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

The average salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is $72,510 per year.

San Luis Obispo, CA, offers a range of job opportunities with varying salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is around $72,510. This figure represents the midpoint of income for most positions. Understanding the salary distribution can help job seekers set realistic expectations for their career paths.


Here are some specific salary insights from different job sectors in San Luis Obispo:

  • Healthcare jobs average around $33,800 annually.
  • Education positions average about $48,555 yearly.
  • Retail roles typically earn close to $63,309 per year.
  • Real estate jobs average around $78,064 annually.
  • Finance positions often earn close to $92,818 each year.
  • Information technology jobs average about $107,573 per year.
  • Management roles typically earn near $122,327 annually.
  • Professional services average around $137,082 yearly.
  • High-level executive positions earn close to $151,836 annually.
  • Specialized jobs in healthcare and technology average about $166,591 per year.
  • Top-tier executive roles often earn around $181,345 annually.
View jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA

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

Job seekers in San Luis Obispo, CA, have many top-paying opportunities. Among the best-paying roles are those in healthcare and technology. Psychologists, software engineers, and pharmacists lead the way in salaries, offering promising paths for those seeking well-paying careers. Psychologists in San Luis Obispo earn an impressive average salary, making it a lucrative field for those with the right qualifications. Software engineers also find excellent opportunities, with high demand for tech talent pushing compensation levels. Pharmacists enjoy competitive salaries, ensuring rewarding careers in the health sector. These roles highlight the diverse and well-paying opportunities available in the area for skilled professionals.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting Psychologist with the highest at $267,802 and Technical Project Lead with the lowest at $115,793.
  1. Psychologist
    Average Salary: $267,802
    This role involves helping people with their mental health. Professionals work with patients in various settings, like private practices or large healthcare systems. Some key employers include local mental health clinics and educational institutions.
    Find Psychologist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $171,495
    Software engineers design and create computer applications. This position offers a mix of coding, testing, and problem-solving. Many tech firms and startups in the region look for skilled software engineers to join their teams.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $154,677
    Pharmacists play a key role in healthcare by ensuring patients use medication safely. They work in pharmacies and hospitals, advising customers on drug use and potential side effects. Local pharmacies and clinics are often in need of qualified pharmacists.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  4. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
    Average Salary: $137,886
    This job involves helping people with relationship issues. Therapists meet with individuals, couples, and families to provide counseling. Many private practices and community health centers offer opportunities for licensed marriage and family therapists.
    Find Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Recreational Therapist
    Average Salary: $131,384
    Recreational therapists use activities to help patients improve their mental and physical health. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community programs. This job often involves planning and leading various therapeutic activities.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $127,902
    Registered nurses provide essential care to patients in various healthcare settings. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Many healthcare providers in the region need dedicated and compassionate registered nurses.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  7. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $126,628
    Traveling nurses provide care to patients in different locations. They often work short-term assignments in various healthcare facilities. Agencies and hospitals frequently seek experienced traveling nurses for their flexibility and expertise.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  8. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $125,759
    This role involves helping people with speech and language difficulties. Pathologists work with individuals of all ages in various settings, including schools and rehabilitation centers. Local clinics and hospitals offer many opportunities for speech language pathologists.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  9. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $121,559
    Occupational therapists help patients regain skills needed for daily activities. They work in hospitals, schools, and private practices. Many healthcare facilities in the area need skilled occupational therapists to assist their patients.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  10. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $115,793
    This position involves managing technical projects and teams. Project leads ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. Many tech companies and startups in the region look for experienced project leads to guide their teams.
    Find Technical Project Lead 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, California, have several high-paying options that do not require a college degree. Leading the list is Restaurant Manager, with an average salary of around $69,819. Other top-paying positions include Kitchen Team Member and Barista, which offer average salaries of about $41,396 and $40,883, respectively. These roles provide excellent opportunities for individuals seeking well-paying jobs without a degree. Positions such as Service Team Member, Server, and Line Cook also offer competitive salaries, ranging from approximately $39,564 to $38,942. These jobs provide diverse career paths with good earning potential in San Luis Obispo.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $69,819 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $36,457.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $69,819
    Oversee daily operations of a restaurant. Manage staff, ensure customer satisfaction, and handle the budget. Work in a fast-paced environment. Companies like Pistachio Cafe and The Palms Restaurant offer good opportunities.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  2. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,396
    Assist in food preparation and cooking. Follow recipes and ensure food quality. Work in a busy kitchen. Local businesses such as Village Pub and The SLO Brew Pub provide relevant experience.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $40,883
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers to take orders. Work in a welcoming environment. Job options include Blue Bottle Coffee and Peet's Coffee.
    Find Barista jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  4. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,564
    Provide excellent customer service. Take orders, serve food, and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work in a friendly setting. Try places like The Old Town Taphouse and The SLO Market.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $39,435
    Take orders, serve food and drinks, and engage with guests. Ensure a positive dining experience. Work in a social environment. Opportunities exist at The Red Devil and The SLO Farmer's Market.
    Find Server jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  6. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $38,942
    Prepare ingredients and cook meals. Work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen. Follow recipes and ensure food quality. Look for positions at Pistachio Cafe and Village Pub.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $38,274
    Clean and maintain rooms. Ensure a clean and welcoming environment. Work in a tidy and orderly setting. Consider hotels like The Madonna Inn and The Red Devil.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $37,807
    Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Maintain a clean and efficient kitchen. Work in a busy environment. Opportunities are available at local restaurants like The Village Pub and The Palms Restaurant.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA


