Canva
Highest-paying jobs in San Diego
Stacker collected information on the highest-paying jobs in San Diego-Carlsbad, CA, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by average annual salary with information up to date as of May 2021.
In San Diego, the annual mean wage is $67,200 or 15.3% higher than national mean of $58,260, while the highest-paying occupation makes $356,270. Read on to see which jobs make the list.
You may also like: Cities with the most expensive homes in San Diego metro area
1 / 50
Ohiodominican // Wikimedia Commons
#50. Physician assistants
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $127,660
- #70 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,180
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,460
- Employment: 132,940
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portsmouth, NH-ME ($167,240)
--- Panama City, FL ($165,000)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($164,150)
- Annual mean salary: $127,660
- #70 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,180
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,460
- Employment: 132,940
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portsmouth, NH-ME ($167,240)
--- Panama City, FL ($165,000)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($164,150)
2 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#49. Political science teachers, postsecondary
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $128,760
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,980
- Employment: 14,060
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($155,350)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($150,290)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($140,340)
- Annual mean salary: $128,760
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,980
- Employment: 14,060
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($155,350)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($150,290)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($140,340)
3 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#48. Nurse practitioners
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $130,240
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,110
National
- Annual mean salary: $118,040
- Employment: 234,690
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($197,870)
--- Napa, CA ($184,700)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($180,380)
- Annual mean salary: $130,240
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,110
National
- Annual mean salary: $118,040
- Employment: 234,690
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($197,870)
--- Napa, CA ($184,700)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($180,380)
4 / 50
Pressmaster // Shutterstock
#46 (tie). Public relations managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $130,510
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 650
National
- Annual mean salary: $138,000
- Employment: 59,850
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($183,410)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($182,890)
--- Boulder, CO ($174,250)
- Annual mean salary: $130,510
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 650
National
- Annual mean salary: $138,000
- Employment: 59,850
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($183,410)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($182,890)
--- Boulder, CO ($174,250)
5 / 50
Canva
#46 (tie). Sales managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $130,510
- #113 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,250
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,390
- Employment: 453,800
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($198,960)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($196,910)
--- Boulder, CO ($182,820)
- Annual mean salary: $130,510
- #113 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,250
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,390
- Employment: 453,800
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($198,960)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($196,910)
--- Boulder, CO ($182,820)
You may also like: Highest-earning zip codes in San Diego metro area
6 / 50
Lucky Business // Shutterstock
#45. Chemistry teachers, postsecondary
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $131,120
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,060
- Employment: 20,260
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($140,550)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($136,870)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($135,160)
- Annual mean salary: $131,120
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,060
- Employment: 20,260
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($140,550)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($136,870)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($135,160)
7 / 50
Canva
#44. Radiation therapists
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $131,280
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,000
- Employment: 16,050
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($169,080)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($159,660)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($131,960)
- Annual mean salary: $131,280
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,000
- Employment: 16,050
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($169,080)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($159,660)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($131,960)
8 / 50
Pixabay
#43. Advertising and promotions managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $131,550
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,860
- Employment: 22,520
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($193,980)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($182,520)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($166,620)
- Annual mean salary: $131,550
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,860
- Employment: 22,520
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($193,980)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($182,520)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($166,620)
9 / 50
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
#42. Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $133,010
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,980
- Employment: 44,140
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($157,340)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($149,220)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($138,090)
- Annual mean salary: $133,010
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,980
- Employment: 44,140
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($157,340)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($149,220)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($138,090)
10 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#41. Purchasing managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $133,450
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 720
National
- Annual mean salary: $134,590
- Employment: 69,310
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($181,030)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($177,010)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($174,760)
- Annual mean salary: $133,450
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 720
National
- Annual mean salary: $134,590
- Employment: 69,310
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($181,030)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($177,010)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($174,760)
You may also like: Highest paying jobs in San Diego that require a graduate degree
11 / 50
Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock
#40. Industrial production managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $133,490
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,460
National
- Annual mean salary: $117,780
- Employment: 192,270
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($155,640)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($153,860)
--- Fort Collins, CO ($153,470)
- Annual mean salary: $133,490
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,460
National
- Annual mean salary: $117,780
- Employment: 192,270
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($155,640)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($153,860)
--- Fort Collins, CO ($153,470)
12 / 50
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock
#39. Software developers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $133,580
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 16,510
National
- Annual mean salary: $120,990
- Employment: 1,364,180
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($167,420)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($158,320)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($148,220)
- Annual mean salary: $133,580
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 16,510
National
- Annual mean salary: $120,990
- Employment: 1,364,180
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($167,420)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($158,320)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($148,220)
