Overview Salaries

Salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
City
Salary

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

The average salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is $70,299 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for San Luis Obispo, CA, showing an average salary of $70,299 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for San Luis Obispo, CA, showing an average salary of $5,858 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for San Luis Obispo, CA, showing an average salary of $1,352 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.

San Luis Obispo, CA, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is around $70,299. This figure varies across different industries, providing a range of earning potentials for job seekers.

Some of the highest-paying jobs in San Luis Obispo include:

  • Top Management: These roles pay an average of $158,091 per year.
  • Legal Professionals: This group earns an average of $142,455 annually.
  • Science and Engineering Jobs: These positions offer an average salary of $126,818.
  • Business and Financial Operations: Salaries here average at $111,182 per year.
  • Computer and Math Jobs: Jobs in this category pay an average of $95,545 per year.

With these salaries, job seekers in San Luis Obispo can find well-paying positions that match their skills and career goals.

View jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA
View all jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA

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

San Luis Obispo offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. The top-paying jobs in this area include Psychologist, Software Engineer, and Pharmacist. These positions require specialized skills and education, but they offer substantial salaries. Individuals with advanced degrees in psychology, engineering, or pharmacy can find rewarding career paths in San Luis Obispo. Other well-paying jobs include Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Dental Hygienist, and Registered Nurse. These roles not only provide financial benefits but also contribute to the well-being of the community.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting Psychologist with the highest at $277,624 and Counselor with the lowest at $119,301.

  1. Psychologist
    Average Salary: $277,624
    In this role, you will offer mental health services to individuals. Work for local clinics and private practices. Help patients cope with personal and emotional challenges.
    Find Psychologist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $161,209
    Create and maintain software for local tech companies. Work on projects that can include web and mobile applications. Collaborate with a team to solve problems.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $148,068
    Fill prescriptions and offer advice on medications. Work in community pharmacies. Ensure patients receive accurate information and care.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  4. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
    Average Salary: $140,393
    Help families and couples improve their relationships. Provide counseling services in private practices. Address issues like communication and conflict resolution.
    Find Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $128,955
    Perform dental cleanings and checkups. Work in dental offices. Ensure patients have healthy teeth and gums. Educate them on oral hygiene.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Recreational Therapist
    Average Salary: $128,704
    Design programs to help people with disabilities or illnesses. Work in hospitals or rehabilitation centers. Use activities to improve physical and emotional well-being.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  7. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $124,534
    Provide care for patients in hospitals or clinics. Monitor patient health and administer treatments. Work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  8. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $123,864
    Travel to different locations to provide nursing care. Work in various settings like hospitals and clinics. Offer support and treatment to patients.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  9. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $121,962
    Help patients with speech and language disorders. Work in schools, hospitals, or clinics. Develop treatment plans and provide therapy sessions.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  10. Counselor
    Average Salary: $119,301
    Offer support and guidance to individuals facing challenges. Work in schools, private practices, or community centers. Help clients improve their mental and emotional health.
    Find Counselor jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA

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

Job seekers in San Luis Obispo, CA, can find high-paying opportunities without needing a college degree. Restaurant managers lead with the highest average salary of $69,679, offering a promising career path. Other roles such as barista, housekeeping, and kitchen team member also provide solid income with salaries ranging from $40,268 to $39,756 per year. These jobs emphasize the value of practical skills and experience in the local job market.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $69,679 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $35,467.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $69,679
    Manage staff, oversee day-to-day operations, and ensure customer satisfaction. Work at fine dining restaurants and local cafes. Marriott and local cafes offer opportunities.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Barista
    Average Salary: $40,268
    Prepare and serve coffee and light snacks. Work in bustling coffee shops and cafes. Local spots like Peet’s Coffee and Caribou Coffee have openings.
    Find Barista jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,098
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels and resorts. Ensure a clean environment for guests. Marriott and local hotels provide various positions.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  4. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,756
    Assist in food preparation and kitchen operations. Support chefs in a fast-paced environment. Local restaurants and cafes need kitchen help.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,433
    Provide excellent customer service and handle dining room tasks. Work in family-style restaurants and casual eateries. Local spots offer various roles.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $38,715
    Take orders, serve food, and manage table service. Work in dining establishments and cafes. Local restaurants provide many opportunities.
    Find Server jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  7. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $37,761
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Work in busy kitchens and dining areas. Local restaurants need dependable dishwashers.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  8. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $37,711
    Prepare ingredients and cook meals in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in restaurants and cafes. Local eateries provide various positions.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  9. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $35,467
    Assist with food preparation and kitchen tasks. Support chefs in a busy environment. Local restaurants offer numerous positions.
    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 competitive salaries at several leading companies. Sunrun leads the pack with an average salary of $111,882, offering a lucrative opportunity for those in the renewable energy sector. Following closely, UCLA Health provides an average salary of $94,890, making healthcare professionals well-compensated in the area. Additionally, CommonSpirit Health and the County of San Luis Obispo both offer average salaries above $90,000, with $94,806 and $90,055 respectively. These figures show a strong job market with several high-paying options for skilled professionals. California State University and Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. also provide good earning potentials, reflecting the diverse industries available in San Luis Obispo.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting Sunrun with the highest at $111,882 and Entegris with the lowest at $73,822.

