Advertisement
Average salary by job family in San Diego
| Management | $156,320 |
|---|---|
| Legal | $154,420 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $135,680 |
| Computer and Mathematical | $134,020 |
| Architecture and Engineering | $123,540 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | $103,430 |
| Business and Financial Operations | $102,790 |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $84,500 |
| Educational Instruction and Library | $80,960 |
| Construction and Extraction | $76,000 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $69,110 |
| Protective Service | $69,060 |
| Community and Social Service | $68,560 |
| Sales and Related | $58,460 |
| Office and Administrative Support | $57,900 |
| Production | $56,530 |
| Transportation and Material Moving | $50,630 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $46,390 |
| Personal Care and Service | $46,020 |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $45,590 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | $44,220 |
| Healthcare Support | $43,170 |
Highest-paying jobs in San Diego
- Cardiologists$443,090
- Family Medicine Physicians$313,260
- Psychiatrists$309,660
- Physicians, Pathologists$308,000
- Dermatologists$302,150
- Physicians, All Other$291,840
- General Internal Medicine Physicians$289,630
- Chief Executives$281,170
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers$278,370
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists$270,380
Most common jobs in San Diego and what they pay
| Job | Jobs | Average salary | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 57,080 | $36,830 | $35,300 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 42,550 | $40,870 | $42,190 |
| Retail Salespersons | 34,390 | $41,850 | $37,810 |
| Cashiers | 30,420 | $39,820 | $37,020 |
| Registered Nurses | 28,680 | $145,060 | $139,520 |
| Office Clerks, General | 28,470 | $51,310 | $49,920 |
| General and Operations Managers | 26,230 | $144,610 | $119,600 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 24,050 | $47,700 | $35,850 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 21,950 | $44,270 | $43,320 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 21,700 | $41,970 | $38,450 |
Advertisement
Cost of living in San Diego
Prices in the San Diego area are 12% above the U.S. average, with a BEA price parity of 111.9 for 2024. The average local salary of $79,060 therefore buys what $70,661 would buy in a typical U.S. metro. A typical home is worth $946,365, 9.3 times the median household income of $102,285.
$946,365typical home value
$102,285median household income
111.9BEA price parity
3,282,782metro population
Take-home pay in San Diego
| Salary level | Gross | After tax | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile wage | $41,740 | $34,913 | $2,909 |
| Median wage | $58,690 | $47,624 | $3,969 |
| Average wage | $79,060 | $61,185 | $5,099 |
| 75th percentile wage | $97,410 | $72,391 | $6,033 |
Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2025 rules). California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included.
Compare San Diego with another city
Cost of living: San Diego vs other cities
- Atlanta vs San Diego
- Baltimore vs San Diego
- Boston vs San Diego
- Chicago vs San Diego
- Dallas vs San Diego
- Denver vs San Diego
- Detroit vs San Diego
- Houston vs San Diego
- Los Angeles vs San Diego
- Miami vs San Diego
- Minneapolis vs San Diego
- New York vs San Diego
- Philadelphia vs San Diego
- Phoenix vs San Diego
- Riverside vs San Diego
- San Diego vs San Francisco
- San Diego vs Seattle
- San Diego vs Tampa
- San Diego vs Washington
Salaries for every job in San Diego
Management37 jobs
- Chief Executives$281K
- Natural Sciences Managers$218K
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$211K
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$202K
- Financial Managers$199K
- Marketing Managers$192K
- Managers, All Other$177K
- Human Resources Managers$176K
- Training and Development Managers$172K
- Public Relations Managers$168K
- Compensation and Benefits Managers$163K
- Purchasing Managers$163K
- Medical and Health Services Managers$160K
- Fundraising Managers$153K
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$151K
- Industrial Production Managers$148K
- Advertising and Promotions Managers$146K
- General and Operations Managers$145K
- Sales Managers$143K
- Administrative Services Managers$140K
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary$138K
- Construction Managers$138K
- Emergency Management Directors$131K
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers$129K
- Gambling Managers$126K
- Education Administrators, All Other$118K
- Facilities Managers$115K
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents$113K
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers$108K
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling$96K
- Lodging Managers$95K
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers$92K
- Social and Community Service Managers$90K
- Funeral Home Managers$87K
- Food Service Managers$85K
- Personal Service Managers, All Other$82K
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$72K
Legal5 jobs
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical56 jobs
- Cardiologists$443K
- Family Medicine Physicians$313K
- Psychiatrists$310K
- Physicians, Pathologists$308K
- Dermatologists$302K
- Physicians, All Other$292K
- General Internal Medicine Physicians$290K
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists$270K
- Pediatricians, General$253K
- Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric$251K
- Podiatrists$241K
- Nurse Midwives$173K
- Dentists, General$169K
- Pharmacists$167K
- Radiation Therapists$167K
- Physician Assistants$165K
- Nurse Practitioners$165K
- Veterinarians$163K
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists$151K
- Registered Nurses$145K
- Optometrists$144K
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other$123K
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$123K
- Dental Hygienists$122K
- Occupational Therapists$119K
- Speech-Language Pathologists$116K
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists$116K
- Physical Therapists$115K
- Therapists, All Other$112K
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians$112K
- Respiratory Therapists$106K
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other$103K
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars$98K
- Orthotists and Prosthetists$97K
- Recreational Therapists$96K
- Dietitians and Nutritionists$95K
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians$89K
- Audiologists$84K
- Chiropractors$83K
- Surgical Technologists$83K
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$81K
- Hearing Aid Specialists$80K
- Athletic Trainers$77K
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$74K
- Paramedics$73K
- Acupuncturists$71K
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other$66K
- Medical Records Specialists$66K
- Opticians, Dispensing$62K
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$60K
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians$59K
- Exercise Physiologists$59K
- Pharmacy Technicians$59K
- Psychiatric Technicians$53K
- Emergency Medical Technicians$48K
- Dietetic Technicians$46K
