Overview Salaries

Salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA

Updated on Sep 14, 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 $73,551 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for San Luis Obispo, CA, showing an average salary of $73,551 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for San Luis Obispo, CA, showing an average salary of $6,129 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for San Luis Obispo, CA, showing an average salary of $1,414 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for San Luis Obispo, CA, showing an average salary of $35 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

San Luis Obispo, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in the area is $73,551. This figure represents the median income and provides a useful benchmark for job seekers. The city supports a diverse job market, with competitive salaries in many sectors.

Job opportunities in San Luis Obispo span from lower-tier positions to higher-level roles. The top sectors include management, business, science, and arts, each offering varying salary ranges. For instance, those in management positions can expect salaries ranging from $108,209 to $197,500. This broad salary spectrum makes San Luis Obispo an attractive destination for professionals seeking both entry-level and advanced career opportunities.

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

Job seekers in San Luis Obispo, CA, can explore several high-paying professions. Leading the list is the psychologist, with an average salary of $262,946 annually. Other top earners include software engineers, who make around $170,504, and nurse practitioners, with a salary of approximately $165,951. These roles provide rewarding careers and competitive pay. Additionally, pharmacists and licensed marriage and family therapists also offer substantial salaries, each around $159,143 and $133,089, respectively. These opportunities cater to professionals seeking both financial stability and personal fulfillment. Further, roles such as recreational therapists, traveling nurses, and speech-language pathologists present attractive salaries, all above $123,000 per year. These positions support a high standard of living while allowing for impactful work.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting Psychologist with the highest at $262,946 and Technical Project Lead with the lowest at $123,669.

  1. Psychologist
    Average Salary: $262,946
    This role helps people with mental health issues. It involves working in clinics or private practices. Professionals also engage in research to advance understanding of mental health.
    Find Psychologist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $170,504
    Software engineers create, test, and maintain software solutions. They work in tech companies and startups. They use their skills to develop applications that solve real-world problems.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $165,951
    They provide primary and specialty care. They work in hospitals and clinics. They diagnose and treat health conditions and promote overall wellness.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  4. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $159,143
    They fill prescriptions and provide advice on medication. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. They ensure patients understand how to use their medications safely.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
    Average Salary: $133,089
    They help individuals and families overcome challenges. They work in private practices or community health centers. Their goal is to improve relationships and mental health.
    Find Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Recreational Therapist
    Average Salary: $130,713
    They use recreational activities to improve patients' physical and emotional well-being. They work in hospitals or rehabilitation centers. They create programs to help patients recover and thrive.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  7. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $128,372
    They travel to different locations to provide nursing care. They work in hospitals and clinics. They bring flexibility and experience to each new workplace.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  8. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $127,812
    They diagnose and treat speech and language issues. They work in schools, clinics, and hospitals. They help people communicate more effectively.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  9. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $126,673
    They provide patient care and support. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They ensure patients receive proper treatment and care.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  10. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $123,669
    They manage technical projects and teams. They work in tech companies and consultancies. They ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
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What are the best paying jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA without a degree?

San Luis Obispo offers several high-paying job opportunities for individuals without a college degree. Kitchen Team Members earn a robust average salary of $42,026, and Baristas can also expect to make about $41,301 per year. Both roles provide valuable skills and can be stepping stones to further career advancement. In addition to these, roles such as Line Cook, Service Team Member, and Server also offer competitive salaries. Line Cooks earn around $40,250, Service Team Members about $39,564, and Servers approximately $39,069 annually. These positions allow for a rewarding career with good earning potential. Other roles, such as Dishwasher, Housekeeping, and Food Service Aide, while slightly lower in salary, still provide solid income opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA without a degree, highlighting Kitchen Team Member with the highest at $42,026 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $37,233.

