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Average salary by job family in San Luis Obispo
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $133,020 |
|---|---|
| Management | $131,580 |
| Legal | $131,520 |
| Computer and Mathematical | $125,330 |
| Architecture and Engineering | $114,260 |
| Business and Financial Operations | $93,770 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | $93,520 |
| Protective Service | $86,080 |
| Community and Social Service | $78,870 |
| Educational Instruction and Library | $77,720 |
| Construction and Extraction | $74,870 |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $72,270 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $69,790 |
| Production | $58,260 |
| Office and Administrative Support | $55,300 |
| Sales and Related | $51,600 |
| Transportation and Material Moving | $48,960 |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $45,530 |
| Personal Care and Service | $44,330 |
| Healthcare Support | $43,300 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | $43,270 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $40,450 |
Highest-paying jobs in San Luis Obispo
- Family Medicine Physicians$338,170
- Physicians, All Other$288,040
- Psychiatrists$287,650
- General Internal Medicine Physicians$258,160
- Chief Executives$223,220
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$201,490
- Natural Sciences Managers$199,540
- Lawyers$193,770
- Dentists, General$190,280
- Training and Development Managers$177,780
Most common jobs in San Luis Obispo and what they pay
| Job | Jobs | Average salary | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 4,160 | $36,720 | $34,320 |
| Retail Salespersons | 3,390 | $41,590 | $37,780 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 3,310 | $40,870 | $42,350 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | 3,100 | $38,370 | $36,570 |
| Cashiers | 3,010 | $39,740 | $36,550 |
| Office Clerks, General | 2,860 | $48,740 | $46,110 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 2,640 | $45,180 | $34,950 |
| General and Operations Managers | 2,280 | $125,390 | $101,840 |
| Registered Nurses | 2,180 | $147,410 | $138,820 |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 1,720 | $40,510 | $37,190 |
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Cost of living in San Luis Obispo
Prices in the San Luis Obispo area are 9% above the U.S. average, with a BEA price parity of 108.6 for 2024. The average local salary of $70,150 therefore buys what $64,597 would buy in a typical U.S. metro. A typical home is worth $909,699, 9.7 times the median household income of $93,398.
$909,699typical home value
$93,398median household income
108.6BEA price parity
281,486metro population
Take-home pay in San Luis Obispo
| Salary level | Gross | After tax | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile wage | $38,570 | $32,492 | $2,708 |
| Median wage | $50,770 | $41,735 | $3,478 |
| Average wage | $70,150 | $55,641 | $4,637 |
| 75th percentile wage | $81,370 | $62,599 | $5,217 |
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.
Salaries for every job in San Luis Obispo
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical30 jobs
- Family Medicine Physicians$338K
- Physicians, All Other$288K
- Psychiatrists$288K
- General Internal Medicine Physicians$258K
- Dentists, General$190K
- Nurse Practitioners$169K
- Pharmacists$168K
- Physician Assistants$160K
- Veterinarians$153K
- Registered Nurses$147K
- Optometrists$138K
- Dental Hygienists$130K
- Speech-Language Pathologists$114K
- Occupational Therapists$111K
- Physical Therapists$110K
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$109K
- Respiratory Therapists$108K
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians$102K
- Dietitians and Nutritionists$92K
- Chiropractors$86K
- Paramedics$86K
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$82K
- Surgical Technologists$79K
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$72K
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other$64K
- Pharmacy Technicians$59K
- Opticians, Dispensing$58K
- Medical Records Specialists$58K
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$57K
- Emergency Medical Technicians$46K
Management28 jobs
- Chief Executives$223K
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$201K
- Natural Sciences Managers$200K
- Training and Development Managers$178K
- Marketing Managers$177K
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$175K
- Industrial Production Managers$160K
- Financial Managers$158K
- Fundraising Managers$157K
- Medical and Health Services Managers$148K
- Managers, All Other$147K
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$145K
- Public Relations Managers$143K
- Human Resources Managers$142K
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers$133K
- Construction Managers$131K
- General and Operations Managers$125K
- Administrative Services Managers$125K
- Sales Managers$123K
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers$123K
- Facilities Managers$117K
- Social and Community Service Managers$94K
- Education Administrators, All Other$93K
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling$83K
- Food Service Managers$82K
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers$82K
- Lodging Managers$81K
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$67K
Legal3 jobs
Computer and Mathematical12 jobs
- Software Developers$156K
- Information Security Analysts$139K
- Data Scientists$128K
- Database Administrators$127K
- Computer Network Architects$125K
- Computer Systems Analysts$125K
- Computer Programmers$113K
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators$103K
- Web and Digital Interface Designers$93K
- Computer Network Support Specialists$80K
- Computer User Support Specialists$80K
- Web Developers$63K
Architecture and Engineering17 jobs
- Aerospace Engineers$143K
- Electrical Engineers$136K
- Environmental Engineers$122K
- Civil Engineers$117K
- Surveyors$112K
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$110K
- Mechanical Engineers$108K
- Industrial Engineers$104K
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$102K
- Engineers, All Other$102K
- Landscape Architects$95K
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians$90K
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$87K
- Mechanical Drafters$83K
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$83K
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$82K
- Architectural and Civil Drafters$77K
Business and Financial Operations21 jobs
- Personal Financial Advisors$135K
- Project Management Specialists$118K
- Property Appraisers and Assessors$108K
- Financial and Investment Analysts$103K
