What is the average salary in San Luis Obispo, CA?
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.
What are the best paying jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA?

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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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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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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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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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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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?

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

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