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What is the average salary in San Luis Obispo, CA?

The average salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is $72,546 per year.

San Luis Obispo, CA offers a diverse job market with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary for a worker in this area is $72,546. This figure represents a strong earning potential across various industries. Many jobs provide salaries that exceed the national average, offering financial stability to residents.


Different sectors in San Luis Obispo contribute to the wide salary range. Some of the top-paying jobs include healthcare, education, and management roles. For example, healthcare workers earn around $93,364 annually, while education professionals make about $78,473. Management roles also offer good pay, with salaries averaging $123,145 per year. These numbers reflect the opportunities available for those seeking well-paying jobs in the area.

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What are the best paying jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA?

In San Luis Obispo, CA, top-paying jobs offer rewarding career paths with competitive salaries. Psychologists lead the way with an average salary of $271,021 per year. Software engineers and pharmacists follow closely, earning around $167,323 and $154,184 annually, respectively. Other high-paying jobs in the area include licensed marriage and family therapists, recreational therapists, and registered nurses. These roles provide stability and growth opportunities, with annual salaries ranging from $120,993 to $138,705. Job seekers will find these positions appealing for both their financial benefits and the positive impact on the community.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting Psychologist with the highest at $271,021 and Technical Project Lead with the lowest at $114,117.
  1. Psychologist
    Average Salary: $271,021
    This role involves helping individuals with mental and emotional issues. Work often takes place in private practices, hospitals, or educational institutions. Notable employers include local clinics and academic settings.
    Find Psychologist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $167,323
    Software engineers design and develop applications and systems. They work in tech firms and startups in the region. Key companies include local IT service providers and innovative tech startups.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $154,184
    This position focuses on dispensing medications and advising on their use. Pharmacists work in community pharmacies and hospitals. Local employers include major pharmacy chains and independent pharmacies.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  4. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
    Average Salary: $138,705
    Therapists work with couples and families, helping them overcome challenges. They often operate in private practices and community health centers. Major employers include mental health clinics and non-profits.
    Find Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Recreational Therapist
    Average Salary: $129,937
    These professionals use recreational activities to help patients. They work in rehabilitation centers and hospitals. Key employers include local healthcare facilities and wellness centers.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $127,001
    RNs provide patient care and support in various healthcare settings. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Local hospitals and nursing homes are key employers.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  7. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $127,000
    Travel nurses work in different locations, often on short-term assignments. They find employment in hospitals and clinics across the region. Travel nursing agencies and local healthcare institutions are the main employers.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  8. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $126,244
    This role involves helping patients with communication and swallowing disorders. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics. Major employers include local healthcare facilities and educational institutions.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  9. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $120,993
    Occupational therapists help patients regain skills for daily activities. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools. Local healthcare providers and educational institutions are key employers.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  10. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $114,117
    This position involves managing IT projects and teams. They work in tech companies and startups. Key employers include local tech firms and innovative startups.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA

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

In San Luis Obispo, California, several high-paying jobs do not require a degree. Restaurant managers lead teams and can earn an average of nearly $70,000 per year. Other top-paying positions include kitchen team members and baristas, with salaries around $40,000 annually. These roles offer a good chance to start working and earning without needing a college degree. Positions like service team members, servers, line cooks, and housekeeping staff also provide solid income. These jobs let individuals support themselves while gaining valuable experience in the workplace.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $69,819 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $35,988.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $69,819
    Oversee the operations of local restaurants. Ensure smooth service and handle staff. Work in a bustling environment. Companies include Pistachio's and Coastal Oven.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,713
    Prepare ingredients and assist with cooking. Work in fast-paced kitchens. Gain experience in a variety of cuisines. Companies include The Ranch Market and Cafe Pacific.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $40,684
    Prepare coffee and other beverages. Serve customers with a smile. Work in a cozy atmosphere. Companies include Starbucks and Blue Bottle Coffee.
    Find Barista jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  4. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,564
    Take orders and serve food to guests. Maintain a clean and welcoming dining area. Interact with customers regularly. Companies include The Habit Burger Grill and Panda Express.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $39,333
    Attend to tables and serve food and drinks. Handle payments and check on customers. Work in a busy and dynamic environment. Companies include The Cheesecake Factory and Chili's.
    Find Server jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $38,640
    Prepare meals quickly and efficiently. Work under pressure to meet demand. Follow recipes and kitchen standards. Companies include Coastal Oven and Pistachio's.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $38,319
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or motels. Ensure a comfortable stay for guests. Work daily shifts. Companies include InterContinental and Motel 6.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $37,876
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Work in a fast-paced kitchen. Ensure cleanliness and hygiene standards. Companies include The Ranch Market and Coastal Oven.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  9. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $35,988
    Assist in food preparation and serving. Help maintain a clean kitchen. Gain valuable experience in the industry. Companies include The Cheesecake Factory and Chili's.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA?

