Overview Salaries

Salaries in San Mateo, CA

Updated on Aug 21, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in San Mateo, CA?

The average salary in San Mateo, CA is $104,219 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for San Mateo, CA, showing an average salary of $104,219 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for San Mateo, CA, showing an average salary of $8,685 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for San Mateo, CA, showing an average salary of $2,004 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for San Mateo, CA, showing an average salary of $50 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In San Mateo, CA, the job market offers a variety of salary ranges across different sectors. The average yearly salary stands at $104,219, indicating a healthy financial landscape for professionals in the area. Salaries vary based on job roles, with higher pay typically linked to specialized positions.

Some of the notable salary figures include:

  • Top-tier roles earn over $200,000 annually.
  • Mid-level positions range from $100,000 to $200,000.
  • Entry-level jobs offer salaries from $37,000 to $100,000.

These figures highlight the potential for career growth and financial stability in San Mateo, CA.

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

San Mateo, CA, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. The tech industry stands out with roles like Staff Engineer and Software Engineer leading the way. Each of these positions comes with a competitive salary, making it an attractive location for those in these fields. Job seekers will find that positions in healthcare, such as Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse, also offer attractive salaries. Other well-paid roles include Product Manager, Marketing Manager, and Technical Project Lead. These jobs provide stability and financial rewards, making San Mateo a great place for career growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Mateo, CA, highlighting Staff Engineer with the highest at $208,083 and Occupational Therapist with the lowest at $131,674.

  1. Staff Engineer
    Average Salary: $208,083
    Work with tech teams to develop and maintain software. Major tech companies in the area hire for these roles. These engineers contribute to the success of tech products.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in San Mateo, CA


  2. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $205,964
    Design, develop, and maintain software applications. Many startups and tech giants offer these positions. Engineers here work on cutting-edge projects.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Mateo, CA


  3. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $189,233
    Oversee the development of products. They work closely with marketing and engineering teams. Product Managers in this area often work for tech and healthcare companies.
    Find Product Manager jobs in San Mateo, CA


  4. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $176,743
    Provide primary and specialty care. They diagnose and treat conditions. Work in hospitals and clinics. These practitioners are crucial in local healthcare.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in San Mateo, CA


  5. Marketing Manager
    Average Salary: $148,720
    Develop and implement marketing strategies. Work with advertising and sales teams. They ensure the company's message reaches its target audience. This role is vital for tech and healthcare companies.
    Find Marketing Manager jobs in San Mateo, CA


  6. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $144,169
    Manage technical projects from start to finish. They coordinate with engineers and designers. These leads ensure projects meet deadlines and budgets. Many tech companies need skilled project leads.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in San Mateo, CA


  7. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $143,619
    Provide patient care and support. They work in hospitals and clinics. Nurses are essential in the healthcare system. This role offers stability and good pay.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Mateo, CA


  8. Instructor
    Average Salary: $140,873
    Teach students in various subjects. Work in schools or training centers. Instructors here often have a passion for education. They play a key role in shaping future professionals.
    Find Instructor jobs in San Mateo, CA


  9. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $138,468
    Oversee programs and ensure they run smoothly. They work in tech and healthcare settings. Managers coordinate teams and resources to meet program goals.
    Find Program Manager jobs in San Mateo, CA


  10. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $131,674
    Help patients regain independence. They work with individuals of all ages. Therapists create and implement treatment plans. This role is essential in healthcare and rehabilitation.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in San Mateo, CA

What are the best paying jobs in San Mateo, CA without a degree?

San Mateo, CA offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Positions such as Server Assistants and Service Team Members can provide good income opportunities. These roles typically average around $43,000 per year, making them attractive for those seeking well-paying jobs without a degree. In addition to these, jobs like Kitchen Team Members, Line Cooks, and Baristas also stand out in the San Mateo job market. These roles offer average salaries close to or above $41,000 annually. These opportunities combine steady wages with the potential for tips, providing a solid financial foundation for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Mateo, CA without a degree, highlighting Server Assistant with the highest at $43,583 and Server with the lowest at $39,877.

