Salaries in San Marcos, CA

Updated on Mar 08, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in San Marcos, CA?

The average salary in San Marcos, CA is $64,051 per year.

In San Marcos, CA, the job market offers a variety of salary ranges that cater to different roles and skills. The average yearly salary stands at around $64,051, indicating a healthy income level for professionals in the area.


Many positions earn around $32,400, representing 41.1% of the jobs available. This indicates a strong opportunity for entry-level roles. As professionals gain experience, salaries increase significantly. For example, 19.7% of jobs pay approximately $44,238, while about 9% offer $56,076. These figures demonstrate the potential for salary growth.


More experienced workers can earn even higher salaries. About 6.4% of positions pay around $67,915, and 4.6% offer $79,753. Salaries continue to climb, with around 3.6% of job seekers earning $91,591, and 3.7% making $103,429. The highest salaries, reaching up to $162,620, are available for certain specialized roles.


Overall, San Marcos presents promising income opportunities for job seekers at various levels of experience. The diverse salary range allows individuals to find positions that align with their skills and career goals.

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What are the best paying jobs in San Marcos, CA?

The best paying jobs in San Marcos, CA, include several healthcare and technical roles. Physicians lead the way with an impressive average salary of $276,612. Other strong contenders are Nurse Practitioners and Dental Hygienists, earning around $140,422 and $111,894 respectively. Skilled professionals like Technical Project Leads and Speech Language Pathologists also enjoy high earnings, making these positions favorable options for job seekers in the area.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Marcos, CA, highlighting Physician with the highest at $276,612 and Radiologic Technologist with the lowest at $89,771.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $276,612
    A career in medicine offers high rewards for those who dedicate time and effort to study and training. In this area, skilled professionals can work in various settings, including hospitals and private practices. Local healthcare facilities, like Palomar Health, provide opportunities for physicians to make a significant impact on community health.
    Find Physician jobs in San Marcos, CA


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $140,422
    Nurse practitioners play a critical role in patient care by diagnosing conditions and providing treatment. In San Marcos, these professionals find jobs in clinics, hospitals, and even telehealth services, catering to a growing demand for healthcare. Organizations like Scripps Health value the expertise and support nurse practitioners bring to their teams.
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  3. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $111,894
    Dental hygienists focus on improving oral health through preventative care and education. Residents in this city benefit from their work in local offices, which emphasize patient comfort and quality service. Employers like Coast Dental offer rewarding positions with flexibility and great salaries.
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  4. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $111,332
    Technical project leads oversee various projects, ensuring that teams meet deadlines and stay on budget. Companies in the technology sector in San Marcos benefit from their expertise, helping to drive innovation. Leaders in this field often enjoy collaborative environments to bring technical projects to fruition.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in San Marcos, CA


  5. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $109,598
    Professionals in this role assess and treat communication disorders in individuals. They serve diverse populations, including children and adults, in schools and healthcare settings. Local schools and clinics prefer hiring dedicated speech language pathologists to enhance their clients' communication abilities.
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  6. School Psychologist
    Average Salary: $109,533
    School psychologists support students' mental health and academic performance through assessments and interventions. Working within educational institutions, they play a vital role in promoting well-being among students. Schools in San Marcos actively seek qualified professionals to enhance student support services.
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  7. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $109,153
    Registered nurses provide essential care to patients in various healthcare environments. This field offers numerous opportunities, particularly as healthcare facilities expand in the area. Local hospitals and clinics appreciate the dedication and skill that registered nurses contribute to patient care.
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  8. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $96,579
    Occupational therapists help individuals regain independence through personalized treatment plans and exercises. They work with clients of all ages, addressing physical and emotional challenges. Facilities in San Marcos offer supportive environments for occupational therapists to make a difference in their clients' lives.
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  9. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $94,605
    CDL drivers transport goods across various distances, playing a crucial role in the economy. Demand for qualified drivers continues to rise in San Marcos, as local businesses rely on timely deliveries. Companies appreciate responsible CDL drivers who prioritize safety and efficiency.
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  10. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $89,771
    Radiologic technologists perform imaging examinations to help diagnose medical conditions. They work closely with physicians and patients, ensuring accurate results and compassionate care. In this city, healthcare providers seek skilled professionals to support their diagnostic imaging needs.
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What are the best paying jobs in San Marcos, CA without a degree?

San Marcos, CA offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Positions such as Sales Inspector and Restaurant Manager lead the way, with average salaries of around $68,693 and $42,063, respectively. Other roles like Housekeeping and Recreation Assistant also provide solid earnings, making it possible to achieve financial success without formal education.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Marcos, CA without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $68,693 and Server with the lowest at $35,031.
  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $68,693
    In this role, professionals monitor product quality and ensure that sales standards are met. Companies like Vons and Albertsons in the area often seek individuals to conduct inspections and improve customer satisfaction. Strong attention to detail is important to maintain high standards.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in San Marcos, CA