13 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#38. Fundraising managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $134,160
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,400
- Employment: 23,190
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($175,610)
--- Syracuse, NY ($155,700)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($153,980)
- Annual mean salary: $134,160
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,400
- Employment: 23,190
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($175,610)
--- Syracuse, NY ($155,700)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($153,980)
14 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#37. Clinical and counseling psychologists
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $136,630
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,050
National
- Annual mean salary: $99,640
- Employment: 58,100
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($136,630)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($134,200)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($133,060)
- Annual mean salary: $136,630
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,050
National
- Annual mean salary: $99,640
- Employment: 58,100
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($136,630)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($134,200)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($133,060)
15 / 50
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
#36. Computer and information research scientists
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $138,590
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 980
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,650
- Employment: 30,840
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($209,890)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($202,020)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($183,750)
- Annual mean salary: $138,590
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 980
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,650
- Employment: 30,840
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($209,890)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($202,020)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($183,750)
You may also like: Highest paying jobs in San Diego that require a bachelor's degree
16 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#35. Training and development managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $138,680
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 470
National
- Annual mean salary: $128,800
- Employment: 35,830
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($180,360)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($176,270)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($166,410)
- Annual mean salary: $138,680
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 470
National
- Annual mean salary: $128,800
- Employment: 35,830
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($180,360)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($176,270)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($166,410)
17 / 50
Canva
#34. Dentists, general
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $139,000
- #286 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,660
National
- Annual mean salary: $167,160
- Employment: 108,680
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Manchester, NH ($276,510)
--- Salinas, CA ($234,410)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($229,800)
- Annual mean salary: $139,000
- #286 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,660
National
- Annual mean salary: $167,160
- Employment: 108,680
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Manchester, NH ($276,510)
--- Salinas, CA ($234,410)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($229,800)
18 / 50
NNSA // Flickr
#33. Law teachers, postsecondary
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $139,520
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $130,820
- Employment: 14,110
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($165,990)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($152,750)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($152,190)
- Annual mean salary: $139,520
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $130,820
- Employment: 14,110
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($165,990)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($152,750)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($152,190)
19 / 50
Pixabay
#32. Compensation and benefits managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $140,780
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $139,470
- Employment: 15,330
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($190,560)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($187,770)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($177,130)
- Annual mean salary: $140,780
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $139,470
- Employment: 15,330
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($190,560)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($187,770)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($177,130)
20 / 50
Canva
#31. Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $140,800
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,230
- Employment: 2,730
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($157,890)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($140,800)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($139,060)
- Annual mean salary: $140,800
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,230
- Employment: 2,730
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($157,890)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($140,800)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($139,060)
You may also like: Highest-rated Mexican restaurants in San Diego, according to Tripadvisor
21 / 50
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
#30. Computer science teachers, postsecondary
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $141,580
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,610
- Employment: 37,600
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($152,280)
--- Auburn-Opelika, AL ($145,360)
--- Tuscaloosa, AL ($144,170)
- Annual mean salary: $141,580
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,610
- Employment: 37,600
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($152,280)
--- Auburn-Opelika, AL ($145,360)
--- Tuscaloosa, AL ($144,170)
22 / 50
Canva
#29. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $143,690
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,760
- Employment: 128,230
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($182,700)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($170,740)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($164,600)
- Annual mean salary: $143,690
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,760
- Employment: 128,230
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($182,700)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($170,740)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($164,600)
23 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#28. Human resources managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $143,930
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,080
National
- Annual mean salary: $136,590
- Employment: 166,530
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($190,020)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($186,930)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($175,410)
- Annual mean salary: $143,930
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,080
National
- Annual mean salary: $136,590
- Employment: 166,530
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($190,020)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($186,930)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($175,410)
24 / 50
indukas // Shutterstock
#27. Physicists
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $144,120
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $151,580
- Employment: 20,020
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($199,830)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($195,300)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($188,250)
- Annual mean salary: $144,120
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $151,580
- Employment: 20,020
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($199,830)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($195,300)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($188,250)
25 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#26. Physics teachers, postsecondary
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $144,580
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $99,480
- Employment: 12,460
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($148,140)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($144,580)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($142,450)
- Annual mean salary: $144,580
