Salaries in San Marcos, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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What is the average salary in San Marcos, CA?

The average salary in San Marcos, CA is $62,050 per year.

San Marcos, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in San Marcos is around $62,050. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers. Salaries can vary widely based on the industry and role.


Here are some average salaries for different roles in San Marcos:

  • Retail: $32,800
  • Healthcare: $47,436
  • Education: $62,073
  • Information Technology: $76,709
  • Engineering: $91,345
  • Finance: $105,982
  • Management: $120,618
  • Sales: $135,255
  • Marketing: $149,891
  • Legal: $164,527
  • Executive: $193,800
Understanding these figures can help job seekers set realistic expectations and target roles that match their skills and experience.

View jobs in San Marcos, CA

What are the best paying jobs in San Marcos, CA?

San Marcos offers a range of high-paying job opportunities. Physicians lead the way with an average salary of over $278,000. Nurse Practitioners, Technical Project Leads, and Registered Nurses also earn competitive salaries, with figures around $140,000, $118,000, and $113,000 respectively. These roles provide excellent career prospects and financial rewards for qualified professionals.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Marcos, CA, highlighting Physician with the highest at $278,606 and Branch Manager with the lowest at $76,504.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $278,606
    Physicians diagnose and treat patients. They work in hospitals and clinics. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
    Find Physician jobs in San Marcos, CA


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $140,468
    Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They work in clinics and hospitals. They often manage patient care and prescribe medications. They work closely with physicians and other healthcare providers.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in San Marcos, CA


  3. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $118,215
    Technical Project Leads manage tech projects. They work in tech companies. They oversee project timelines and team performance. They ensure projects meet client needs and deadlines.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in San Marcos, CA


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $113,102
    Registered Nurses provide patient care. They work in hospitals and clinics. They monitor patients and administer treatments. They work with doctors and other healthcare staff to ensure patient well-being.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Marcos, CA


  5. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $112,245
    Dental Hygienists clean teeth and educate patients. They work in dental offices. They perform cleanings and take X-rays. They work with dentists to ensure oral health.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in San Marcos, CA


  6. School Psychologist
    Average Salary: $112,109
    School Psychologists support students' mental health. They work in schools. They assess students and develop intervention plans. They collaborate with teachers and parents to help students succeed.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in San Marcos, CA


  7. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $110,325
    Speech Language Pathologists help patients with communication. They work in clinics and schools. They assess and develop treatment plans. They work with patients to improve their speech and language skills.
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  8. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $97,380
    Occupational Therapists help patients with daily activities. They work in hospitals and clinics. They develop treatment plans and provide therapy. They help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life.
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  9. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $88,635
    Radiologic Technologists perform imaging tests. They work in hospitals and clinics. They operate imaging equipment and ensure patient safety. They work with radiologists to diagnose medical conditions.
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  10. Branch Manager
    Average Salary: $76,504
    Branch Managers oversee daily operations. They work in various industries. They manage staff and ensure customer satisfaction. They work to achieve business goals and improve branch performance.
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What are the best paying jobs in San Marcos, CA without a degree?

San Marcos, CA offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Sales Inspectors lead the list with an average salary of $68,693. This role involves inspecting and evaluating the quality of products or services. Restaurant Managers can also earn a good salary, averaging $44,859, overseeing daily operations and ensuring customer satisfaction. Other well-paying positions include Housekeeping, Line Cook, and Recreation Assistant, all offering salaries above $36,000. These jobs provide opportunities for individuals to earn a stable income without needing a degree. Each role plays a crucial part in the community, offering both financial rewards and valuable work experience.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Marcos, CA without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $68,693 and Landscaper with the lowest at $36,409.
  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $68,693
    This role involves inspecting and evaluating products. It helps ensure quality and compliance. Companies like local retail stores and warehouses offer these jobs.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in San Marcos, CA


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $44,859
    Manage daily operations at a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in popular eateries around the city.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Marcos, CA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,588
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or residential properties. Ensure a tidy and welcoming environment. Opportunities are available in hotels and resorts.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in San Marcos, CA


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $40,423
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in local restaurants and cafes. This role requires attention to detail and teamwork.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Marcos, CA


  5. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $40,150
    Help organize and lead recreational activities. Work in community centers and parks. This role is great for those who enjoy working with people.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in San Marcos, CA