Job seekers in San Luis Obispo, CA, can find high-paying opportunities at companies like TEEMA and Legacy Personnel Inc. TEEMA leads with an average salary of $162,420, offering some of the best compensation in the area. This suggests that skilled professionals may secure top earnings by joining these top-tier employers. At the same time, other notable companies such as Sunrun, Crestwood Behavioral Health, and Adventist Health provide attractive average salaries ranging from $90,229 to $112,283. These organizations offer competitive pay and may provide various benefits, making them attractive choices for those seeking rewarding career paths in the region.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting TEEMA with the highest at $162,420 and California State University with the lowest at $87,337.
  1. TEEMA
    Average Salary: $162,420
    TEEMA is a leading company in the aerospace industry, known for its innovative projects and high-paying positions.


  2. Legacy Personnel Inc
    Average Salary: $120,004
    Legacy Personnel Inc provides staffing solutions and offers competitive salaries, making it a popular choice among job seekers.


  3. Sunrun
    Average Salary: $112,283
    Sunrun is a solar energy company that offers great opportunities with attractive compensation packages.


  4. Crestwood Behavioral Health
    Average Salary: $108,375
    Crestwood Behavioral Health focuses on mental health services and provides rewarding careers with good salaries.


  5. Adventist Health
    Average Salary: $102,683
    Adventist Health is a well-known healthcare provider that offers stable jobs with decent pay.


  6. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $97,812
    CommonSpirit Health is dedicated to healthcare services and provides good salaries for its employees.


  7. UCLA Health
    Average Salary: $93,362
    UCLA Health is a top-tier healthcare institution that offers excellent career opportunities with competitive pay.


  8. County of San Luis Obispo
    Average Salary: $90,492
    The County of San Luis Obispo provides various government jobs with good salaries and benefits.


  9. Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.
    Average Salary: $90,229
    Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. offers specialized aerospace services and provides stable jobs with fair compensation.


  10. California State University
    Average Salary: $87,337
    California State University provides educational opportunities and offers jobs with decent salaries.

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

San Luis Obispo, CA, shows a cost of living index that is notably higher than the nationwide average. The overall index for the city stands at 134, indicating that living expenses are about 34% higher than the average across the country. Housing costs are the most significant factor, with an index of 180, nearly double the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Luis Obispo, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 80% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

San Luis Obispo, California, exhibits a notably higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in San Luis Obispo are significantly elevated, standing at 180 on the index. This means that housing expenses in San Luis Obispo are 80% higher than the national average. For job seekers considering this area, this represents a substantial financial commitment that could affect overall budget planning.


Other expenses in San Luis Obispo also surpass the national average. Groceries, for instance, have an index of 110, indicating an 10% increase in cost. Utilities, at 105, are 5% higher, while healthcare costs mirror the national average, remaining at 105. Transportation costs are relatively moderate, with an index of 95, suggesting a 5% savings compared to the national average. Miscellaneous expenses show a 20% increase with an index of 120. Together, these factors paint a picture of a living environment where most expenses exceed the national average, making careful financial planning essential for new residents.

There are 759 job openings in San Luis Obispo, CA, today!

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San Luis Obispo, CA
759 Job Openings