Computer and Mathematical20 jobs
- Software Developers$163K
- Database Architects$157K
- Computer Network Architects$152K
- Mathematicians$145K
- Information Security Analysts$137K
- Data Scientists$134K
- Actuaries$134K
- Computer and Information Research Scientists$132K
- Statisticians$131K
- Computer Programmers$130K
- Web and Digital Interface Designers$129K
- Computer Occupations, All Other$128K
- Computer Systems Analysts$124K
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$119K
- Database Administrators$112K
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators$109K
- Web Developers$109K
- Operations Research Analysts$109K
- Computer Network Support Specialists$80K
- Computer User Support Specialists$75K
Architecture and Engineering32 jobs
- Computer Hardware Engineers$178K
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$156K
- Aerospace Engineers$144K
- Engineers, All Other$136K
- Electrical Engineers$131K
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers$129K
- Mechanical Engineers$124K
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$124K
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors$122K
- Marine Engineers and Naval Architects$121K
- Industrial Engineers$120K
- Civil Engineers$119K
- Materials Engineers$118K
- Environmental Engineers$117K
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers$111K
- Surveyors$109K
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$98K
- Landscape Architects$97K
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$93K
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians$93K
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists$92K
- Mechanical Drafters$90K
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians$85K
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians$83K
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters$82K
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians$81K
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians$80K
- Architectural and Civil Drafters$80K
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$79K
- Drafters, All Other$76K
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$74K
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians$62K
Life, Physical, and Social Science37 jobs
- Physicists$160K
- Economists$145K
- Physical Scientists, All Other$136K
- Psychologists, All Other$132K
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$129K
- Biochemists and Biophysicists$127K
- School Psychologists$125K
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists$117K
- Biological Scientists, All Other$116K
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$113K
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$113K
- Epidemiologists$112K
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$111K
- Urban and Regional Planners$110K
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians$109K
- Forensic Science Technicians$104K
- Microbiologists$104K
- Materials Scientists$103K
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$103K
- Chemists$101K
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$101K
- Foresters$98K
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists$97K
- Food Scientists and Technologists$94K
- Life Scientists, All Other$93K
- Soil and Plant Scientists$92K
- Survey Researchers$87K
- Conservation Scientists$86K
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$77K
- Anthropologists and Archeologists$74K
- Social Science Research Assistants$72K
- Biological Technicians$69K
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians$69K
- Forest and Conservation Technicians$66K
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$63K
- Chemical Technicians$61K
- Food Science Technicians$54K
Business and Financial Operations31 jobs
- Personal Financial Advisors$175K
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes$148K
- Financial Risk Specialists$126K
- Project Management Specialists$120K
- Financial and Investment Analysts$115K
- Financial Examiners$113K
- Management Analysts$111K
- Budget Analysts$111K
- Labor Relations Specialists$107K
- Credit Analysts$106K
- Accountants and Auditors$104K
- Property Appraisers and Assessors$104K
- Insurance Underwriters$103K
- Compliance Officers$102K
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other$101K
- Logisticians$100K
- Loan Officers$97K
- Cost Estimators$96K
- Financial Specialists, All Other$95K
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$94K
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$94K
- Human Resources Specialists$92K
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents$91K
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$88K
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents$87K
- Fundraisers$86K
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage$82K
- Training and Development Specialists$82K
- Credit Counselors$73K
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners$72K
- Tax Preparers$70K
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media30 jobs
- Art Directors$137K
- Producers and Directors$123K
- Special Effects Artists and Animators$118K
- Music Directors and Composers$112K
- Technical Writers$109K
- Film and Video Editors$108K
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners$105K
- Commercial and Industrial Designers$104K
- Writers and Authors$102K
- Media and Communication Workers, All Other$96K
- Public Relations Specialists$93K
- Fashion Designers$92K
- Designers, All Other$87K
- Interior Designers$86K
- Editors$84K
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists$83K
- Set and Exhibit Designers$81K
- Interpreters and Translators$80K
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other$78K
- Artists and Related Workers, All Other$77K
- Sound Engineering Technicians$68K
- Broadcast Technicians$68K
- Choreographers$64K
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film$63K
- Audio and Video Technicians$62K
- Lighting Technicians$61K
- Photographers$61K
- Coaches and Scouts$58K
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$46K
- Floral Designers$45K
Educational Instruction and Library55 jobs
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$183K
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary$170K
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary$168K
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary$165K
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary$164K
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary$153K
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary$148K
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary$147K
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary$141K
- History Teachers, Postsecondary$141K
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary$138K
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$137K
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary$133K
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$132K
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary$130K
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary$130K
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary$130K
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$129K
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary$125K