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $99,480
- Employment: 12,460
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($148,140)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($144,580)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($142,450)
You may also like: Highest-rated Chinese restaurants in San Diego, according to Tripadvisor
26 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#25. Biological science teachers, postsecondary
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $145,000
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,710
- Employment: 47,690
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($181,560)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($166,470)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($152,140)
- Annual mean salary: $145,000
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,710
- Employment: 47,690
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($181,560)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($166,470)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($152,140)
27 / 50
Grace Nichols // U.S. Air Force
#24. Pharmacists
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $145,790
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,600
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,690
- Employment: 312,550
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($168,640)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($163,840)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($158,420)
- Annual mean salary: $145,790
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,600
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,690
- Employment: 312,550
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($168,640)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($163,840)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($158,420)
28 / 50
Matej Kastelic // Shutterstock
#23. Business teachers, postsecondary
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $146,590
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,720
- Employment: 79,640
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Auburn-Opelika, AL ($175,640)
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($175,080)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($154,600)
- Annual mean salary: $146,590
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,720
- Employment: 79,640
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Auburn-Opelika, AL ($175,640)
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($175,080)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($154,600)
29 / 50
ESB Professional // Shutterstock
#22. Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $147,770
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,840
- Employment: 10,250
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($152,120)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($149,790)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($147,770)
- Annual mean salary: $147,770
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,840
- Employment: 10,250
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($152,120)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($149,790)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($147,770)
30 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#21. Engineering teachers, postsecondary
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $150,240
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,590
- Employment: 35,440
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($157,030)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($154,130)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($153,050)
- Annual mean salary: $150,240
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,590
- Employment: 35,440
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($157,030)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($154,130)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($153,050)
You may also like: Most common jobs in San Diego
31 / 50
TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr
#20. Marketing managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $151,890
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,070
National
- Annual mean salary: $153,440
- Employment: 278,690
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($210,280)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($198,870)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($191,310)
- Annual mean salary: $151,890
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,070
National
- Annual mean salary: $153,440
- Employment: 278,690
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($210,280)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($198,870)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($191,310)
32 / 50
Aniwat phromrungsee // Shutterstock
#19. Commercial divers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $155,470
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,010
- Employment: 2,670
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($155,470)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($110,130)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($92,100)
- Annual mean salary: $155,470
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,010
- Employment: 2,670
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($155,470)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($110,130)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($92,100)
33 / 50
Canva
#18. Financial managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $159,210
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,530
National
- Annual mean salary: $153,460
- Employment: 681,070
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($209,100)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($201,330)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($188,900)
- Annual mean salary: $159,210
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,530
National
- Annual mean salary: $153,460
- Employment: 681,070
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($209,100)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($201,330)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($188,900)
34 / 50
SeventyFour // Shutterstock
#17. Computer hardware engineers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $161,580
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,870
National
- Annual mean salary: $136,230
- Employment: 73,750
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,210)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($183,320)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($161,580)
- Annual mean salary: $161,580
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,870
National
- Annual mean salary: $136,230
- Employment: 73,750
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,210)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($183,320)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($161,580)
35 / 50
Rappaport Center // Wikimedia Commons
#16. Lawyers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $165,480
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,900
National
- Annual mean salary: $148,030
- Employment: 681,010
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($231,200)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($191,460)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($186,610)
- Annual mean salary: $165,480
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,900
National
- Annual mean salary: $148,030
- Employment: 681,010
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($231,200)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($191,460)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($186,610)
You may also like: Dogs available for adoption in San Diego
36 / 50
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
#15. Computer and information systems managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $173,700
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,220
National
- Annual mean salary: $162,930
- Employment: 485,190
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($228,030)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($211,470)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($202,800)
- Annual mean salary: $173,700
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,220
National
- Annual mean salary: $162,930
- Employment: 485,190
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($228,030)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($211,470)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($202,800)
37 / 50
Pixabay
#14. Architectural and engineering managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $175,260
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,890
National
- Annual mean salary: $158,970
- Employment: 187,100
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($228,000)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($206,050)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($198,430)
- Annual mean salary: $175,260
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,890
National
- Annual mean salary: $158,970
- Employment: 187,100
