What is the average salary in San Luis Obispo, CA?
San Luis Obispo, CA offers a diverse job market with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary for a worker in this area is $72,546. This figure represents a strong earning potential across various industries. Many jobs provide salaries that exceed the national average, offering financial stability to residents.
Different sectors in San Luis Obispo contribute to the wide salary range. Some of the top-paying jobs include healthcare, education, and management roles. For example, healthcare workers earn around $93,364 annually, while education professionals make about $78,473. Management roles also offer good pay, with salaries averaging $123,145 per year. These numbers reflect the opportunities available for those seeking well-paying jobs in the area.
What are the best paying jobs in San Luis Obispo, CA?

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Psychologist
Average Salary: $271,021
This role involves helping individuals with mental and emotional issues. Work often takes place in private practices, hospitals, or educational institutions. Notable employers include local clinics and academic settings.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $167,323
Software engineers design and develop applications and systems. They work in tech firms and startups in the region. Key companies include local IT service providers and innovative tech startups.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $154,184
This position focuses on dispensing medications and advising on their use. Pharmacists work in community pharmacies and hospitals. Local employers include major pharmacy chains and independent pharmacies.
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Average Salary: $138,705
Therapists work with couples and families, helping them overcome challenges. They often operate in private practices and community health centers. Major employers include mental health clinics and non-profits.
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Recreational Therapist
Average Salary: $129,937
These professionals use recreational activities to help patients. They work in rehabilitation centers and hospitals. Key employers include local healthcare facilities and wellness centers.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $127,001
RNs provide patient care and support in various healthcare settings. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Local hospitals and nursing homes are key employers.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $127,000
Travel nurses work in different locations, often on short-term assignments. They find employment in hospitals and clinics across the region. Travel nursing agencies and local healthcare institutions are the main employers.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $126,244
This role involves helping patients with communication and swallowing disorders. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics. Major employers include local healthcare facilities and educational institutions.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $120,993
Occupational therapists help patients regain skills for daily activities. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools. Local healthcare providers and educational institutions are key employers.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $114,117
This position involves managing IT projects and teams. They work in tech companies and startups. Key employers include local tech firms and innovative startups.
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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: $69,819
Oversee the operations of local restaurants. Ensure smooth service and handle staff. Work in a bustling environment. Companies include Pistachio's and Coastal Oven.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $40,713
Prepare ingredients and assist with cooking. Work in fast-paced kitchens. Gain experience in a variety of cuisines. Companies include The Ranch Market and Cafe Pacific.
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Barista
Average Salary: $40,684
Prepare coffee and other beverages. Serve customers with a smile. Work in a cozy atmosphere. Companies include Starbucks and Blue Bottle Coffee.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $39,564
Take orders and serve food to guests. Maintain a clean and welcoming dining area. Interact with customers regularly. Companies include The Habit Burger Grill and Panda Express.
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Server
Average Salary: $39,333
Attend to tables and serve food and drinks. Handle payments and check on customers. Work in a busy and dynamic environment. Companies include The Cheesecake Factory and Chili's.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $38,640
Prepare meals quickly and efficiently. Work under pressure to meet demand. Follow recipes and kitchen standards. Companies include Coastal Oven and Pistachio's.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $38,319
Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or motels. Ensure a comfortable stay for guests. Work daily shifts. Companies include InterContinental and Motel 6.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $37,876
Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Work in a fast-paced kitchen. Ensure cleanliness and hygiene standards. Companies include The Ranch Market and Coastal Oven.
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Food Service Aide
Average Salary: $35,988
Assist in food preparation and serving. Help maintain a clean kitchen. Gain valuable experience in the industry. Companies include The Cheesecake Factory and Chili's.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in San Luis Obispo, CA?

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TEEMA
Average Salary: $162,420
TEEMA is a leading company in the aerospace industry, known for its innovative projects and high-paying positions.
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Legacy Personnel Inc
Average Salary: $120,004
Legacy Personnel Inc provides staffing solutions and offers competitive salaries, making it a popular choice among job seekers.
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Sunrun
Average Salary: $112,283
Sunrun is a solar energy company that offers great opportunities with attractive compensation packages.
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Crestwood Behavioral Health
Average Salary: $108,375
Crestwood Behavioral Health focuses on mental health services and provides rewarding careers with good salaries.
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Adventist Health
Average Salary: $102,683
Adventist Health is a well-known healthcare provider that offers stable jobs with decent pay.
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CommonSpirit Health
Average Salary: $97,812
CommonSpirit Health is dedicated to healthcare services and provides good salaries for its employees.
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UCLA Health
Average Salary: $93,362
UCLA Health is a top-tier healthcare institution that offers excellent career opportunities with competitive pay.
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County of San Luis Obispo
Average Salary: $90,492
The County of San Luis Obispo provides various government jobs with good salaries and benefits.
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Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.
Average Salary: $90,229
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. offers specialized aerospace services and provides stable jobs with fair compensation.
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California State University
Average Salary: $87,337
California State University provides educational opportunities and offers jobs with decent salaries.
How does the cost of living in San Luis Obispo, CA compare to the national average?

San Luis Obispo, California, exhibits a notably higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in San Luis Obispo are significantly elevated, standing at 180 on the index. This means that housing expenses in San Luis Obispo are 80% higher than the national average. For job seekers considering this area, this represents a substantial financial commitment that could affect overall budget planning.
Other expenses in San Luis Obispo also surpass the national average. Groceries, for instance, have an index of 110, indicating an 10% increase in cost. Utilities, at 105, are 5% higher, while healthcare costs mirror the national average, remaining at 105. Transportation costs are relatively moderate, with an index of 95, suggesting a 5% savings compared to the national average. Miscellaneous expenses show a 20% increase with an index of 120. Together, these factors paint a picture of a living environment where most expenses exceed the national average, making careful financial planning essential for new residents.