  1. Sunrun
    Average Salary: $111,882
    Sunrun offers renewable energy solutions and home solar services. It is a leading solar provider in the U.S. Sunrun values teamwork and innovation, creating a dynamic work environment.


  2. UCLA Health
    Average Salary: $94,890
    UCLA Health is a top medical organization. It provides outstanding patient care and innovative research. The company prides itself on its commitment to excellence and patient safety.


  3. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $94,806
    CommonSpirit Health operates as a nonprofit health system. It provides quality health care to communities. The company has a mission to improve the health of people in its communities.


  4. County of San Luis Obispo
    Average Salary: $90,055
    The County of San Luis Obispo offers a variety of jobs in public service. It focuses on community safety, education, and environmental protection. Employees enjoy a supportive workplace and opportunities for career growth.


  5. California State University
    Average Salary: $86,129
    California State University is a leading higher education institution. It offers a range of programs and a supportive learning environment. The university values diversity and academic excellence.


  6. Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.
    Average Salary: $85,564
    Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. specializes in aerospace and defense solutions. It provides innovative technologies to meet the needs of its clients. The company values teamwork and technical expertise.


  7. California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
    Average Salary: $83,985
    Cal Poly San Luis Obispo offers a hands-on approach to education. It focuses on practical skills and industry connections. The university encourages innovation and lifelong learning.


  8. Cuesta College
    Average Salary: $82,803
    Cuesta College offers affordable education and skill development. It provides a range of programs to meet student needs. The college aims to prepare students for successful careers.


  9. Trust Automation
    Average Salary: $79,085
    Trust Automation provides automation and robotics solutions. It offers innovative products to enhance industrial processes. The company values creativity and technical proficiency.


  10. Entegris
    Average Salary: $73,822
    Entegris specializes in materials technology. It provides solutions for the semiconductor and solar industries. The company is committed to innovation and quality.

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 exceeds the nationwide average in several areas. Housing costs are notably higher, with an index of 210 compared to the 100 baseline. This represents a significant 110% increase in housing expenses for those relocating to or living in San Luis Obispo. Other costs like groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items also rise above the average. Groceries stand at 115, showing a 15% increase. Utilities and transportation both edge slightly higher, at 105 and 110, respectively. Together, these metrics suggest that while some areas are more affordable, overall living costs in San Luis Obispo are considerably above the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Luis Obispo, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 110% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 20% higher.

San Luis Obispo, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Job seekers considering this area should be aware that housing costs are significantly elevated at 210. This means that housing expenses are 110% higher than the national average, which could impact overall budget planning.


Utilities and groceries also see noticeable increases. The cost for utilities is at 105, reflecting a 5% rise, while groceries cost 115, showing a 15% increase. Transportation costs are 10% higher than average at 110, and miscellaneous expenses are at 120, indicating a 20% increase. Healthcare costs remain stable at 100, matching the nationwide average. These metrics provide a clear picture of the financial landscape for potential residents in San Luis Obispo.

There are 640 job openings in San Luis Obispo, CA, today!

View Jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA

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
640 Job Openings

Win at hiring.

Visit the help center for any questions.
Contact Support
ReadySetHire icon
©2025 • ReadySetHire