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other$124K
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary$123K
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$121K
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary$121K
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$120K
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$119K
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary$117K
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary$116K
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$116K
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$116K
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other$110K
- Instructional Coordinators$108K
- Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$104K
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$102K
- Special Education Teachers, All Other$101K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$97K
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists$95K
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool$95K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary$93K
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School$92K
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$91K
- Curators$88K
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other$86K
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School$86K
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$85K
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$72K
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other$70K
- Archivists$67K
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$61K
- Self-Enrichment Teachers$59K
- Museum Technicians and Conservators$56K
- Tutors$56K
- Library Technicians$55K
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary$51K
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education$47K
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$46K
Construction and Extraction36 jobs
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers$127K
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical$104K
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$100K
- Construction and Building Inspectors$99K
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$94K
- Sheet Metal Workers$83K
- Electricians$82K
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers$79K
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$79K
- Tapers$78K
- Carpenters$77K
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers$77K
- Glaziers$76K
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators$76K
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers$75K
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$74K
- Pipelayers$72K
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons$67K
- Roofers$65K
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons$65K
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers$63K
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles$63K
- Tile and Stone Setters$62K
- Construction Laborers$60K
- Carpet Installers$60K
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers$60K
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance$60K
- Highway Maintenance Workers$58K
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers$55K
- Helpers--Electricians$54K
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters$53K
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other$50K
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners$50K
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$48K
- Helpers--Carpenters$46K
- Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons$45K
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair43 jobs
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers$120K
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay$118K
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door$101K
- Commercial Divers$96K
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment$91K
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers$90K
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers$89K
- Avionics Technicians$87K
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$87K
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other$85K
- Medical Equipment Repairers$80K
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers$80K
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers$80K
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$76K
- Riggers$76K
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$75K
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$74K
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics$72K
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers$71K
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers$71K
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery$71K
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers$68K
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers$67K
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians$67K
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians$66K
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment$65K
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$64K
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers$63K
- Motorcycle Mechanics$61K
- Mechanical Door Repairers$60K
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$58K
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers$58K
- Rail Car Repairers$58K
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$56K
- Home Appliance Repairers$53K
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers$51K
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners$50K
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics$50K
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers$48K
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles$48K
- Bicycle Repairers$47K
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers$47K
- Tire Repairers and Changers$43K
Protective Service19 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$157K
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators$121K
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$109K
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$108K
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators$94K
- Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists$93K
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other$92K
- Firefighters$75K
- Transportation Security Screeners$68K
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers$62K
- Private Detectives and Investigators$60K
- Animal Control Workers$59K
- Parking Enforcement Workers$59K
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers$53K
- Protective Service Workers, All Other$52K
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators$46K
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$45K
- Security Guards$43K
- School Bus Monitors$41K
Community and Social Service17 jobs
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$92K
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$92K
- Healthcare Social Workers$86K
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$84K
- Social Workers, All Other$84K
- Clergy$78K
- Health Education Specialists$69K
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education$68K
