Overview Salaries

Salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
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Salary

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

The average salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is $71,435 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for San Luis Obispo, CA, showing an average salary of $71,435 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for San Luis Obispo, CA, showing an average salary of $5,953 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for San Luis Obispo, CA, showing an average salary of $1,374 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for San Luis Obispo, CA, showing an average salary of $34 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

The average yearly salary in San Luis Obispo, CA, stands at around $71,435. This figure provides a solid benchmark for job seekers looking at the local employment market. The salary data shows that the majority of workers earn between $33,500 and $184,864 annually.


Salaries vary across different sectors in San Luis Obispo. The most common salary ranges fall between $33,500 and $109,182. Key industries contributing to these salaries include retail, healthcare, education, and technology. These industries offer a mix of entry-level and skilled positions. Job seekers may find good opportunities if they consider roles in these areas. Understanding these salary ranges can help in making informed career decisions.

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

In San Luis Obispo, California, several careers offer attractive salaries. Among the top earners are psychologists, who enjoy a high income averaging around $277,725 annually. Other well-paying jobs include software engineers and pharmacists, both of whom earn above $150,000 each year. These positions highlight strong demand and rewarding financial prospects for those qualified and dedicated to these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting Psychologist with the highest at $277,725 and Counselor with the lowest at $120,358.

  1. Psychologist
    Average Salary: $277,725
    Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues. Work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice. Help individuals improve their mental well-being and quality of life.
    Find Psychologist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $159,779
    Design, develop, and maintain software systems. Collaborate with teams to create efficient applications. Work with tech companies or on independent projects.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $152,592
    Dispense medications and provide health advice. Ensure proper use of prescriptions. Work in retail pharmacies or hospitals, ensuring patients get the right care.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  4. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
    Average Salary: $140,980
    Help individuals and families improve relationships. Provide counseling and therapy sessions. Work in private practices or mental health facilities to support clients.
    Find Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Recreational Therapist
    Average Salary: $128,664
    Use recreational activities to help improve patients’ mental and physical health. Develop programs to aid in recovery and rehabilitation. Work in hospitals or rehabilitation centers.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $126,549
    Provide medical care in various locations. Work in hospitals, clinics, or with travel agencies. Deliver essential nursing services to different communities.
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  7. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $125,701
    Provide patient care in hospitals or clinics. Monitor patient health and administer treatments. Work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality care.
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  8. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $123,865
    Diagnose and treat speech and language problems. Work with patients of all ages. Help improve communication skills and manage swallowing issues.
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  9. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $120,627
    Help patients develop or recover daily living skills. Work in hospitals or rehabilitation centers. Assist individuals in regaining independence and improving their quality of life.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  10. Counselor
    Average Salary: $120,358
    Provide guidance and support to individuals facing personal challenges. Work in schools, community centers, or private practices. Help clients navigate their issues and improve their well-being.
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What are the best paying jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA without a degree?

In San Luis Obispo, California, top-paying jobs without a degree include restaurant management, which can earn up to about $70,000 annually. This position involves overseeing daily restaurant operations, ensuring customer satisfaction, and managing staff. Baristas also earn a solid income, with salaries reaching around $40,000 a year. This role requires preparing coffee drinks and providing excellent customer service. Additionally, jobs like kitchen team member and housekeeping also offer competitive pay, with average salaries around $40,000. These positions involve working in the food service industry, including preparing meals and ensuring clean, welcoming environments. Other roles such as service team member and server offer around $39,000 to $39,000 annually, offering good opportunities for those willing to work in hospitality.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $69,803 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $35,746.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $69,803
    Manage all aspects of restaurant operations. Oversee kitchen and front-of-house staff. Ensure customer satisfaction and smooth service. Companies like The Palms Hotel and Black Bear Diner offer opportunities.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Barista
    Average Salary: $40,326
    Prepare and serve coffee and tea. Greet customers and take orders. Work in a fast-paced environment. Local coffee shops like The French Press provide a welcoming atmosphere.
    Find Barista jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,976
    Help prepare ingredients and dishes. Work closely with chefs and cooks. Keep kitchen areas clean and organized. Companies like Avila Valley Barn offer a hands-on experience.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $39,731
    Clean and maintain guest rooms. Ensure all areas meet health standards. Provide a pleasant stay for guests. Hotels like Hilton Garden Inn offer steady work and good pay.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,323
    Help serve food to customers. Take orders and deliver food promptly. Ensure a positive dining experience. Companies like The Palms Hotel and restaurants like The Habit Burger Grill provide good opportunities.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $39,165
    Serve food and beverages to customers. Take and deliver orders accurately. Provide excellent customer service. Restaurants like The French Press and The Habit Burger Grill offer varied experiences.
    Find Server jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  7. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $38,036
    Prepare ingredients and cook meals. Work quickly in a high-pressure kitchen. Follow recipes and kitchen standards. Local restaurants like Avila Valley Barn provide practical experience.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $37,851
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Ensure a clean and sanitary environment. Work behind the scenes in the kitchen. Local restaurants like Avila Valley Barn offer dependable work.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  9. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $35,746
    Assist kitchen staff with food preparation and cleanup. Help maintain a clean and organized kitchen. Gain experience and learn new skills. Companies like Avila Valley Barn provide a supportive environment.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA

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

San Luis Obispo has many companies that offer competitive salaries to their employees. TEEMA leads the way with an average salary of $163,429. Sunrun follows closely behind with an average salary of $112,950. These top-paying companies provide attractive opportunities for those seeking well-paying jobs in the area. Other notable companies in San Luis Obispo include CommonSpirit Health, UCLA Health, and the County of San Luis Obispo. All three offer average salaries above $90,000. California State University, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo, and Cuesta College also provide competitive pay. Exploring these options can help job seekers find a fulfilling career with a good salary.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting TEEMA with the highest at $163,429 and Trust Automation with the lowest at $81,753.

  1. TEEMA
    Average Salary: $163,429
    TEEMA offers high-paying jobs in engineering and management. They focus on environmental work.


  2. Sunrun
    Average Salary: $112,950
    Sunrun works in solar energy. They offer competitive salaries for their tech and sales staff.


  3. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $97,990
    CommonSpirit Health is a healthcare provider. They pay well for nursing and administrative roles.


  4. UCLA Health
    Average Salary: $95,358
    UCLA Health offers medical services. They provide good pay for doctors, nurses, and tech staff.


  5. County of San Luis Obispo
    Average Salary: $90,571
    The County offers jobs in public services. They pay well for roles in education, law, and administration.


  6. California State University
    Average Salary: $86,049
    California State University is an educational institution. They offer good salaries for teachers and administrative staff.


  7. California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
    Average Salary: $85,539
    Cal Poly offers engineering and technical jobs. They pay well for positions in engineering and education.


  8. Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.
    Average Salary: $85,396
    Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. works in aerospace technology. They offer good pay for engineers and tech staff.


  9. Cuesta College
    Average Salary: $83,532
    Cuesta College is a community college. They offer good pay for teachers and administrative staff.


  10. Trust Automation
    Average Salary: $81,753
    Trust Automation offers jobs in software development. They pay well for their engineering and IT staff.

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

San Luis Obispo, CA, exhibits a notably higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in this area are 60% above the national average, while groceries are 10% higher. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also surpass the national average by 15%, 5%, 20%, and 30%, respectively. These elevated costs reflect San Luis Obispo's premium living environment, making it essential for job seekers to consider these factors when relocating.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Luis Obispo, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 60% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 15% higher, transportation 5% higher, healthcare 20% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

San Luis Obispo, California, has a higher cost of living than the nationwide average. Specifically, housing costs in San Luis Obispo stand at 60% above the national average. This significant increase means that finding affordable housing in this area can be more challenging compared to other regions. Additionally, groceries and utilities in San Luis Obispo are also higher, with grocery costs at 10% above and utility costs at 15% above the national average. These expenses reflect the higher living costs potential job seekers should consider.


Moreover, healthcare costs in San Luis Obispo are 20% higher than the national average, which is an important factor for anyone relocating. Transportation costs are slightly above average at 5%, which is relatively minor but still worth noting. Miscellaneous expenses also show an increase of 30% compared to the national average. Overall, while San Luis Obispo offers a desirable lifestyle, it is essential to be aware of these elevated costs before making the move.

There are 909 job openings in San Luis Obispo, CA, today!

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San Luis Obispo, CA
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