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($228,000)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($206,050)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($198,430)
38 / 50
Canva
#13. Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $176,220
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 960
National
- Annual mean salary: $133,310
- Employment: 191,830
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($226,440)
--- Jackson, MS ($202,690)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($183,250)
- Annual mean salary: $176,220
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 960
National
- Annual mean salary: $133,310
- Employment: 191,830
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($226,440)
--- Jackson, MS ($202,690)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($183,250)
39 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#12. Economics teachers, postsecondary
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $180,490
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $124,090
- Employment: 11,790
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($180,550)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($180,490)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($172,600)
- Annual mean salary: $180,490
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $124,090
- Employment: 11,790
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($180,550)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($180,490)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($172,600)
40 / 50
NTNU // Flickr
#11. Natural sciences managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $197,720
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,290
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,110
- Employment: 74,760
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($222,360)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($219,240)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($216,750)
- Annual mean salary: $197,720
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,290
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,110
- Employment: 74,760
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($222,360)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($219,240)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($216,750)
You may also like: Zip codes with the most expensive homes in San Diego metro area
41 / 50
Maurizio Pesce // flickr
#10. Chief executives
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $210,830
- #126 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,040
National
- Annual mean salary: $213,020
- Employment: 200,480
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($313,440)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($298,960)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($296,480)
- Annual mean salary: $210,830
- #126 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,040
National
- Annual mean salary: $213,020
- Employment: 200,480
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($313,440)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($298,960)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($296,480)
42 / 50
Canva
#9. Family medicine physicians
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $217,910
- #193 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,550
National
- Annual mean salary: $235,930
- Employment: 102,930
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Coeur d'Alene, ID ($336,820)
--- Fond du Lac, WI ($336,140)
--- Gainesville, GA ($330,930)
- Annual mean salary: $217,910
- #193 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,550
National
- Annual mean salary: $235,930
- Employment: 102,930
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Coeur d'Alene, ID ($336,820)
--- Fond du Lac, WI ($336,140)
--- Gainesville, GA ($330,930)
43 / 50
Canva
#8. Podiatrists
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $231,930
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $158,380
- Employment: 8,840
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($231,930)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($219,920)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($205,040)
- Annual mean salary: $231,930
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $158,380
- Employment: 8,840
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($231,930)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($219,920)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($205,040)
44 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#7. Ophthalmologists, except pediatric
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $239,710
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $270,090
- Employment: 11,610
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($356,830)
--- Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($355,740)
--- York-Hanover, PA ($344,470)
- Annual mean salary: $239,710
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $270,090
- Employment: 11,610
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($356,830)
--- Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($355,740)
--- York-Hanover, PA ($344,470)
45 / 50
Canva
#6. Pediatricians, general
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $242,720
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $198,420
- Employment: 33,620
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($298,760)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($298,320)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($291,940)
- Annual mean salary: $242,720
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $198,420
- Employment: 33,620
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($298,760)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($298,320)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($291,940)
You may also like: Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in San Diego
46 / 50
Canva
#5. General internal medicine physicians
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $261,490
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $242,190
- Employment: 58,260
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rockford, IL ($359,200)
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($350,330)
--- Sumter, SC ($334,810)
- Annual mean salary: $261,490
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $242,190
- Employment: 58,260
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rockford, IL ($359,200)
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($350,330)
--- Sumter, SC ($334,810)
47 / 50
LightField Studios // Shutterstock
#4. Psychiatrists
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $305,450
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $249,760
- Employment: 25,520
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($360,840)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($360,740)
--- Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN ($333,190)
- Annual mean salary: $305,450
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $249,760
- Employment: 25,520
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($360,840)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($360,740)
--- Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN ($333,190)
48 / 50
Canva
#3. Obstetricians and gynecologists
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $322,640
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $296,210
- Employment: 21,570
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($377,980)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($375,200)
--- Modesto, CA ($362,780)
- Annual mean salary: $322,640
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $296,210
- Employment: 21,570
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($377,980)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($375,200)
--- Modesto, CA ($362,780)
49 / 50
Roman Zaiets // Shutterstock
#2. Radiologists
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $356,060
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $301,720
- Employment: 29,530
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($370,570)
--- Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN ($358,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($358,450)
- Annual mean salary: $356,060
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $301,720
- Employment: 29,530
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($370,570)
--- Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN ($358,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($358,450)
50 / 50
Komsan Loonprom // Shutterstock
#1. Cardiologists
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $356,270
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $353,970
- Employment: 18,610
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($411,230)
--- Cleveland-Elyria, OH ($365,880)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($363,270)
- Annual mean salary: $356,270
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $353,970
- Employment: 18,610
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($411,230)
--- Cleveland-Elyria, OH ($365,880)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($363,270)
You may also like: Lowest-paying jobs in San Diego
