Overview Salaries

Salaries in San Mateo, CA

Updated on May 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in San Mateo, CA?

The average salary in San Mateo, CA is $100,081 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for San Mateo, CA, showing an average salary of $100,081 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for San Mateo, CA, showing an average salary of $8,340 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for San Mateo, CA, showing an average salary of $1,925 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for San Mateo, CA, showing an average salary of $48 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

San Mateo, CA offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary for professionals here is $100,081. This figure reflects a diverse job market with opportunities for growth.


The distribution of salaries showcases a spread that benefits different sectors. For example, roles with the highest percentage of workers (36.99%) earn around $37,000. Conversely, top-tier positions (1.52% of workers) enjoy salaries upwards of $256,000. This diversity indicates a range of career opportunities for job seekers with various skill sets and ambitions.

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

San Mateo offers a range of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Jobs such as Staff Engineer, Software Engineer, and Product Manager lead the list, providing competitive salaries that attract top talent. These roles are ideal for those looking to advance their careers in a thriving tech and healthcare environment, offering both financial rewards and professional growth. Each of these positions demands a certain level of expertise, but they promise substantial compensation packages. For instance, Staff Engineers and Software Engineers benefit from the tech-centric economy in the area. On the other hand, Product Managers enjoy lucrative salaries by helping shape the future of innovative products. These opportunities make San Mateo a prime location for job seekers aiming for a rewarding career.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Mateo, CA, highlighting Staff Engineer with the highest at $203,430 and Instructor with the lowest at $122,060.

  1. Staff Engineer
    Average Salary: $203,430
    This role involves designing and building systems. Companies like Google and Facebook hire for this position. Staff Engineers often work on complex projects.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in San Mateo, CA


  2. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $200,571
    Creating applications and software is the main task. Top employers include Tesla and Palo Alto Networks. Software Engineers need strong coding skills.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Mateo, CA


  3. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $186,283
    This role focuses on product strategy and market research. Companies like LinkedIn and Apple seek skilled managers. They drive product vision and development.
    Find Product Manager jobs in San Mateo, CA


  4. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $175,940
    Provide primary and specialty care. Work at institutions like Stanford Health Care. Nurse Practitioners need strong clinical skills and patient care abilities.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in San Mateo, CA


  5. Marketing Manager
    Average Salary: $143,833
    Develop marketing strategies and campaigns. Companies like Salesforce and Oracle hire for this role. Marketing Managers analyze market trends and customer needs.
    Find Marketing Manager jobs in San Mateo, CA


  6. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $142,716
    Manage technical projects and teams. Employers include Intuit and Charles Schwab. They coordinate project tasks and ensure deadlines are met.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in San Mateo, CA


  7. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $141,848
    Provide patient care and support. Work at hospitals like Kaiser Permanente. Nurses need compassion and attention to detail.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Mateo, CA


  8. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $141,838
    Oversee programs and projects. Companies like Google and Facebook look for Program Managers. They align projects with company goals and budgets.
    Find Program Manager jobs in San Mateo, CA


  9. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $129,173
    Help patients recover and improve their daily activities. Work at places like Encompass Health. Therapists need strong communication skills and empathy.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in San Mateo, CA


  10. Instructor
    Average Salary: $122,060
    Teach students in a classroom setting. Employers include local colleges and universities. Instructors prepare lesson plans and assess student progress.
    Find Instructor jobs in San Mateo, CA

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

Opportunities in San Mateo, CA, offer some of the best paying jobs without a degree. Roles in the food service and hospitality industries top the list, with positions like Server Assistant and Service Team Member offering competitive pay. On average, these positions can earn up to $42,000 annually, making them attractive to those seeking stable income without the need for higher education. Job seekers will find these roles rewarding, as they provide hands-on experience and valuable skills. The high salaries reflect the demand for these positions in a bustling community. With competitive wages and the potential for tips, jobs such as Line Cook and Dishwasher also promise good earnings, with some roles surpassing $40,000 a year.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Mateo, CA without a degree, highlighting Server Assistant with the highest at $42,471 and Server with the lowest at $39,644.

