What is the average salary in San Luis Obispo, CA?
San Luis Obispo offers a range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary stands at approximately $71,916. This figure serves as a solid benchmark for understanding the earning potential in various sectors.
Salary distribution in San Luis Obispo varies across different industries. The highest-paying sectors include management, business, science, and arts. Professionals in these fields often see salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. Some of the notable figures include:
- Management: $154,591
- Business: $139,455
- Science: $124,318
- Arts: $109,182
These numbers highlight the potential for higher earnings in certain specialized roles, offering a promising outlook for job seekers.
What are the best paying jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA?

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Psychologist
Average Salary: $272,202
Psychologists analyze mental health and offer treatment. They work in clinics and private practices, aiding individuals. Their insights help improve the quality of life for many.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $162,641
Software engineers create and maintain software. They write code, debug, and test. Working in tech firms, they help bring innovative solutions to the market.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $153,825
Pharmacists fill prescriptions and provide advice on medication. They ensure patients understand their treatments. Working in local pharmacies, they play a key role in healthcare.
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Average Salary: $140,486
Therapists help families and couples with relationship issues. They offer counseling and provide strategies for improvement. They work in private practices, helping people strengthen their bonds.
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Recreational Therapist
Average Salary: $128,138
Therapists use activities to help patients recover. They design programs to improve physical and emotional health. They work in rehabilitation centers and hospitals, aiding in patient recovery.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $126,452
Nurses care for patients and help them recover. They work in hospitals and clinics, monitoring health. They provide care and administer treatments under doctors’ directions.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $125,680
Travel nurses work in various locations, helping where needed. They offer short-term care in different settings. They bring their expertise to communities that need it most.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $124,427
Pathologists work with people who have speech or language issues. They create treatment plans and provide therapy. They help patients communicate better, working in schools and clinics.
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Counselor
Average Salary: $122,046
Counselors provide support and guidance to those facing challenges. They work in schools, community centers, and private practices. Their advice helps individuals navigate difficult situations.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $121,350
Therapists help patients regain skills needed for daily life. They work with individuals recovering from injuries or illnesses. They provide exercises and strategies to improve independence.
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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: $69,803
Leading the team in a busy dining environment, overseeing daily operations, and ensuring top-notch customer service. Key employers include local cafes and upscale restaurants. This role demands excellent communication skills and a knack for multitasking.
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Barista
Average Salary: $40,406
Preparing and serving coffee and other beverages in a fast-paced setting. Working in coffee shops and cafes, this role emphasizes friendly customer interaction and quick, efficient service. Popular places to find this job include local coffee chains and independent cafes.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $40,058
Assisting in food preparation and ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly. This position involves working in various eateries, from casual diners to trendy restaurants. Teamwork and attention to detail are essential for success in this role.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $39,661
Maintaining cleanliness and orderliness in hotel rooms and public areas. This role requires reliability and a thorough approach to cleaning. Opportunities can be found in hospitality and resort settings, ensuring guests enjoy a comfortable stay.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $39,433
Providing exceptional service and ensuring guests have a pleasant experience. Working in various settings, from fast-food joints to fine dining, this job focuses on customer satisfaction and a welcoming atmosphere. Popular employers include well-known restaurant chains and local eateries.
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Server
Average Salary: $38,921
Taking orders and serving food and drinks to customers. This role involves excellent customer service and a friendly demeanor. Opportunities can be found in a variety of dining establishments, from casual diners to upscale restaurants, offering a dynamic work environment.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $38,223
Preparing ingredients and cooking dishes under pressure. This position requires speed and accuracy, working in busy kitchens. Common employers include restaurants and cafes, where teamwork and efficiency are key.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $37,990
Cleaning dishes and kitchen equipment, ensuring everything is ready for the next service. This role involves attention to detail and a steady work pace. Opportunities are available in various dining establishments, from casual restaurants to busy cafes.
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Food Service Aide
Average Salary: $35,882
Assisting in food preparation and maintaining a clean workspace. This position involves working in busy kitchens and requires teamwork and a willingness to help out wherever needed. Popular employers include cafeterias, dining halls, and food service contractors.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA?

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TEEMA
Average Salary: $162,825
TEEMA is a top company in San Luis Obispo. They offer competitive salaries and a positive work environment. They focus on environmental projects and conservation.
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Sunrun
Average Salary: $112,863
Sunrun provides solar energy solutions. They are well-known for their innovative projects and great benefits. Employees enjoy a good salary and a chance to work on exciting projects.
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CommonSpirit Health
Average Salary: $98,088
CommonSpirit Health is a healthcare provider. They offer a supportive work environment and a solid salary. Employees value the company's commitment to patient care.
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UCLA Health
Average Salary: $94,783
UCLA Health is part of a major university. They offer good salaries and opportunities for growth. Employees benefit from working with top-notch medical professionals.
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County of San Luis Obispo
Average Salary: $91,243
The County of San Luis Obispo provides various services to the community. They offer competitive salaries and a chance to make a difference. Employees appreciate the benefits and job stability.
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California State University
Average Salary: $86,088
California State University is a leading educational institution. They offer good salaries and a chance to teach and learn. Employees enjoy the supportive academic environment.
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Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.
Average Salary: $85,863
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. works in the aerospace industry. They offer a good salary and exciting projects. Employees value the company's innovative approach and work environment.
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California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
Average Salary: $85,811
This university offers technical and professional programs. They provide good salaries and career opportunities. Employees benefit from a strong focus on hands-on learning.
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Trust Automation
Average Salary: $81,882
Trust Automation provides financial software solutions. They offer a good salary and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology. Employees appreciate the company's dedication to innovation.
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Cuesta College
Average Salary: $81,862
Cuesta College offers various educational programs. They provide good salaries and a supportive environment. Employees value the opportunity to teach and learn in a community college setting.
How does the cost of living in San Luis Obispo, CA compare to the national average?

The cost of living in San Luis Obispo, CA, shows some variation when compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing stands out with an index of 165, indicating that housing costs are 65% higher than the national average. Job seekers considering this area should be aware that they may need to allocate a larger portion of their budget to housing.
Other expenses also reveal differences. Groceries cost 8% more, with an index of 108. Utilities follow closely, with an index of 110, meaning they are 10% higher than average. These costs suggest that while some areas are more expensive, others, like transportation and healthcare, are either on par or below the national average. Transportation has an index of 100, indicating no difference, and healthcare at 98 means it is 2% cheaper. Miscellaneous costs also have an index of 110, which is another 10% higher than the national average. These details help job seekers make informed decisions about living in San Luis Obispo.



