City
Salary

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

The average salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is $70,109 per year.

San Luis Obispo, CA, offers a range of salaries across different industries. The average yearly salary in the area is $70,109. This figure reflects the diverse job market and the opportunities available for professionals. The salary distribution shows a mix of lower and higher-paying jobs, indicating a balanced economic landscape.


The salary distribution in San Luis Obispo includes:

  • 39.02% earn around $33,000
  • 16.58% earn around $48,182
  • 9.75% earn around $63,364
  • 6.61% earn around $78,545
  • 5.92% earn around $93,727
  • 6.41% earn around $108,909
  • 4.54% earn around $124,091
  • 2.63% earn around $139,273
  • 1.71% earn around $154,455
  • 1.22% earn around $169,636
  • 0.62% earn around $184,818
  • Top earners make up to $200,000
View jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA

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

San Luis Obispo offers a range of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Psychologists lead the way with an average salary of $280,002. Software engineers also earn well, with an average of $153,554. Pharmacists, licensed marriage and family therapists, and recreational therapists follow closely, each earning over $120,000 annually. Other top-paying jobs in the area include roles such as registered nurse, dental hygienist, and traveling nurse. These positions offer competitive salaries, ranging from $112,826 to $124,553. Speech language pathologists and transportation engineers also find good earning potential in San Luis Obispo, with salaries around $116,000 and $113,000, respectively. These jobs provide a mix of healthcare, technology, and engineering fields, catering to a variety of professional skills and interests.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting Psychologist with the highest at $280,002 and Transportation Engineer with the lowest at $112,826.
  1. Psychologist
    Average Salary: $280,002
    Psychologists work in various settings, including schools and private practices. They help individuals cope with mental health issues. In San Luis Obispo, opportunities exist with local clinics and educational institutions.
    Find Psychologist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $153,554
    Software engineers design and develop applications. They work for tech companies and startups. In San Luis Obispo, they collaborate with local businesses to create innovative solutions.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $147,401
    Pharmacists dispense medications and advise patients. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. In San Luis Obispo, they ensure the safe use of medications for the community.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  4. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
    Average Salary: $138,740
    Therapists help families and couples resolve conflicts. They work in private practices and community centers. In San Luis Obispo, they provide support to diverse populations.
    Find Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Recreational Therapist
    Average Salary: $128,157
    Therapists use recreational activities to improve patients' well-being. They work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. In San Luis Obispo, they help patients recover through engaging activities.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $124,553
    Nurses provide care to patients in hospitals and clinics. They work in various departments. In San Luis Obispo, they ensure high-quality care for the community.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  7. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $123,966
    Hygienists clean teeth and educate patients on oral care. They work in dental offices. In San Luis Obispo, they help maintain the community's dental health.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  8. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $118,386
    Traveling nurses work in different locations, providing care. They work in hospitals and clinics. In San Luis Obispo, they offer flexibility and diverse experiences.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  9. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $116,154
    Pathologists help patients with speech and language disorders. They work in schools and clinics. In San Luis Obispo, they improve communication skills for individuals.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  10. Transportation Engineer
    Average Salary: $112,826
    Engineers design and improve transportation systems. They work for government agencies and private firms. In San Luis Obispo, they focus on creating efficient and safe transportation solutions.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA

