Scientist Scientist Salary in San Diego, CA

Scientist Salary in San Diego, CA

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
Position
City
Salary

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

The average salary for a Scientist is $114,286 per year in San Diego, CA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Scientist jobs in San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $114,286 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Scientist jobs in San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $9,524 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Scientist jobs in San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $2,198 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Scientist jobs in San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $55 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Scientists in San Diego, CA, earn a good salary that can support a comfortable lifestyle. The average yearly salary for a scientist in the area is about $114,286. This figure places San Diego among the top-paying cities for scientists.


Scientists in San Diego can expect to earn salaries that range widely. Many entry-level scientists start around $60,810. As experience and expertise grow, salaries can reach $186,255 or higher. This growth allows scientists to advance in their careers while maintaining financial stability. The diverse job market in San Diego, including biotech, research, and environmental sectors, contributes to these varied salary ranges.

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

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

Scientists near San Diego can expect competitive salaries in nearby cities. Coronado, CA, stands out with an average salary of $126,770. Chula Vista, CA, follows closely with $126,407 annually. Both cities offer promising opportunities for those in the scientific field. Residents in Poway, CA, and La Jolla, CA, also enjoy attractive compensation packages. Poway offers an average salary of $112,745, while La Jolla provides $111,348. These figures highlight the potential for lucrative roles in these areas.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Scientist jobs near San Diego, CA, highlighting Coronado, CA with the highest at $126,770 and La Jolla, CA with the lowest at $111,348.

  1. Coronado, CA
    Average Salary: $126,770
    In Coronado, science careers thrive with a focus on marine biology and environmental science. Companies like Scripps Institution of Oceanography offer many opportunities. The scenic views and rich marine life make it a unique place to work.
    Find Scientist jobs in Coronado, CA


  2. Chula Vista, CA
    Average Salary: $126,407
    Chula Vista provides a dynamic environment for scientific careers. The area's biotech companies, like Illumina and Quest Diagnostics, support a variety of research roles. It’s a place where science meets innovation.
    Find Scientist jobs in Chula Vista, CA


  3. Poway, CA
    Average Salary: $112,745
    Poway is an excellent spot for those in the scientific field. It hosts several research institutions and biotech firms. The community values education and research, making it a great place for scientific growth.
    Find Scientist jobs in Poway, CA


  4. La Jolla, CA
    Average Salary: $111,348
    La Jolla is known for its vibrant scientific community. With institutions like the Salk Institute and Scripps Research, it offers numerous opportunities in biological and medical research. The area’s picturesque setting adds to the quality of life.
    Find Scientist jobs in La Jolla, CA

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

Scientists in San Diego, CA, can find excellent opportunities with leading companies like L3Harris and Apple. These companies offer competitive salaries, attracting top talent in the field. Novartis, UC San Diego, and General Atomics also provide lucrative positions for those looking to advance their careers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Scientist jobs in San Diego, CA, highlighting L3Harris with the highest at $210,000 and Scripps Health with the lowest at $127,980.

  1. L3Harris
    Average Salary: $210,000
    L3Harris offers a wide range of Scientist positions in their San Diego facilities. They focus on advanced technologies in aerospace, defense, and communications. Candidates can find opportunities in locations like Chula Vista and Poway.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $190,778
    Apple has openings for Scientists in San Diego. They work on cutting-edge technology projects, enhancing products like iPhones and MacBooks. The company operates in locations such as the Apple Park in San Diego.


  3. Novartis
    Average Salary: $168,188
    Novartis provides roles for Scientists in San Diego. They focus on pharmaceutical research and development. Opportunities can be found in their facility located in Emeryville, California.


  4. UC San Diego
    Average Salary: $151,288
    UC San Diego offers various Scientist positions. They engage in academic and research activities. The university's main campus is located in La Jolla.


  5. General Atomics
    Average Salary: $133,902
    General Atomics has Scientist positions available in San Diego. They work on technology for defense and energy. Locations include Poway and Lindbergh Field.


  6. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $130,402
    Kaiser Permanente offers Scientist roles in San Diego. They focus on healthcare research and patient care. Locations include San Diego and La Jolla.


  7. Bristol Myers Squibb
    Average Salary: $129,869
    Bristol Myers Squibb provides opportunities for Scientists in San Diego. They work in pharmaceutical research and development. Their facility is located in Emeryville, California.


  8. Hologic
    Average Salary: $129,550
    Hologic offers roles for Scientists in San Diego. They focus on medical technology and innovation. Locations include San Diego and Carlsbad.


  9. Sharp HealthCare
    Average Salary: $128,572
    Sharp HealthCare offers Scientist positions in San Diego. They work in healthcare research and patient care. Their main facility is located in San Diego.


  10. Scripps Health
    Average Salary: $127,980
    Scripps Health provides roles for Scientists in San Diego. They focus on research and healthcare innovation. Locations include San Diego and La Jolla.

Currently 863 Scientist job openings, nationwide.

View Scientist Jobs in San Diego, CA

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