Engineer Engineer Salary in San Diego, CA

Engineer Salary in San Diego, CA

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
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Salary

How much does a Engineer make in San Diego, CA?

The average salary for a Engineer is $122,818 per year in San Diego, CA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $122,818 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $10,235 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $2,362 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $59 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Engineers in San Diego, CA, enjoy a competitive salary. On average, they make about $122,818 a year. This amount can change based on many factors, such as the type of engineering work, experience, and specific industry. For those interested in this field, this range provides a good outlook.

Different types of engineering jobs offer various pay scales. Here are some examples:

  • Civil Engineers make between $95,155 and $112,873 per year.
  • Electrical Engineers earn from $112,873 to $130,591 annually.
  • Mechanical Engineers see salaries from $130,591 to $148,309 each year.
  • Software Engineers earn between $148,309 and $166,027 per year.
  • Industrial Engineers get paid from $166,027 to $183,745 annually.

Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA
View all Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Engineer near San Diego, CA?

Engineers in Poway, CA can expect to earn the highest salaries, with an average of $119,206 per year. Chula Vista, CA follows closely behind, offering average engineer salaries of $89,308 annually. La Jolla, CA, and other nearby cities also provide competitive pay, making San Diego a great area for engineering jobs.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Engineer jobs near San Diego, CA, highlighting Poway, CA with the highest at $119,206 and Rancho Santa Fe, CA with the lowest at $49,770.

  1. Poway, CA
    Average Salary: $119,206
    In Poway, CA, engineering roles often involve innovative projects, especially with tech companies like Qualcomm. Employees enjoy a mix of office and remote work, fostering a balanced lifestyle. The community supports professional growth, making it a great place for engineers to thrive.
    Find Engineer jobs in Poway, CA


  2. Chula Vista, CA
    Average Salary: $89,308
    Chula Vista, CA, offers engineering opportunities in both tech and manufacturing sectors. Companies like Southwest Airlines and BAE Systems provide diverse projects. The city values teamwork and continuous learning, helping engineers advance their careers.
    Find Engineer jobs in Chula Vista, CA


  3. La Jolla, CA
    Average Salary: $78,950
    La Jolla, CA, is a hub for marine and biotech engineering. With institutions like Scripps Institution of Oceanography, engineers can work on cutting-edge research. The area offers a vibrant community and beautiful surroundings, making it a rewarding place to work.
    Find Engineer jobs in La Jolla, CA


  4. Solana Beach, CA
    Average Salary: $66,500
    Solana Beach, CA, provides a mix of engineering jobs in tech and environmental sectors. Companies like Biogen and Cirrus Logic offer dynamic roles. The city promotes a healthy work-life balance, which is ideal for those seeking a fulfilling engineering career.
    Find Engineer jobs in Solana Beach, CA


  5. Coronado, CA
    Average Salary: $61,450
    Coronado, CA, offers engineering positions with a focus on defense and aerospace. With companies like Northrop Grumman, engineers can work on high-impact projects. The island setting provides a unique lifestyle, blending work and leisure seamlessly.
    Find Engineer jobs in Coronado, CA


  6. Rancho Santa Fe, CA
    Average Salary: $49,770
    Rancho Santa Fe, CA, features engineering jobs with a focus on luxury technology and environmental sustainability. Working with companies like Callaway Golf, engineers can expect to engage in innovative projects. The area offers a peaceful and affluent environment, perfect for those who value both work and well-being.
    Find Engineer jobs in Rancho Santa Fe, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Engineer in San Diego, CA?

Engineers in San Diego have several great options for top-paying jobs. Intuit leads the way, offering an average salary of $272,125. Following closely, Arm pays $253,869, and Precise Systems offers $205,000. These companies provide excellent opportunities for those seeking high compensation in engineering roles. Other top employers include Apple, Dexcom, and BAE Systems USA, all with competitive average salaries. Apple pays $195,616, Dexcom $181,575, and BAE Systems USA $161,342. These companies represent great choices for engineers looking to advance their careers in San Diego.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA, highlighting Intuit with the highest at $272,125 and TEKsystems with the lowest at $155,571.

  1. Intuit
    Average Salary: $272,125
    Intuit offers rewarding careers in software engineering. They focus on financial software like QuickBooks and TurboTax. Intuit has offices in San Diego, offering an innovative environment.


  2. Arm
    Average Salary: $253,869
    Arm provides semiconductor and software design services. They operate in San Diego, working on next-gen technologies. Their engineering roles involve cutting-edge tech.


  3. Precise Systems
    Average Salary: $205,000
    Precise Systems offers engineering and consulting services. They focus on defense and aerospace. Located in San Diego, they provide challenging projects.


  4. Apple
    Average Salary: $195,616
    Apple is known for consumer electronics. They have a campus in San Diego. Engineers work on innovative tech, from software to hardware.


  5. Dexcom
    Average Salary: $181,575
    Dexcom develops glucose monitoring systems. They are based in San Diego, focusing on health tech. Engineers here create life-saving technology.


  6. BAE Systems USA
    Average Salary: $161,342
    BAE Systems USA offers defense and aerospace tech. They operate in San Diego. Engineers work on impactful projects in national security.


  7. Jack in the Box
    Average Salary: $159,063
    Jack in the Box is a fast-food chain. They have offices in San Diego. Engineers here focus on food technology and operations.


  8. SeeScan Inc.
    Average Salary: $158,333
    SeeScan Inc. creates barcode scanning solutions. They are located in San Diego. Engineers develop innovative scanning technologies.


  9. Qualcomm
    Average Salary: $156,348
    Qualcomm focuses on wireless technology. They have a presence in San Diego. Engineers work on telecommunications and mobile tech.


  10. TEKsystems
    Average Salary: $155,571
    TEKsystems provides staffing and consulting services. They operate in San Diego, offering various engineering roles.

Currently 4,670 Engineer job openings, nationwide.

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How's the job market for a Engineer in the US?

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