- Loan Officers$102K
- Compliance Officers$99K
- Logisticians$97K
- Management Analysts$96K
- Financial Specialists, All Other$95K
- Accountants and Auditors$95K
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$94K
- Cost Estimators$93K
- Training and Development Specialists$90K
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other$87K
- Human Resources Specialists$86K
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents$84K
- Fundraisers$82K
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$78K
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$78K
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners$68K
- Tax Preparers$64K
Life, Physical, and Social Science16 jobs
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$166K
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$125K
- School Psychologists$122K
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$113K
- Urban and Regional Planners$112K
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$105K
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$104K
- Biological Scientists, All Other$103K
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$101K
- Chemists$92K
- Soil and Plant Scientists$88K
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$88K
- Conservation Scientists$77K
- Agricultural Technicians$59K
- Food Science Technicians$57K
- Chemical Technicians$54K
Protective Service10 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$148K
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers$136K
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$123K
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$113K
- Correctional Officers and Jailers$103K
- Firefighters$78K
- Transportation Security Screeners$65K
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers$53K
- Security Guards$51K
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$40K
Community and Social Service15 jobs
- Healthcare Social Workers$113K
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$110K
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$109K
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$96K
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$80K
- Counselors, All Other$75K
- Clergy$72K
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers$71K
- Community Health Workers$70K
- Social Workers, All Other$64K
- Health Education Specialists$62K
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education$61K
- Social and Human Service Assistants$59K
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other$58K
- Rehabilitation Counselors$46K
Educational Instruction and Library17 jobs
- Special Education Teachers, All Other$104K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary$100K
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$95K
- Instructional Coordinators$93K
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists$92K
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$91K
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School$91K
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$90K
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School$83K
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$79K
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other$78K
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other$70K
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$58K
- Self-Enrichment Teachers$57K
- Library Technicians$54K
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education$48K
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$46K
Construction and Extraction20 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$98K
- Construction and Building Inspectors$91K
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$88K
- Electricians$84K
- Carpenters$80K
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers$74K
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$73K
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$71K
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons$67K
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers$67K
- Highway Maintenance Workers$66K
- Glaziers$66K
- Construction Laborers$64K
- Roofers$64K
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance$62K
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers$62K
- Fence Erectors$60K
- Tile and Stone Setters$57K
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners$53K
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other$50K
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media10 jobs
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair18 jobs
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers$123K
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers$97K
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers$96K
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$82K
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$81K
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers$78K
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$75K
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics$74K
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$72K
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers$69K
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers$64K
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$61K
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians$61K
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers$55K
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$55K
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$53K
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers$49K
- Tire Repairers and Changers$42K
Production24 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$84K
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$83K
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$82K
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$65K
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$60K
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$59K
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$58K
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$57K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$57K
- Machinists$56K
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters$53K
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$52K
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$50K
- Production Workers, All Other$49K
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$48K
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$46K
- Printing Press Operators$46K
- Helpers--Production Workers$45K
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$44K
- Bakers$43K
- Sewing Machine Operators$42K
- Food Batchmakers$42K
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers$41K