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$67K
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers$67K
- Marriage and Family Therapists$65K
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other$61K
- Community Health Workers$60K
- Social and Human Service Assistants$54K
- Counselors, All Other$52K
- Rehabilitation Counselors$48K
- Religious Workers, All Other$47K
Sales and Related21 jobs
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products$127K
- Sales Engineers$127K
- Real Estate Brokers$105K
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents$102K
- Insurance Sales Agents$94K
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers$92K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$87K
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$86K
- Advertising Sales Agents$78K
- Real Estate Sales Agents$70K
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other$60K
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$57K
- Travel Agents$54K
- Parts Salespersons$49K
- Counter and Rental Clerks$48K
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers$45K
- Telemarketers$44K
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters$43K
- Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers$42K
- Retail Salespersons$42K
- Cashiers$40K
Office and Administrative Support49 jobs
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants$87K
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$79K
- Brokerage Clerks$79K
- Public Safety Telecommunicators$78K
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$71K
- Meter Readers, Utilities$71K
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs$69K
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks$68K
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks$66K
- Postal Service Mail Carriers$64K
- Postal Service Clerks$64K
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other$62K
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators$62K
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks$61K
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$60K
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other$59K
- Cargo and Freight Agents$59K
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks$57K
- Procurement Clerks$57K
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$57K
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$57K
- New Accounts Clerks$57K
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$57K
- Billing and Posting Clerks$56K
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$56K
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan$56K
- Word Processors and Typists$56K
- Financial Clerks, All Other$56K
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$55K
- Bill and Account Collectors$54K
- File Clerks$54K
- Customer Service Representatives$53K
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks$52K
- Office Clerks, General$51K
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks$51K
- Order Clerks$51K
- Library Assistants, Clerical$51K
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer$50K
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service$50K
- Correspondence Clerks$50K
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$49K
- Tellers$48K
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping$47K
- Data Entry Keyers$45K
- Couriers and Messengers$45K
- Receptionists and Information Clerks$44K
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service$44K
- Gambling Cage Workers$42K
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks$42K
Production74 jobs
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers$154K
- Gas Plant Operators$102K
- Power Plant Operators$95K
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$85K
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$84K
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers$84K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers$83K
- Tool and Die Makers$80K
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$80K
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers$79K
- Plant and System Operators, All Other$77K
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic$75K
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers$68K
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers$66K
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$65K
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters$65K
- Machinists$65K
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$63K
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$62K
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$62K
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$61K
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$60K
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$60K
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$59K
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$58K
- Medical Appliance Technicians$57K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$57K
- Dental Laboratory Technicians$56K
- Prepress Technicians and Workers$56K
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators$54K
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other$54K
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners$54K
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$53K
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$53K
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers$52K
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters$52K
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$52K
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$51K
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$51K
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$51K
- Production Workers, All Other$51K
- Upholsterers$50K
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic$50K
- Helpers--Production Workers$50K
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$49K
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$49K
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$49K
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$49K
- Semiconductor Processing Technicians$49K
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$49K
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$49K
- Printing Press Operators$49K
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$48K
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$48K
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers$47K
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$47K
- Etchers and Engravers$46K
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$46K
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$46K
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers$45K
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers$45K
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders$45K
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders$45K
- Bakers$44K
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$44K
- Food Batchmakers$42K
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand$42K
- Food Processing Workers, All Other$42K
- Sewing Machine Operators$41K
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers$40K
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other$40K
