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

The average salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is $70,414 per year.

San Luis Obispo, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in the area is around $70,414. This figure provides a good starting point for understanding the earning potential in this region. Salaries can vary widely based on the industry and the specific role you are interested in.


Some of the top-paying industries in San Luis Obispo include healthcare, education, and professional services. For example, healthcare professionals can earn upwards of $158,921 per year, while those in education can expect to make around $143,181 annually. Other sectors, such as retail and hospitality, offer lower average salaries, with some roles starting around $33,000 per year. It is important to research specific industries and roles to get a better understanding of the salary landscape in San Luis Obispo.

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

San Luis Obispo offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. Psychologists lead the way with an average salary of $278,974. Following closely are software engineers, earning around $160,000 annually. Pharmacists also enjoy a strong income, averaging about $148,000 per year. Other well-compensated roles include licensed marriage and family therapists, recreational therapists, and dental hygienists, all earning over $100,000 annually. Registered nurses, traveling nurses, speech language pathologists, and counselors also find good pay in the area, with salaries ranging from $115,000 to $126,000. These jobs offer both financial stability and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting Psychologist with the highest at $278,974 and Counselor with the lowest at $115,564.
  1. Psychologist
    Average Salary: $278,974
    Psychologists assess and treat mental health issues. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They help individuals cope with challenges and improve their mental well-being.
    Find Psychologist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $159,971
    Software engineers design and develop applications. They work for tech companies and startups. They create software that meets user needs and improves efficiency.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $147,812
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. They ensure patients receive the right medications and understand how to use them.
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  4. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
    Average Salary: $138,740
    Therapists help families and couples. They work in private practices and clinics. They provide counseling and support to improve relationships and mental health.
    Find Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Recreational Therapist
    Average Salary: $128,684
    Recreational therapists use activities to help patients. They work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. They design programs to improve physical and mental health.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $126,620
    Dental hygienists clean teeth and educate patients. They work in dental offices. They help prevent dental issues and promote good oral health.
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  7. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $124,073
    Registered nurses provide patient care. They work in hospitals and clinics. They monitor patients, administer treatments, and support doctors.
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  8. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $123,674
    Traveling nurses work in various locations. They provide care in different settings. They offer flexibility and the chance to explore new places while helping patients.
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  9. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $119,553
    Speech language pathologists help patients with communication. They work in schools and clinics. They develop treatment plans to improve speech and language skills.
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  10. Counselor
    Average Salary: $115,564
    Counselors provide guidance and support. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. They help individuals navigate personal and professional challenges.
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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 jobs that do not require a college degree. Restaurant managers lead teams and ensure smooth operations, earning an average of $71,153 per year. Other roles like baristas, kitchen team members, and servers also provide good salaries, ranging from $35,455 to $40,000 annually. These positions offer competitive pay and valuable experience in the service industry. Baristas, for example, prepare coffee and other beverages, earning around $40,000 per year. Kitchen team members and line cooks work behind the scenes, preparing meals and dishes, with salaries around $39,000. Servers interact with customers, taking orders and serving food, also earning about $37,500 annually.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $71,153 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $35,455.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $71,153
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in local eateries like The Hitching Post and The Palms.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,924
    Prepare coffee and other beverages. Serve customers with a friendly smile. Work in coffee shops such as Blue Bottle Coffee and Peet's Coffee.
    Find Barista jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $39,863
    Clean and maintain guest rooms and public areas. Ensure a tidy and welcoming environment. Work in hotels like the Madonna Inn and the InterContinental.
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  4. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,231
    Assist in food preparation and kitchen tasks. Work in a fast-paced environment. Opportunities in restaurants like The Palms and local cafes.
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  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $37,581
    Prepare ingredients and cook food to recipes. Work in a busy kitchen setting. Positions available in local restaurants and cafes.
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  6. Server
    Average Salary: $37,557
    Take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. Provide excellent customer service. Work in dining establishments like The Hitching Post and local eateries.
    Find Server jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  7. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $37,556
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Ensure a clean and efficient kitchen. Opportunities in restaurants and cafes throughout the area.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  8. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $35,455
    Assist kitchen staff with food preparation and service. Help maintain a clean and organized kitchen. Work in various dining establishments.
    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, have a variety of top-paying companies to consider. Sunrun leads with an average salary of $112,307. This company offers competitive pay and a chance to work in a growing industry. Other notable employers include CommonSpirit Health and the County of San Luis Obispo, both providing salaries above $89,000. Several other companies also offer attractive compensation packages. California State University and Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. both pay over $84,000 on average. California Polytechnic State University, Cuesta College, and Trust Automation also offer salaries above $79,000. These companies provide a range of opportunities for those seeking good pay and benefits in San Luis Obispo.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting Sunrun with the highest at $112,307 and Entegris with the lowest at $73,568.
  1. Sunrun
    Average Salary: $112,307
    Sunrun is a leading solar energy company. They offer residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar solutions. They focus on sustainability and innovation.


  2. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $96,392
    CommonSpirit Health is a large healthcare provider. They operate hospitals and clinics in many areas. They focus on providing quality patient care.


  3. County of San Luis Obispo
    Average Salary: $89,439
    The County of San Luis Obispo offers a variety of jobs in government. They work in areas like public safety, education, and health services. They focus on serving the community.


  4. California State University
    Average Salary: $85,471
    California State University provides higher education. They offer many programs and degrees. They focus on academic excellence and student success.


  5. Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.
    Average Salary: $84,570
    Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. works in the aerospace industry. They develop and manufacture advanced systems. They focus on innovation and quality.


  6. California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
    Average Salary: $82,804
    Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a public university. They focus on engineering, architecture, and science. They offer hands-on learning and practical experience.


  7. Cuesta College
    Average Salary: $82,167
    Cuesta College is a community college. They offer associate degrees and certificates. They focus on affordable education and student support.


  8. Trust Automation
    Average Salary: $79,963
    Trust Automation provides automation solutions for businesses. They focus on efficiency and technology. They work in various industries to improve operations.


  9. City of San Luis Obispo
    Average Salary: $73,602
    The City of San Luis Obispo offers jobs in city administration. They work in areas like public works, parks, and recreation. They focus on community services.


  10. Entegris
    Average Salary: $73,568
    Entegris provides materials and services for the semiconductor industry. They focus on innovation and quality. They work with leading technology companies.

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

San Luis Obispo, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs are notably 80% higher, with an index of 180. Other categories like groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also exceed the national average, ranging from 10% to 30% higher.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Luis Obispo, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 80% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 30% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

San Luis Obispo, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in San Luis Obispo are 80% higher than the national average. This means that housing expenses are significantly more expensive for residents here. The cost of groceries also exceeds the national average by 15%, indicating that everyday food purchases are more costly.


Utilities and transportation in San Luis Obispo are both 10% above the national average. This means that residents pay a bit more for services like electricity and gas, as well as for commuting. Healthcare costs are 30% higher, which can be a significant factor for those considering relocation. Miscellaneous expenses, such as entertainment and personal care, are also 20% higher than the national average. Overall, San Luis Obispo presents a higher cost of living in several key areas.

There are 765 job openings in San Luis Obispo, CA, today!

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San Luis Obispo, CA
765 Job Openings