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers$38K
Office and Administrative Support32 jobs
- Public Safety Telecommunicators$88K
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants$85K
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$77K
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$73K
- Bill and Account Collectors$69K
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs$69K
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks$66K
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks$64K
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks$63K
- Postal Service Clerks$63K
- Postal Service Mail Carriers$61K
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$60K
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$59K
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other$56K
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks$56K
- Procurement Clerks$56K
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan$56K
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$55K
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$55K
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$53K
- Billing and Posting Clerks$53K
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping$52K
- File Clerks$51K
- Customer Service Representatives$51K
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$49K
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$49K
- Office Clerks, General$49K
- Tellers$48K
- Order Clerks$47K
- Receptionists and Information Clerks$46K
- Data Entry Keyers$45K
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks$40K
Sales and Related16 jobs
- Sales Engineers$172K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products$97K
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents$87K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$87K
- Real Estate Sales Agents$81K
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$80K
- Advertising Sales Agents$79K
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers$78K
- Insurance Sales Agents$74K
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other$59K
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$55K
- Parts Salespersons$48K
- Counter and Rental Clerks$47K
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters$45K
- Retail Salespersons$42K
- Cashiers$40K
Transportation and Material Moving14 jobs
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors$64K
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$62K
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$60K
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$58K
- Light Truck Drivers$51K
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$47K
- Driver/Sales Workers$44K
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$43K
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants$42K
- Stockers and Order Fillers$42K
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$42K
- Material Moving Workers, All Other$40K
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$39K
- Packers and Packagers, Hand$38K
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance8 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$66K
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners$63K
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$57K
- Pest Control Workers$51K
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other$51K
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$47K
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$45K
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$41K
Personal Care and Service17 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$57K
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$56K
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$54K
- Tour and Travel Guides$51K
- Residential Advisors$51K
- Animal Trainers$48K
- Skincare Specialists$47K
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other$45K
- Concierges$43K
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$43K
- Animal Caretakers$42K
- Childcare Workers$42K
- Manicurists and Pedicurists$41K
- Recreation Workers$40K
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$38K
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants$38K
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops$37K
Healthcare Support12 jobs
- Physical Therapist Assistants$77K
- Medical Equipment Preparers$70K
- Massage Therapists$66K
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$61K
- Dental Assistants$55K
- Phlebotomists$55K
- Medical Assistants$53K
- Nursing Assistants$48K
- Pharmacy Aides$47K
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$43K
- Physical Therapist Aides$38K
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides$37K
Food Preparation and Serving Related16 jobs
- Chefs and Head Cooks$63K
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$54K
- Bartenders$47K
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$46K
- Waiters and Waitresses$45K
- Cooks, Restaurant$43K
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$42K
- Cooks, All Other$42K
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other$42K
- Food Preparation Workers$41K
- Cooks, Fast Food$41K
- Fast Food and Counter Workers$41K
- Cooks, Short Order$40K
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$38K
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$38K
- Dishwashers$38K
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry5 jobs
Jobs paid by the hour in San Luis Obispo
For 1 job in the San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, 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 | $61.04 | $40.41 | 70 |
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Salary in San Luis Obispo: questions
What is a good salary in San Luis Obispo?
Half of all workers in the San Luis Obispo metro earn less than $50,770 and the average is $70,150. Earning more than $81,370 puts you in the top quarter of local wages.
How much do you need to earn in San Luis Obispo to match a $69,770 salary elsewhere?
About $75,767, because prices here are 9% above the U.S. average (BEA price parity 108.6).
What are the highest-paying jobs in San Luis Obispo?
Family Medicine Physicians ($338,170), Physicians, All Other ($288,040), Psychiatrists ($287,650).
What is the average salary in Paso Robles?
Paso Robles is part of the San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA metro area, where the average salary is $70,150 a year and the median $50,770. BLS does not publish separate wage figures for Paso Robles, 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 Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA (42020), all occupations and 361 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.