City
Salary

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

The average salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is $71,916 per year.

San Luis Obispo offers a range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary stands at approximately $71,916. This figure serves as a solid benchmark for understanding the earning potential in various sectors.


Salary distribution in San Luis Obispo varies across different industries. The highest-paying sectors include management, business, science, and arts. Professionals in these fields often see salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. Some of the notable figures include:

  • Management: $154,591
  • Business: $139,455
  • Science: $124,318
  • Arts: $109,182

These numbers highlight the potential for higher earnings in certain specialized roles, offering a promising outlook for job seekers.

View jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA

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

San Luis Obispo, CA, offers many opportunities for job seekers looking for top paying jobs. Psychologists earn the highest salaries, with an average of $272,202 per year. This is followed by software engineers and pharmacists, who both make over $150,000 annually. Other high-paying jobs include licensed marriage and family therapists, recreational therapists, and registered nurses. These roles provide rewarding careers and substantial salaries. A traveling nurse can expect to make over $125,000 per year, while a speech language pathologist can earn around $124,000. These jobs offer competitive pay and valuable contributions to the community.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting Psychologist with the highest at $272,202 and Occupational Therapist with the lowest at $121,350.
  1. Psychologist
    Average Salary: $272,202
    Psychologists analyze mental health and offer treatment. They work in clinics and private practices, aiding individuals. Their insights help improve the quality of life for many.
    Find Psychologist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $162,641
    Software engineers create and maintain software. They write code, debug, and test. Working in tech firms, they help bring innovative solutions to the market.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $153,825
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions and provide advice on medication. They ensure patients understand their treatments. Working in local pharmacies, they play a key role in healthcare.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  4. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
    Average Salary: $140,486
    Therapists help families and couples with relationship issues. They offer counseling and provide strategies for improvement. They work in private practices, helping people strengthen their bonds.
    Find Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Recreational Therapist
    Average Salary: $128,138
    Therapists use activities to help patients recover. They design programs to improve physical and emotional health. They work in rehabilitation centers and hospitals, aiding in patient recovery.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $126,452
    Nurses care for patients and help them recover. They work in hospitals and clinics, monitoring health. They provide care and administer treatments under doctors’ directions.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  7. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $125,680
    Travel nurses work in various locations, helping where needed. They offer short-term care in different settings. They bring their expertise to communities that need it most.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  8. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $124,427
    Pathologists work with people who have speech or language issues. They create treatment plans and provide therapy. They help patients communicate better, working in schools and clinics.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  9. Counselor
    Average Salary: $122,046
    Counselors provide support and guidance to those facing challenges. They work in schools, community centers, and private practices. Their advice helps individuals navigate difficult situations.
    Find Counselor jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  10. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $121,350
    Therapists help patients regain skills needed for daily life. They work with individuals recovering from injuries or illnesses. They provide exercises and strategies to improve independence.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA

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

High-paying jobs in San Luis Obispo that do not require a degree offer excellent opportunities for career growth and financial stability. The top earners include positions such as Restaurant Manager and Barista. Restaurant Managers often bring in an average salary of $69,803, while Baristas can earn around $40,406 annually. These roles leverage skills in management, customer service, and culinary arts. Many of these jobs provide training and on-the-job experience, making them accessible without formal education. These positions allow individuals to start their careers with competitive pay and the chance to advance in the industry.
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 $35,882.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $69,803
    Leading the team in a busy dining environment, overseeing daily operations, and ensuring top-notch customer service. Key employers include local cafes and upscale restaurants. This role demands excellent communication skills and a knack for multitasking.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Barista
    Average Salary: $40,406
    Preparing and serving coffee and other beverages in a fast-paced setting. Working in coffee shops and cafes, this role emphasizes friendly customer interaction and quick, efficient service. Popular places to find this job include local coffee chains and independent cafes.
    Find Barista jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,058
    Assisting in food preparation and ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly. This position involves working in various eateries, from casual diners to trendy restaurants. Teamwork and attention to detail are essential for success in this role.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $39,661
    Maintaining cleanliness and orderliness in hotel rooms and public areas. This role requires reliability and a thorough approach to cleaning. Opportunities can be found in hospitality and resort settings, ensuring guests enjoy a comfortable stay.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,433
    Providing exceptional service and ensuring guests have a pleasant experience. Working in various settings, from fast-food joints to fine dining, this job focuses on customer satisfaction and a welcoming atmosphere. Popular employers include well-known restaurant chains and local eateries.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $38,921
    Taking orders and serving food and drinks to customers. This role involves excellent customer service and a friendly demeanor. Opportunities can be found in a variety of dining establishments, from casual diners to upscale restaurants, offering a dynamic work environment.
    Find Server jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  7. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $38,223
    Preparing ingredients and cooking dishes under pressure. This position requires speed and accuracy, working in busy kitchens. Common employers include restaurants and cafes, where teamwork and efficiency are key.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $37,990
    Cleaning dishes and kitchen equipment, ensuring everything is ready for the next service. This role involves attention to detail and a steady work pace. Opportunities are available in various dining establishments, from casual restaurants to busy cafes.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  9. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $35,882
    Assisting in food preparation and maintaining a clean workspace. This position involves working in busy kitchens and requires teamwork and a willingness to help out wherever needed. Popular employers include cafeterias, dining halls, and food service contractors.
    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 opportunities with some of the highest paying companies in the area. TEEMA tops the list with an average salary of $162,825. Sunrun and CommonSpirit Health follow closely with average salaries of $112,863 and $98,088, respectively. Several other companies also offer competitive salaries. UCLA Health and the County of San Luis Obispo have average salaries above $90,000. California State University, Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc., California Polytechnic State University, Trust Automation, and Cuesta College provide salaries ranging from around $81,800 to $86,000. These figures highlight the range of well-paying positions available in San Luis Obispo.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting TEEMA with the highest at $162,825 and Cuesta College with the lowest at $81,862.
  1. TEEMA
    Average Salary: $162,825
    TEEMA is a top company in San Luis Obispo. They offer competitive salaries and a positive work environment. They focus on environmental projects and conservation.