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

San Luis Obispo offers a variety of high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. The top-paying positions include Restaurant Manager, with an average salary of $69,455. This role involves overseeing restaurant operations and ensuring customer satisfaction. Other well-paying jobs include Housekeeping, Barista, and Kitchen Team Member, all offering competitive salaries and valuable work experience. These roles provide opportunities for career growth and financial stability without the need for a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $69,455 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $35,337.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $69,455
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, ensure customer satisfaction, and handle finances. Work at establishments like The Hitching Post or Madonna Inn.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $39,674
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels and motels. Ensure a comfortable environment for guests. Opportunities exist at places like The Madonna Inn and various local hotels.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,339
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers and manage inventory. Work at coffee shops like Blue Bottle Coffee or local cafes.
    Find Barista jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  4. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $38,536
    Assist in food preparation and cooking. Work in a fast-paced environment. Opportunities are available at restaurants like The Hitching Post or local eateries.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $37,696
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a commercial kitchen. Work under pressure to meet deadlines. Positions can be found at restaurants like The Hitching Post or local diners.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $37,337
    Clean dishes and utensils. Maintain a clean kitchen environment. Work at restaurants like The Hitching Post or local eateries.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  7. Server
    Average Salary: $35,961
    Take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. Ensure a pleasant dining experience. Opportunities exist at restaurants like The Hitching Post or local cafes.
    Find Server jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  8. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $35,337
    Assist with food preparation and service. Help maintain cleanliness and organization. Work at restaurants like The Hitching Post or local eateries.
    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 several top companies to consider for higher salaries. Edwards Construction Group leads the way with an average salary of $112,058. Following closely, RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY offers an average salary of $108,927. These figures highlight the potential for competitive compensation in the region. Other notable companies include Sunrun, CommonSpirit Health, and the County of San Luis Obispo, all offering average salaries above $80,000. These companies provide attractive opportunities for those seeking both rewarding work and a strong income.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting Edwards Construction Group with the highest at $112,058 and Cuesta College with the lowest at $79,707.
  1. Edwards Construction Group
    Average Salary: $112,058
    Edwards Construction Group is a leading construction company known for its quality projects and commitment to safety. They offer competitive salaries and benefits.


  2. RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Average Salary: $108,927
    RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY provides engineering services with a focus on innovation and excellence. They offer attractive compensation packages.


  3. Sunrun
    Average Salary: $107,977
    Sunrun is a solar energy company that aims to make clean energy accessible. They offer good salaries and a supportive work environment.


  4. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $95,219
    CommonSpirit Health is a leading healthcare provider dedicated to improving the health of people. They offer competitive pay and benefits.


  5. County of San Luis Obispo
    Average Salary: $89,277
    The County of San Luis Obispo offers a variety of jobs in public service. They provide stable employment and good benefits.


  6. Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.
    Average Salary: $84,466
    Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. specializes in aerospace engineering and technology. They offer solid salaries and career growth opportunities.


  7. California State University
    Average Salary: $83,804
    California State University offers a range of educational services. They provide competitive salaries and a supportive work environment.


  8. Trust Automation
    Average Salary: $82,857
    Trust Automation provides automation solutions for various industries. They offer good salaries and benefits.


  9. California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
    Average Salary: $81,328
    California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo offers higher education with a focus on practical skills. They provide competitive pay and benefits.


  10. Cuesta College
    Average Salary: $79,707
    Cuesta College offers community college education. They provide good salaries and a supportive work environment.

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

San Luis Obispo, California, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index in San Luis Obispo stands at 129, which is 29% higher than the average of 100. Housing costs are notably higher, with an index of 196, indicating a 96% increase over the national average. This suggests that job seekers should consider these elevated expenses when planning their move to San Luis Obispo.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Luis Obispo, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 96% higher, groceries 18% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 2% higher, healthcare 2% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

San Luis Obispo, California, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in San Luis Obispo stands at 196, which is 96% higher than the national average. This means that housing costs in San Luis Obispo are nearly double the cost of housing in other areas across the country. For job seekers considering this area, it is important to budget for higher housing expenses.


Other expenses in San Luis Obispo also exceed the national average. The grocery index is 118, which is 18% higher than the average. Utilities are 105, or 5% higher. Transportation costs are slightly above average at 102, which is 2% higher. Healthcare costs are on par with the national average at 102, while miscellaneous costs are 20% higher at 120. These factors combine to make San Luis Obispo a place where living costs are significantly higher than in many other parts of the country.

There are 752 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
752 Job Openings