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

The average salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is $70,345 per year.

San Luis Obispo, CA, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $70,345. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape, which includes sectors like education, healthcare, and retail. Many positions provide a good balance between cost of living and income.

The salary distribution shows a range of earnings. The most common salary falls between $33,000 and $48,636. This range includes jobs in entry-level and administrative roles. Higher salaries, from $111,182 to $205,000, are found in specialized fields such as healthcare, law, and management. These higher-paying jobs often require advanced degrees or significant experience. Job seekers can find rewarding positions that match their skills and career goals.

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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 for skilled professionals. Among the top-paying jobs in the area are psychologists, software engineers, and pharmacists. These roles not only provide competitive salaries but also offer rewarding career paths. Psychologists in San Luis Obispo earn an average salary of $282,657 per year. Software engineers and pharmacists also enjoy high earnings, with average salaries of $160,352 and $149,969, respectively. These jobs attract professionals who value both financial stability and professional fulfillment.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting Psychologist with the highest at $282,657 and Transportation Engineer with the lowest at $114,879.
  1. Psychologist
    Average Salary: $282,657
    Professionals in this field work with patients to improve their mental health. They often work in clinics, hospitals, and private practices. Some notable employers include local health departments and educational institutions.
    Find Psychologist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $160,352
    These individuals design and develop software applications. They often work for tech companies and startups. Key employers in the area include software development firms and local tech hubs.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $149,969
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients on medication use. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. Major employers include local pharmacies and healthcare facilities.
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  4. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
    Average Salary: $138,740
    Professionals in this field help individuals and families improve their relationships. They often work in private practices and clinics. Key employers include mental health clinics and private practices.
    Find Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Recreational Therapist
    Average Salary: $128,669
    These therapists use recreational activities to help patients improve their mental and physical health. They work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Major employers include local health departments and rehabilitation centers.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $125,902
    Dental hygienists clean teeth and educate patients on oral health. They work in dental offices and clinics. Key employers include local dental practices and healthcare facilities.
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  7. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $124,155
    Registered nurses provide patient care and support. They work in hospitals and clinics. Major employers include local hospitals and healthcare facilities.
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  8. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $122,827
    Traveling nurses provide care in various locations. They work in hospitals and clinics. Key employers include healthcare staffing agencies and local hospitals.
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  9. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $118,724
    These professionals help patients with speech and language disorders. They work in schools and clinics. Major employers include local schools and healthcare facilities.
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  10. Transportation Engineer
    Average Salary: $114,879
    Transportation engineers design and improve transportation systems. They work for government agencies and private firms. Key employers include local government departments and engineering firms.
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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. The top-paying role is Restaurant Manager, with an average salary of $69,488. Other well-paying positions include Barista, Housekeeping, and Kitchen Team Member, all offering competitive wages. These jobs provide good opportunities for those seeking to earn a solid income without a degree. Baristas can earn around $39,819, while Housekeeping and Kitchen Team Members both average about $39,746. These roles are essential in the local economy and offer a chance for career growth and stability.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $69,488 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $35,392.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $69,488
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, ensure customer satisfaction, and handle finances. Work in local establishments like The Hitching Post or The Press Restaurant.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,819
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Work in coffee shops such as Blue Bottle Coffee or Peet's Coffee. Engage with customers and maintain a clean work area.
    Find Barista jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $39,746
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or motels. Ensure a comfortable environment for guests. Opportunities exist at places like the Madonna Inn or the Vagabond Inn.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  4. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,131
    Assist in food preparation and cooking. Work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Positions available at local eateries like The French Laundry or The Lobster Place.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $37,659
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a commercial kitchen. Work under pressure to meet deadlines. Opportunities at restaurants like The Press Restaurant or The Hitching Post.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $37,455
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Maintain a clean and organized kitchen. Work in restaurants such as The Lobster Place or The French Laundry.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  7. Server
    Average Salary: $36,667
    Serve food and beverages to customers. Take orders and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Opportunities at places like The Press Restaurant or The Hitching Post.
    Find Server jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  8. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $35,392
    Assist in food preparation and service. Help maintain a clean and efficient kitchen. Work in local restaurants like The French Laundry or The Lobster Place.
    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 top companies. Sunrun leads with an average salary of $109,515. This is followed by CommonSpirit Health and the County of San Luis Obispo, offering average salaries of $95,606 and $89,247, respectively. Other notable employers include California State University, Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc., and California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo. These companies provide average salaries around $85,000 to $82,000. Trust Automation, Cuesta College, the City of San Luis Obispo, and Entegris also offer attractive compensation packages, with average salaries ranging from $81,936 to $72,724.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting Sunrun with the highest at $109,515 and Entegris with the lowest at $72,724.
  1. Sunrun
    Average Salary: $109,515
    Sunrun is a leading solar energy company. They offer residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar solutions. Employees enjoy a competitive salary and benefits.


  2. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $95,606
    CommonSpirit Health is a health care organization. They provide a range of medical services. They offer a supportive work environment and good benefits.


  3. County of San Luis Obispo
    Average Salary: $89,247
    The County of San Luis Obispo offers various public services. They focus on community well-being. Employees benefit from job stability and good compensation.


  4. California State University
    Average Salary: $85,351
    California State University is a public university. They offer a range of academic programs. Employees enjoy a supportive work environment and good benefits.


  5. Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.
    Average Salary: $84,180
    Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. is a technology company. They focus on aerospace and defense solutions. Employees benefit from a competitive salary and benefits.


  6. California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
    Average Salary: $82,206
    California Polytechnic State University offers technical and engineering programs. They focus on hands-on learning. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment and good benefits.


  7. Trust Automation
    Average Salary: $81,936
    Trust Automation is a software company. They offer automation solutions. Employees benefit from a competitive salary and benefits.


  8. Cuesta College
    Average Salary: $80,137
    Cuesta College is a community college. They offer a range of academic programs. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment and good benefits.


  9. City of San Luis Obispo
    Average Salary: $73,202
    The City of San Luis Obispo offers various public services. They focus on community well-being. Employees benefit from job stability and good compensation.


  10. Entegris
    Average Salary: $72,724
    Entegris is a materials technology company. They offer solutions for the semiconductor industry. Employees benefit from a competitive salary and benefits.

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 cost of living index for San Luis Obispo stands at 135, which is 35% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely driven by the housing index, which is 98% higher than the national average. Other categories such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare also show above-average costs, though not as dramatically. Utilities and miscellaneous expenses are relatively close to the national average. Job seekers considering San Luis Obispo should take these factors into account when evaluating living expenses.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Luis Obispo, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 98% higher, groceries 12% higher, utilities 2% lower, transportation 19% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 3% higher.

San Luis Obispo, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in San Luis Obispo are notably higher, with an index of 198. This means housing expenses are almost double the national average. People moving to San Luis Obispo should expect to spend significantly more on rent or mortgage.


Other areas also show a higher cost of living. For groceries, the index is 112, meaning costs are 12% higher than the national average. Transportation costs are 19% higher, with an index of 119. Utilities, however, are slightly below the national average, with an index of 98. Healthcare costs are 5% higher, at 105, while miscellaneous expenses are just 3% higher, at 103. Overall, San Luis Obispo presents a higher cost of living in most categories compared to the national average.

There are 826 job openings in San Luis Obispo, CA, today!

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San Luis Obispo, CA
826 Job Openings