  6. Yard Worker
    Average Salary: $39,423
    Maintain the grounds of residential and commercial properties. Tasks include mowing lawns and trimming shrubs. Opportunities are available with landscaping companies.
    Find Yard Worker jobs in San Marcos, CA


  7. Barista
    Average Salary: $38,189
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Work in local coffee shops. This role requires a friendly demeanor and quick service skills.
    Find Barista jobs in San Marcos, CA


  8. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $37,453
    Assist with food preparation and cooking. Work in busy kitchens. This role is ideal for those who enjoy a dynamic work environment.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in San Marcos, CA


  9. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $37,093
    Maintain the grounds of parks and recreational areas. Tasks include landscaping and equipment maintenance. Opportunities are available with city parks departments.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in San Marcos, CA


  10. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $36,409
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Work on residential and commercial properties. This role requires creativity and a strong work ethic.
    Find Landscaper jobs in San Marcos, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in San Marcos, CA?

Job seekers in San Marcos, CA, can find competitive salaries at several top companies. LifeStance Health leads with a salary of $191,125. Palomar College offers $108,775, and Kaiser Permanente provides $99,710. These companies offer attractive compensation packages, making them great options for those seeking higher pay. Other notable employers include ProCare Therapy, Cabrillo Hospice, and Gary and Mary West PACE. ProCare Therapy pays $98,132, while Cabrillo Hospice offers $88,221. Gary and Mary West PACE provides $86,132. These companies also offer good salaries, making them valuable choices for job seekers.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Marcos, CA, highlighting LifeStance Health with the highest at $191,125 and California State University with the lowest at $71,827.
  1. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $191,125
    LifeStance Health offers mental health services. They value their employees and offer competitive pay.


  2. Palomar College
    Average Salary: $108,775
    Palomar College is a higher education institution. They provide a range of academic and support services.


  3. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $99,710
    Kaiser Permanente is a healthcare organization. They focus on providing quality care to their patients.


  4. ProCare Therapy
    Average Salary: $98,132
    ProCare Therapy offers rehabilitation services. They aim to help patients recover and improve their quality of life.


  5. Cabrillo Hospice
    Average Salary: $88,221
    Cabrillo Hospice provides end-of-life care. They focus on comfort and dignity for their patients.


  6. Gary and Mary West PACE
    Average Salary: $86,132
    Gary and Mary West PACE offers care for seniors. They aim to provide comprehensive care in a community setting.


  7. CONFIDENTIAL DENTAL PRACTICE
    Average Salary: $76,957
    This dental practice offers a range of dental services. They focus on patient care and satisfaction.


  8. AccentCare
    Average Salary: $76,507
    AccentCare provides home health and hospice care. They aim to improve the quality of life for their patients.


  9. Village Square Healthcare Center
    Average Salary: $73,289
    Village Square Healthcare Center offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. They focus on patient recovery and well-being.


  10. California State University
    Average Salary: $71,827
    California State University is a higher education institution. They offer a range of academic programs and services.

How does the cost of living in San Marcos, CA compare to the national average?

San Marcos, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index in San Marcos is 122, which is 22% higher than the national average of 100. Housing costs are notably higher, at 70% above the national average, while groceries and utilities are also slightly above the average. Transportation and miscellaneous costs are moderately higher, while healthcare costs are slightly lower. This data highlights the importance for job seekers to consider these factors when planning their move to San Marcos.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Marcos, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 70% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 15% higher.

San Marcos, California, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in San Marcos is 170, which is 70% higher than the national average of 100. This means that housing costs in San Marcos are significantly more expensive than the average cost across the country. Job seekers should be aware that finding affordable housing may be a challenge in this area.


Other expenses in San Marcos also exceed the national average. For instance, groceries cost 110, which is 10% higher than the average. Utilities are at 105, 5% higher than the national average. Transportation costs are 120, which is 20% higher. Healthcare costs are slightly lower at 95, which is 5% below the national average. Miscellaneous expenses, such as entertainment and personal care, are at 115, 15% higher than the average. These figures show that while some costs are lower, many essential expenses are higher in San Marcos compared to the rest of the country.

There are 738 job openings in San Marcos, CA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in San Marcos, CA

Discover what it's like to work in San Marcos, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
San Marcos, CA
738 Job Openings