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials$39K
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers$39K
- Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers$38K
Transportation and Material Moving34 jobs
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers$278K
- Commercial Pilots$157K
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels$93K
- Ship Engineers$91K
- Transportation Inspectors$86K
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$84K
- Crane and Tower Operators$83K
- Traffic Technicians$76K
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors$69K
- Subway and Streetcar Operators$68K
- Airfield Operations Specialists$68K
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$65K
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$60K
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$60K
- Bus Drivers, School$59K
- Transportation Workers, All Other$58K
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers$57K
- Aircraft Service Attendants$53K
- Sailors and Marine Oilers$53K
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other$52K
- Light Truck Drivers$51K
- Driver/Sales Workers$49K
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$49K
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$44K
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$44K
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers$43K
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants$43K
- Stockers and Order Fillers$43K
- Parking Attendants$42K
- Passenger Attendants$41K
- Material Moving Workers, All Other$41K
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$40K
- Packers and Packagers, Hand$39K
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians$39K
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry6 jobs
Personal Care and Service27 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers$77K
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$60K
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$58K
- Embalmers$58K
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$56K
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers$52K
- Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners$52K
- Gambling Service Workers, All Other$51K
- Costume Attendants$51K
- Animal Trainers$50K
- Gambling Dealers$50K
- Skincare Specialists$48K
- Residential Advisors$47K
- Concierges$46K
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants$45K
- Tour and Travel Guides$45K
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$45K
- Animal Caretakers$43K
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other$43K
- Recreation Workers$43K
- Manicurists and Pedicurists$42K
- Childcare Workers$42K
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops$42K
- Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other$41K
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$39K
- Funeral Attendants$39K
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants$38K
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance10 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$68K
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners$67K
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$60K
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other$51K
- Pest Control Workers$50K
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other$48K
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation$48K
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$46K
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$45K
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$42K
Food Preparation and Serving Related16 jobs
- Chefs and Head Cooks$65K
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$51K
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$48K
- Waiters and Waitresses$48K
- Bartenders$47K
- Cooks, Restaurant$46K
- Cooks, All Other$43K
- Cooks, Fast Food$42K
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$42K
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$41K
- Food Preparation Workers$41K
- Fast Food and Counter Workers$41K
- Dishwashers$40K
- Cooks, Short Order$40K
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other$39K
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$39K
Healthcare Support16 jobs
- Occupational Therapy Assistants$85K
- Physical Therapist Assistants$79K
- Medical Equipment Preparers$67K
- Massage Therapists$60K
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$59K
- Phlebotomists$57K
- Dental Assistants$54K
- Medical Assistants$53K
- Pharmacy Aides$52K
- Orderlies$52K
- Psychiatric Aides$51K
- Nursing Assistants$50K
- Medical Transcriptionists$47K
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$47K
- Physical Therapist Aides$46K
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides$37K
Jobs paid by the hour in San Diego
For 2 jobs in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro area BLS publishes an hourly wage only, because the work is rarely full-time all year (gigs, seasons, performances). An annual figure would overstate what most people earn, so we show the hourly rate.
| Job | Average per hour | Median per hour | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musicians and Singers | $57.48 | $51.13 | 370 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | $21.60 | $18.07 | 400 |
Average salary in nearby cities
Advertisement
What locals say: vote a badge
Tap the badges that describe this place. One vote per badge and visitor, no account. A badge shows in the city rankings after 3 votes.
Salary in San Diego: questions
What is a good salary in San Diego?
Half of all workers in the San Diego metro earn less than $58,690 and the average is $79,060. Earning more than $97,410 puts you in the top quarter of local wages.
How much do you need to earn in San Diego to match a $69,770 salary elsewhere?
About $78,064, because prices here are 12% above the U.S. average (BEA price parity 111.9).
What are the highest-paying jobs in San Diego?
Cardiologists ($443,090), Family Medicine Physicians ($313,260), Psychiatrists ($309,660).
What is the average salary in Chula Vista?
Chula Vista is part of the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro area, where the average salary is $79,060 a year and the median $58,690. BLS does not publish separate wage figures for Chula Vista, so these metro figures are the closest official guide.
What is the average salary in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad is part of the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro area, where the average salary is $79,060 a year and the median $58,690. BLS does not publish separate wage figures for Carlsbad, so these metro figures are the closest official guide.
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. Area San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA (41740), all occupations and 671 individual jobs. What a metro area includes.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Population and median household income: Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2023.
- Home value: Zillow Home Value Index.
- Take-home pay: Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2025 rules). California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included.
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.