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $42,063
    This position involves overseeing daily operations in a restaurant setting. People in this role handle staff management, customer service, and ensure a smooth dining experience. Many local eateries and fast food chains in San Marcos value effective leadership and strong communication skills.
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  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,496
    Housekeepers are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and organization in various facilities. In San Marcos, hotels and resorts hire individuals to ensure guest satisfaction through a tidy environment. This job requires attention to detail and a commitment to providing excellent service.
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  4. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $40,451
    In this position, workers help manage recreational activities and events. Local community centers and parks often hire assistants to engage with residents and improve programming. Good organizational and communication skills are essential to create enjoyable experiences.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in San Marcos, CA


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $40,356
    This role involves preparing meals and ensuring a smooth kitchen operation. Restaurants throughout San Marcos seek dedicated line cooks to work under chefs and deliver quality dishes. A passion for food and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are key.
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  6. Yard Worker
    Average Salary: $39,375
    Yard workers maintain the appearance and functionality of outdoor spaces. Companies like Home Depot and landscaping services in San Marcos hire individuals for tasks like pruning and planting. Physical stamina and a willingness to work outdoors are important in this job.
    Find Yard Worker jobs in San Marcos, CA


  7. Barista
    Average Salary: $37,643
    Baristas create and serve a variety of coffee drinks while providing excellent customer service. Local coffee shops look for friendly individuals who can handle busy environments and interact with customers. A love for coffee and creativity in drink preparation is a plus.
    Find Barista jobs in San Marcos, CA


  8. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $36,623
    Groundskeepers maintain parks, sports fields, and other outdoor areas. Local municipalities and recreational facilities in San Marcos seek workers to ensure these spaces are clean and well-kept. Attention to detail and basic landscaping skills play a crucial role in this job.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in San Marcos, CA


  9. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $36,463
    This role involves various kitchen tasks, from food prep to cleaning. Restaurants in San Marcos value team members who can work collaboratively and contribute to a positive kitchen atmosphere. Flexibility and a willingness to learn are essential for success.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in San Marcos, CA


  10. Server
    Average Salary: $35,031
    Servers take orders and deliver food and drinks to guests in dining establishments. Many restaurants in San Marcos appreciate friendly and efficient individuals who enhance the dining experience. Strong communication skills and a customer-first attitude are vital in this role.
    Find Server jobs in San Marcos, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in San Marcos, CA?

In San Marcos, CA, the best paying companies include Kaiser Permanente and ProCare Therapy, with average salaries reaching around $98,000 and $97,000, respectively. Other notable employers such as Cabrillo Hospice and Gary and Mary West PACE offer competitive salaries as well, demonstrating a strong job market for professionals in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Marcos, CA, highlighting Kaiser Permanente with the highest at $98,015 and California State University with the lowest at $70,987.
  1. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $98,015
    Kaiser Permanente is a leading healthcare provider that offers high-quality medical services and health plans.


  2. ProCare Therapy
    Average Salary: $97,037
    ProCare Therapy specializes in staffing healthcare professionals, providing therapy services across various settings.


  3. Cabrillo Hospice
    Average Salary: $88,678
    Cabrillo Hospice offers end-of-life care and support, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for patients.


  4. Gary and Mary West PACE
    Average Salary: $85,170
    Gary and Mary West PACE provides comprehensive care for older adults, promoting independence and well-being.


  5. AccentCare
    Average Salary: $78,127
    AccentCare delivers home healthcare services, ensuring patients receive personalized care in their own homes.


  6. DaVita
    Average Salary: $74,903
    DaVita is a premier provider of kidney care and dialysis services, dedicated to improving patient health.


  7. CONFIDENTIAL DENTAL PRACTICE
    Average Salary: $73,184
    This dental practice offers a range of dental services, focusing on patient satisfaction and oral health.


  8. Palomar College
    Average Salary: $72,786
    Palomar College provides higher education and career training opportunities to students in the region.


  9. Village Square Healthcare Center
    Average Salary: $71,377
    Village Square Healthcare Center offers comprehensive healthcare services, ensuring quality patient care.


  10. California State University
    Average Salary: $70,987
    California State University is a public university system that provides a diverse range of academic programs and services.

How does the cost of living in San Marcos, CA compare to the national average?

San Marcos, CA has a cost of living index of 115, which is 15% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This means residents can expect to pay more for housing, groceries, and other expenses compared to the rest of the country.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Marcos, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 50% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 20% higher, miscellaneous 15% higher.

San Marcos, CA, has a cost of living index that is noticeably higher than the nationwide average, which stands at 100. When we break down the various components, housing costs in San Marcos are significantly elevated, with a housing index of 150. This indicates that housing is about 50% more expensive than the national average. For those seeking jobs and a place to live, this could mean budgeting more for rent or mortgage payments.


Other essential costs also exceed the national average. Groceries in San Marcos have a cost index of 110, which is 10% higher than the national average. Utilities and transportation costs are also elevated at 105 and 115, respectively. Healthcare stands at a notable 120, reflecting a 20% increase compared to average costs across the country. Even miscellaneous expenses are 15% above average. Overall, while San Marcos offers many attractive qualities, job seekers should keep in mind that the cost of living here is higher than what is typical nationwide.

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San Marcos, CA
742 job openings