  9. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $36,457
    Assist in food preparation and service. Clean and maintain the kitchen. Work in a supportive environment. Try local options such as The SLO Market and Blue Bottle Coffee.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA?

In San Luis Obispo, CA, job seekers can find some of the highest paying opportunities at companies like TEEMA, Legacy Personnel Inc, and Sunrun. TEEMA offers an average salary of $162,420, making it the top-paying employer in the area. Legacy Personnel Inc follows closely with an average salary of $120,777. Other notable employers include Adventist Health, with an average salary of $102,345, and CommonSpirit Health, paying an average of $98,339. Companies such as UCLA Health, County of San Luis Obispo, California State University, Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc., and Cuesta College also provide competitive salaries, ranging from $95,899 to $84,074. These companies offer a range of employment options for those seeking higher compensation in San Luis Obispo.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA, highlighting TEEMA with the highest at $162,420 and Cuesta College with the lowest at $84,074.
  1. TEEMA
    Average Salary: $162,420
    TEEMA is a real estate and property management company. They manage large properties with a focus on sustainable practices.


  2. Legacy Personnel Inc
    Average Salary: $120,777
    Legacy Personnel Inc specializes in staffing and recruiting. They connect job seekers with top companies in various industries.


  3. Sunrun
    Average Salary: $112,425
    Sunrun is a solar energy provider. They help homes and businesses switch to clean, renewable energy.


  4. Adventist Health
    Average Salary: $102,345
    Adventist Health is a healthcare provider with several hospitals and clinics in the area. They offer a wide range of medical services.


  5. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $98,339
    CommonSpirit Health operates numerous hospitals and clinics. They focus on providing quality care and improving community health.


  6. UCLA Health
    Average Salary: $95,899
    UCLA Health is part of the University of California, Los Angeles. They offer top-notch medical care and are known for their research.


  7. County of San Luis Obispo
    Average Salary: $90,878
    The County of San Luis Obispo manages public services. They work in areas like education, public safety, and infrastructure.


  8. California State University
    Average Salary: $90,221
    California State University offers a wide range of academic programs. They focus on providing quality education to students.


  9. Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.
    Average Salary: $90,104
    Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. works in the aerospace industry. They develop technology and systems for aviation and space.


  10. Cuesta College
    Average Salary: $84,074
    Cuesta College offers a variety of academic and vocational programs. They focus on providing affordable education to the community.

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 is 115, which is 15% higher than the baseline of 100. Housing prices in San Luis Obispo are particularly high, standing at 200 on the index, meaning they are double the average cost. Other categories such as groceries and transportation also exceed the average, although healthcare and utilities are somewhat lower.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Luis Obispo, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 100% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 10% lower, miscellaneous 20% higher.

San Luis Obispo, California, shows a cost of living that varies from the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in San Luis Obispo are notably higher, standing at 200. This means housing expenses are double the national average, making it significantly more expensive for those looking to buy or rent property there. Job seekers should be aware that their housing budget may need to be considerably adjusted if they decide to relocate to this area.


In other areas, the cost of living also differs from the national average. Groceries cost 15% more, with an index of 115, while utilities are slightly above average at 5% higher with an index of 105. Transportation costs align closely with the national average, standing at 10% higher with an index of 110. Healthcare costs are slightly below the national average, with an index of 90, offering a bit of relief for those concerned about medical expenses. Miscellaneous costs, however, are 20% higher, with an index of 120. This shows that while some expenses are higher, others are lower, providing a mixed picture for potential residents.

There are 660 job openings in San Luis Obispo, CA, today!

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San Luis Obispo, CA
660 Job Openings