  1. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,026
    Join a dynamic kitchen team to help prepare meals. Work with local chefs to create delicious dishes. This position involves teamwork and a fast-paced environment.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Barista
    Average Salary: $41,301
    Craft and serve various beverages in a bustling coffee shop. Engage with customers to ensure satisfaction. Gain experience in a friendly, community-focused setting.
    Find Barista jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $40,250
    Prepare meals quickly under pressure. Work alongside other kitchen staff to meet demand. Learn from experienced chefs and improve cooking skills in a busy atmosphere.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  4. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,564
    Provide excellent customer service by taking orders and ensuring satisfaction. Work in a welcoming environment. Gain experience in a high-volume setting.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $39,069
    Serve food and drinks to guests, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Take and deliver orders efficiently. Develop interpersonal skills while working in a social environment.
    Find Server jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $38,205
    Clean dishes and maintain kitchen cleanliness. Work behind the scenes to support the kitchen team. Learn the importance of hygiene in food service.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $37,904
    Maintain clean and organized spaces. Perform tasks such as making beds and tidying rooms. Ensure a pleasant environment for guests and staff.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  8. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $37,233
    Assist in meal preparation and food service. Learn from experienced staff. Provide support in a busy, team-oriented setting.
    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 some of the highest salaries at Body Fit Plus Inc and Talented Medical Solutions. At Body Fit Plus Inc, the average salary is $156,682, making it the highest-paying company in the area. Talented Medical Solutions offers an average salary of $127,785, showing that careers here can also be quite rewarding. Other top-paying companies in San Luis Obispo include Legacy Personnel, Inc., Zone 5 Technologies, and Sunrun. These companies offer competitive salaries, with averages ranging from $121,372 to $111,704. For those looking to advance their careers, these companies provide opportunities to earn a good income.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting Body Fit Plus Inc with the highest at $156,682 and UCLA Health with the lowest at $96,862.

  1. Body Fit Plus Inc
    Average Salary: $156,682
    Body Fit Plus Inc is a wellness company offering various services including fitness classes and personal training. They provide a dynamic work environment and a competitive salary.


  2. Talented Medical Solutions
    Average Salary: $127,785
    Talented Medical Solutions specializes in healthcare staffing solutions. They support healthcare facilities with qualified professionals, offering competitive pay and benefits.


  3. Legacy Personnel, Inc.
    Average Salary: $121,372
    Legacy Personnel, Inc. focuses on providing staffing solutions to various industries. They emphasize employee satisfaction and offer attractive salary packages.


  4. Zone 5 Technologies
    Average Salary: $119,130
    Zone 5 Technologies is a tech company that designs and manufactures advanced systems. They provide innovative projects and a rewarding work environment.


  5. Sunrun
    Average Salary: $111,704
    Sunrun is a leader in solar energy solutions. They offer sustainable energy products and services, paying their employees well for their contributions.


  6. Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc.
    Average Salary: $108,179
    Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc. provides mental health and substance abuse treatment. They prioritize employee well-being and offer competitive salaries.


  7. Adventist Health
    Average Salary: $103,499
    Adventist Health is a healthcare provider committed to whole-person care. They offer a supportive workplace and rewarding compensation packages.


  8. Edge Autonomy
    Average Salary: $99,862
    Edge Autonomy specializes in autonomous vehicle technology. They seek to advance transportation and offer competitive salaries to their skilled workforce.


  9. CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region
    Average Salary: $97,882
    CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region provides comprehensive healthcare services. They focus on employee health and offer stable, competitive pay.


  10. UCLA Health
    Average Salary: $96,862
    UCLA Health is a renowned healthcare provider affiliated with UCLA. They offer top-tier medical services and competitive salaries to their staff.

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

San Luis Obispo, CA, shows a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in San Luis Obispo are 90% higher, with an index of 190. Groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs also exceed the national average, with indices of 125, 105, 110, 98, and 115, respectively. Job seekers should consider these elevated costs when planning relocation. While housing and groceries are significantly more expensive, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses remain close to the national average. Healthcare costs are slightly lower, offering a small financial advantage.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Luis Obispo, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 90% higher, groceries 25% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 2% lower, miscellaneous 15% higher.

San Luis Obispo, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index for this city is notably higher in several key areas. Housing costs are particularly steep, with an index of 190, meaning they are almost double the national average of 100. This makes housing one of the most significant expenses for people living here.


Other areas also reflect higher costs. Groceries in San Luis Obispo have an index of 125, which is 25% more than the national average. Utilities stand at 105, indicating a 5% increase over the average. Transportation costs are at 110, which is 10% higher than the national norm. Even miscellaneous costs, with an index of 115, exceed the average by 15%. Healthcare costs, however, are slightly below average, at an index of 98. Overall, San Luis Obispo presents a challenging financial landscape for those considering relocating or living there.

There are 686 job openings in San Luis Obispo, CA, today!

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San Luis Obispo, CA
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