 28% higher.

San Jose, CA, stands out with a significantly higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in San Jose are notably steep, standing at 265 on the cost of living index, which is 165% higher than the national average. This sharp increase makes housing one of the most expensive aspects of living in San Jose.


Other expenses also show elevated costs in San Jose. Groceries cost 120 on the index, which is 20% above the national average. Utilities are priced at 107, a 7% increase from the nationwide average. Transportation costs are also higher at 138, which is 38% more than average. Healthcare and miscellaneous expenses follow suit, with indices of 116 and 128, respectively, showing increases of 16% and 28% compared to the national average. Altogether, these factors paint a clear picture of the higher living expenses San Jose residents face.

There are 4,555 job openings in San Jose, CA, today!

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San Jose, CA
4,555 Job Openings