  1. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $42,471
    Help servers with tasks in high-paced settings. Work closely with chefs and kitchen staff. Join a team that values teamwork and efficiency.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in San Mateo, CA


  2. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,321
    Provide excellent customer service to diners. Handle orders and ensure a positive dining experience. Be part of a team that focuses on guest satisfaction.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in San Mateo, CA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $42,077
    Prepare food quickly in a fast-paced kitchen. Work under pressure to meet high standards. Learn from experienced chefs in a dynamic environment.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Mateo, CA


  4. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,021
    Assist in food preparation and cooking duties. Maintain a clean and organized kitchen. Collaborate with chefs and other kitchen staff to deliver meals.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in San Mateo, CA


  5. Barista
    Average Salary: $40,515
    Make and serve coffee drinks. Interact with customers to provide a friendly experience. Work in a popular café setting that values creativity and speed.
    Find Barista jobs in San Mateo, CA


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $40,358
    Clean dishes and kitchen tools. Ensure a clean and safe work environment. Work in busy kitchens and learn the importance of cleanliness and order.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in San Mateo, CA


  7. Server
    Average Salary: $39,644
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Provide excellent customer service and take orders. Work in a setting that values hospitality and teamwork.
    Find Server jobs in San Mateo, CA

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

San Mateo offers a range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. Companies like Roblox, freshworks, and PlayStation lead in offering some of the highest wages. Roblox tops the list with an average salary of around $236,000, followed by freshworks and PlayStation, each offering over $200,000. These companies provide not only high-paying jobs but also a chance to work in a vibrant tech hub. For example, Verkada, Upstart, and GoodLeap are also notable for their attractive salary packages, ranging from $186,000 to $168,000 on average. Job seekers in San Mateo have the opportunity to find rewarding positions with excellent compensation across various sectors.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Mateo, CA, highlighting Roblox with the highest at $236,035 and Sutter Health with the lowest at $125,865.

  1. Roblox
    Average Salary: $236,035
    Roblox offers an exciting platform for games created by users. It's a great place to work with a fun culture.


  2. freshworks
    Average Salary: $217,454
    freshworks focuses on creating customer service software. They provide a dynamic work environment.


  3. PlayStation
    Average Salary: $207,524
    As a leader in gaming, PlayStation offers innovative projects. It’s a great place for tech enthusiasts.


  4. Verkada
    Average Salary: $186,935
    Verkada provides smart building technology. They are growing fast and offer many opportunities for career advancement.


  5. San Mateo County Community College District
    Average Salary: $185,536
    The district provides higher education to students. It offers a stable and rewarding work environment.


  6. Upstart
    Average Salary: $184,027
    Upstart uses technology to help students manage their loans. It’s a forward-thinking company with a strong mission.


  7. GoodLeap
    Average Salary: $167,736
    GoodLeap helps people buy homes with renewable energy. They offer a supportive and innovative work culture.


  8. Skydio
    Average Salary: $151,089
    Skydio makes advanced drones for business. It’s a cutting-edge company with exciting projects.


  9. BNBuilders
    Average Salary: $130,945
    BNBuilders is known for its quality construction work. They offer a stable job with good benefits.


  10. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $125,865
    Sutter Health is a leading healthcare provider. It offers many opportunities for growth and development.

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

San Mateo, CA, exhibits a significantly higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in San Mateo are 195% higher than the national average, making it one of the priciest areas to live. While groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs are also elevated, housing stands out as the most substantial expense.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Mateo, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 195% higher, groceries 38% higher, utilities 14% higher, transportation 28% higher, healthcare 25% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

The cost of living in San Mateo, California, is significantly higher than the nationwide average. The Housing index alone is 295, which means it costs nearly three times more than the average American city. This dramatic increase is due to the high demand for housing and limited supply in the area, making it one of the more expensive places to live in the country.


Other areas also show higher costs compared to the national average, which is set at 100. For example, Groceries cost 138, meaning they are nearly 40% more expensive. Utilities are at 114, indicating an 14% increase. Transportation costs are at 128, reflecting a 28% rise. Healthcare costs are at 125, showing a 25% increase, while Miscellaneous expenses are at 130, a 30% increase. Together, these statistics reveal that living in San Mateo, CA, comes with higher costs across many essential areas.

There are 772 job openings in San Mateo, CA, today!

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San Mateo, CA
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