  1. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $43,583
    Work in local restaurants, helping servers with tasks. Gain experience in a busy kitchen. Opportunities with popular eateries in the area.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in San Mateo, CA


  2. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $43,248
    Provide excellent customer service at retail stores. Work in fast-paced environments. Learn from top companies in the region.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in San Mateo, CA


  3. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,603
    Prepare food and assist in the kitchen. Gain skills in cooking and food safety. Work in both chain restaurants and local favorites.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in San Mateo, CA


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,983
    Cook and prepare food in fast-paced settings. Develop culinary skills on the job. Opportunities exist in diverse dining establishments.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Mateo, CA


  5. Barista
    Average Salary: $40,833
    Prepare coffee and other beverages. Work in coffee shops and cafes. Gain experience in customer service and beverage preparation.
    Find Barista jobs in San Mateo, CA


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $40,419
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Work in busy restaurants. Learn from experienced staff and develop strong work habits.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in San Mateo, CA


  7. Server
    Average Salary: $39,877
    Provide table service to customers. Work in a dynamic environment. Gain skills in customer service and teamwork.
    Find Server jobs in San Mateo, CA

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

Companies in San Mateo, CA, offer some of the highest salaries in the region. Roblox leads the pack with an average salary of $240,401, followed by Freshworks and PlayStation. These tech and education companies offer competitive wages to attract top talent. Other notable employers include Verkada, GoodLeap, and Skydio. These companies also provide salaries well above the local average, making them attractive options for job seekers. For instance, Verkada pays an average of $191,435, while GoodLeap offers $167,861. These figures highlight San Mateo's strong job market, particularly for those in technology and education sectors.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Mateo, CA, highlighting Roblox with the highest at $240,401 and IXL Learning with the lowest at $118,372.

  1. Roblox
    Average Salary: $240,401
    Roblox is a popular online platform where users can create and share games. It offers a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.


  2. freshworks
    Average Salary: $216,558
    freshworks provides customer experience and IT operations software. It fosters a collaborative culture and offers competitive salaries to its employees.


  3. PlayStation
    Average Salary: $206,519
    PlayStation is a renowned video game console manufacturer. It offers exciting career opportunities with attractive compensation packages.


  4. San Mateo County Community College District
    Average Salary: $195,163
    This educational institution provides a range of programs and services. It offers rewarding career paths with stable salaries.


  5. Verkada
    Average Salary: $191,435
    Verkada offers secure and intelligent physical security solutions. It is a fast-growing company with promising career prospects and competitive pay.


  6. GoodLeap
    Average Salary: $167,861
    GoodLeap specializes in renewable energy and financing for solar projects. It offers a forward-thinking environment with good remuneration.


  7. Skydio
    Average Salary: $151,122
    Skydio develops autonomous drone technology. It is a cutting-edge company that provides excellent salary packages to its employees.


  8. BNBuilders
    Average Salary: $128,866
    BNBuilders focuses on construction management and design services. It offers stable employment with decent compensation.


  9. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $125,833
    Sutter Health is a major healthcare provider. It offers a supportive work environment with competitive salaries for healthcare professionals.


  10. IXL Learning
    Average Salary: $118,372
    IXL Learning creates educational content for K-12 students. It provides a rewarding career path with fair compensation.

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

San Mateo, CA, has a high cost of living index compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs are notably 188% higher, driven by elevated property prices and rents. Utilities are 10% higher than the national average, making daily expenses more significant. Groceries, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs also exceed the national average by 36%, 35%, 20%, and 40%, respectively. Job seekers must consider these higher expenses when planning their move to San Mateo.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Mateo, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 188% higher, groceries 36% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 35% higher, healthcare 20% higher, miscellaneous 40% higher.

San Mateo, California, shows a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Job seekers should note that the housing index in San Mateo stands at 288. This means that housing costs are more than double the national average. People looking to buy or rent a home in San Mateo will find expenses to be significantly higher, requiring careful budgeting.


In addition to housing, San Mateo's groceries index is 136, which is 36% higher than the national average. This increase affects everyday living costs for residents. Utilities, at 110, are 10% higher, and transportation costs, at 135, are 35% above the national average. Healthcare, at 120, is 20% higher, while miscellaneous expenses are up by 40%, with an index of 140. Each of these factors adds up, making the overall cost of living in San Mateo notably higher than in many other parts of the country.

There are 922 job openings in San Mateo, CA, today!

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

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