  2. Sunrun
    Average Salary: $112,863
    Sunrun provides solar energy solutions. They are well-known for their innovative projects and great benefits. Employees enjoy a good salary and a chance to work on exciting projects.


  3. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $98,088
    CommonSpirit Health is a healthcare provider. They offer a supportive work environment and a solid salary. Employees value the company's commitment to patient care.


  4. UCLA Health
    Average Salary: $94,783
    UCLA Health is part of a major university. They offer good salaries and opportunities for growth. Employees benefit from working with top-notch medical professionals.


  5. County of San Luis Obispo
    Average Salary: $91,243
    The County of San Luis Obispo provides various services to the community. They offer competitive salaries and a chance to make a difference. Employees appreciate the benefits and job stability.


  6. California State University
    Average Salary: $86,088
    California State University is a leading educational institution. They offer good salaries and a chance to teach and learn. Employees enjoy the supportive academic environment.


  7. Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.
    Average Salary: $85,863
    Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. works in the aerospace industry. They offer a good salary and exciting projects. Employees value the company's innovative approach and work environment.


  8. California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
    Average Salary: $85,811
    This university offers technical and professional programs. They provide good salaries and career opportunities. Employees benefit from a strong focus on hands-on learning.


  9. Trust Automation
    Average Salary: $81,882
    Trust Automation provides financial software solutions. They offer a good salary and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology. Employees appreciate the company's dedication to innovation.


  10. Cuesta College
    Average Salary: $81,862
    Cuesta College offers various educational programs. They provide good salaries and a supportive environment. Employees value the opportunity to teach and learn in a community college setting.

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

The cost of living index in San Luis Obispo, CA, shows housing costs at 65% higher than the nationwide average, while groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses are slightly elevated. This indicates that living in San Luis Obispo can be significantly more expensive in certain areas, particularly in housing. However, transportation and healthcare costs align closely with the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Luis Obispo, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 65% higher, groceries 8% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 0% lower, healthcare 2% lower, miscellaneous 10% higher.

The cost of living in San Luis Obispo, CA, shows some variation when compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing stands out with an index of 165, indicating that housing costs are 65% higher than the national average. Job seekers considering this area should be aware that they may need to allocate a larger portion of their budget to housing.


Other expenses also reveal differences. Groceries cost 8% more, with an index of 108. Utilities follow closely, with an index of 110, meaning they are 10% higher than average. These costs suggest that while some areas are more expensive, others, like transportation and healthcare, are either on par or below the national average. Transportation has an index of 100, indicating no difference, and healthcare at 98 means it is 2% cheaper. Miscellaneous costs also have an index of 110, which is another 10% higher than the national average. These details help job seekers make informed decisions about living in San Luis Obispo.

There are 949 job openings in San Luis Obispo, CA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in San Luis Obispo, CA

Discover what it's like to work in San Luis Obispo, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
San Luis Obispo, CA
949 Job Openings