San Diego Salaries 2026: $91,361 Average
How much do jobs pay in San Diego? Compare 80+ occupation salaries from $38,150 to $266,294. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad metro area.
Quick Links: Top Paying Jobs in San Diego
Average Salary
$91,361
across all occupations
Highest Paying Job
$266,294
Physician
Occupations Covered
80
jobs with salary data
Cost of Living: San Diego, CA has a cost of living that is 42.8% above the national average. Consider this when comparing salaries.
Salaries in San Diego, CA by Occupation
About Working in San Diego, CA
This metropolitan area offers diverse career opportunities across multiple industries. The local economy supports a variety of occupations, and salary levels reflect the area's cost of living, industry mix, and labor market conditions.
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average salary across all occupations in San Diego, CA is $91,361 per year. Salaries range from $38,150 for Childcare Workers to $266,294 for Physicians. The metropolitan area employs approximately 45,629 workers across the 80 occupations we track.
San Diego, CA Economy Overview
The local economy is supported by a mix of industries including healthcare, retail, professional services, and manufacturing. Economic conditions and employment opportunities vary based on national and regional trends.
Major Industries in San Diego, CA
The San Diego, CA job market is driven by these key industries:
Cost of Living Considerations
Cost of living in this area reflects local housing costs, transportation needs, and regional economic conditions. It's important to consider cost of living when comparing salaries across different locations.
Cost of Living Index: 142.8(42.8% above national average)
Job Market Insights
The job market conditions vary based on local industries and economic trends. Job seekers should research specific industries and employers in the area. Networking and local connections can be valuable in the job search process.
Quality of Life in San Diego, CA
Quality of life factors include local amenities, climate, recreational opportunities, and community characteristics. Consider your personal priorities when evaluating career opportunities in different locations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salaries in San Diego, CA
What is the average salary in San Diego, CA?
The average salary across all occupations in San Diego, CA is approximately $91,361 per year. However, salaries vary significantly by occupation, experience level, and industry.
What are the highest paying jobs in San Diego, CA?
The highest paying occupation in San Diego, CA based on our data is Physician with an average salary of $266,294 per year. Other high-paying occupations can be found in the salary table above.
How does the cost of living affect salaries in San Diego, CA?
With a cost of living 42.8% above the national average, salaries in San Diego, CA tend to be higher to compensate. However, it's important to consider your overall financial picture, including housing, transportation, and other expenses.
Is San Diego, CA a good place to find a job?
San Diego, CA offers diverse employment opportunities across multiple industries. With 45,629 workers employed across the occupations we track, the metropolitan area has a substantial job market. Your prospects will depend on your industry, skills, and experience level.
Cost of Living in San Diego, CA
Salary is just one factor. Also consider these important aspects of living in San Diego, CA:
Popular Job Salaries in San Diego
Nearby Metro Areas to San Diego
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Salary Comparison: High vs Entry-Level Jobs in San Diego
| Job Title | Entry Level | Median | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician | $175,351 | $266,294 | $373,093 |
| Airline Pilot | $121,531 | $193,799 | $290,469 |
| Dentist | $126,511 | $187,296 | $275,584 |
| Financial Manager | $117,731 | $186,830 | $270,466 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $103,930 | $156,819 | $227,794 |
| Lawyer | $98,882 | $155,531 | $228,141 |
| Sales Manager | $101,365 | $149,997 | $220,887 |
| Pharmacist | $99,293 | $147,156 | $219,475 |