What is the average salary in San Marcos, CA?
San Marcos, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across different job sectors. The average yearly salary stands at around $65,755. This figure provides a good overview of the earning potential in the area. The distribution of salaries across various roles highlights a diverse job market.
Among the most common salary brackets, the top sectors include roles in professional and business services, healthcare, and education. These sectors offer salaries that vary widely, with many positions paying significantly above the average. For example, those in higher-paying roles like IT and finance can expect salaries from $106,636 to over $190,000 annually. This data suggests that San Marcos is a good place for job seekers to find both competitive and rewarding employment opportunities.
What are the best paying jobs in San Marcos, CA?

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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $147,100
This role involves diagnosing and treating conditions. It requires a collaborative approach with physicians. It offers the chance to work in various healthcare settings.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $116,759
This job focuses on patient care. Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, and schools. The role demands attention to detail and strong communication skills.
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School Psychologist
Average Salary: $114,255
This position helps students with their mental health. It involves assessments and creating intervention plans. It requires working closely with teachers and parents.
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Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $114,064
This job involves cleaning teeth and educating patients on oral care. It requires precision and a friendly demeanor. It is a vital role in maintaining oral health.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $111,902
This position helps patients with communication difficulties. It requires patience and creativity. It involves working with individuals of all ages.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $110,921
This role involves managing technical projects for companies. It requires strong leadership and problem-solving skills. It is a key position in ensuring project success.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $103,091
This position helps patients improve their daily activities. It requires empathy and strong communication skills. It is a rewarding job that helps people regain independence.
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Branch Manager
Average Salary: $73,595
This role oversees day-to-day operations at a business. It requires strong leadership and organizational skills. It involves managing staff and ensuring smooth operations.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $72,937
This position involves analyzing and improving behavior. It requires strong analytical skills and patience. It is a vital role in helping individuals lead better lives.
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Licensed Vocational Nurse
Average Salary: $71,970
This job provides basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor. It requires attention to detail and strong communication skills. It is a key role in healthcare settings.
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What are the best paying jobs in San Marcos, CA without a degree?

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Sales Inspector
Average Salary: $68,693
This position involves checking merchandise quality and pricing. They work with local stores, ensuring everything meets standards. Companies in this line look for detail-oriented people.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $47,954
Manage the day-to-day operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth operations. Many local eateries value experience and leadership.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $41,186
Prepare food quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen. Follow recipes and instructions. Work in teams to meet customer demands. Local restaurants rely on skilled cooks.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $40,794
Clean and maintain rooms and common areas. Ensure a clean environment for guests. Pay attention to detail and maintain high standards. Many local hotels and motels need dedicated housekeepers.
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Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $40,679
Plan and lead recreational activities for various age groups. Work in parks or community centers. Foster a fun and engaging environment. Local parks departments value energetic assistants.
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Barista
Average Salary: $39,923
Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers and take orders. Work in local cafes and coffee shops. Attention to detail and customer service skills are key.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $39,799
Assist in all kitchen duties, from food prep to dishwashing. Work in fast-paced environments. Support chefs and cooks. Many local restaurants need reliable team members.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $37,872
Maintain the grounds of properties, including landscaping and cleaning. Work outdoors in parks or private properties. Use tools and equipment to keep areas neat. Local parks and properties value hardworking groundskeepers.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $36,338
Wash dishes, utensils, and cookware in a restaurant or cafeteria. Work in a fast-paced kitchen. Ensure cleanliness and efficiency. Local eateries need dependable dishwashers.
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Server
Average Salary: $36,236
Take orders, serve food, and interact with customers. Work in restaurants and cafes. Ensure a positive dining experience. Attention to detail and customer service skills are important.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in San Marcos, CA?

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Palomar College
Average Salary: $128,694
Palomar College offers diverse career-focused programs. It is a top educational institution in San Marcos. It provides a good starting salary with opportunities for growth.
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Control Air Enterprises LLC
Average Salary: $101,804
Control Air Enterprises LLC specializes in HVAC solutions. They are a leading company in the area. They offer competitive pay and benefits.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $101,781
Kaiser Permanente is a well-known healthcare provider. They offer excellent salaries and benefits. They have a wide range of job opportunities.
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ProCare Therapy
Average Salary: $101,747
ProCare Therapy provides healthcare services. They are a respected company. They offer good salaries and career growth.
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Cabrillo Hospice
Average Salary: $85,519
Cabrillo Hospice offers compassionate care. They are a leader in end-of-life care services. They provide competitive salaries and benefits.
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Village Square Healthcare Center
Average Salary: $80,537
Village Square Healthcare Center offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation. They are a trusted healthcare provider. They offer good pay and a supportive environment.
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California State University
Average Salary: $75,832
California State University is a major educational institution. It offers a variety of job opportunities. It provides decent salaries and benefits.
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Hunter Industries
Average Salary: $74,165
Hunter Industries specializes in irrigation solutions. They are a leading company in their field. They offer competitive salaries and career growth.
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AccentCare
Average Salary: $71,815
AccentCare provides home healthcare services. They are a well-known provider. They offer good salaries and benefits.
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LUSARDI CONSTRUCTION
Average Salary: $68,386
LUSARDI CONSTRUCTION offers construction services. They are a reputable company. They provide competitive salaries and career opportunities.
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. Housing in San Marcos costs 65% more than the national average. This rise is significant and often the largest expense for many residents. Despite the high housing costs, other areas such as groceries and utilities do not increase as sharply. Groceries are 6% higher while utilities are 3% higher than the average.
San Marcos also sees moderate increases in transportation costs, which are 12% above the national average. Healthcare costs remain consistent with the national average, providing a small relief for residents. Miscellaneous expenses also rise slightly, by 10%. These variations highlight the need for careful budgeting when considering a move to San Marcos. Understanding these costs can help job seekers and families plan their finances effectively.



