San Diego is among the best cities for jobs in 2019, according to a report by WalletHub. Out of the 182 cities surveyed, San Diego ranked 28th when compared to the rest across thirty indicators of employment-market strength.
Elsewhere, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the unemployment rate in the US has fallen to a low of 3.6%. Therefore, like in other parts of the country, hiring is up in San Diego. There are tons of careers ready to be filled by entry-level, intermediate level, first-level management, mid-level management, and senior-level applicants.
What about the money? Well, there are a good number of high paying jobs in San Diego. According to BLS, obstetricians and gynecologists are the highest paid professions in the area. And from the same source, here is a more detailed list of the best paying careers in San Diego starting with the highest in average salary:
| Rank & Title | Entry-level Salary | Average Salary |
| Gynecologists and obstetricians | $153,180 | $255,900 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $155,390 | $241,900 |
| Surgeons | $110,750 | $239,350 |
| Psychiatrists | $159,600 | $235,880 |
| Other Surgeons and Physicians | $98,080 | $224,900 |
| Chief Executives | $74,560 | $205,580 |
| General Internists | $92,370 | $205,130 |
| General and Family Practitioners | $83,000 | $199,110 |
| General Pediatricians | $125,620 | $194,300 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $94,340 | $170,550 |
| General Dentists | $68,300 | $168,250 |
| Engineering and Architectural Managers | $89,980 | $165,760 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $93,220 | $163,770 |
| Marketing Managers | $68,330 | $148,430 |
| Optometrists | $74,080 | $144,280 |
| Benefits and Compensation Managers | $67,070 | $142,780 |
| Financial Managers | $68,950 | $142,670 |
| Lawyers | $64,910 | $139,440 |
| Post-secondary Economics Teachers | $57,680 | $137,790 |
| Post-secondary Engineering Teachers | $80,230 | $134,600 |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $48,270 | $134,370 |
| All Other Managers | $81,930 | $129,550 |
| Pharmacists | $95,260 | $128,790 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Detectives and Police | $75,370 | $127,560
|
| Podiatrists | $35,900 | $127,320 |
| Post-secondary Chemistry Teachers | $56,480 | $127,080 |
| Human Resources Managers | $67,600 | $126,930 |
| Fundraising and Public Relation Managers | $66,770 | $126,220 |
| Mathematicians | $61,160 | $126,160 |
| General and Operations Managers | $47,780 | $125,500 |
“The average income in San Diego is $76,662 per year, which is higher than the $60,336 median across the entire US. In 2016, the average salary in San Diego was $71,481. From the figures, it is clear that there has been a 7.25% annual growth of the median wage for the San Diego workforce. So, as you begin your job search, it helps to have this in mind,” – noted Brenda Sommers, an HR Manager at Skillroads.
The Best Places to Work in San Diego According to Employees
“In today’s tight labor market, job seekers are in the driver’s seat when it comes to deciding where to work, and they want to know the inner workings of a company before accepting a new job,” – said Andrew Chamberlain, a Chief Economist at Glassdoor.
The San Diego job market is vibrant. To get an excellent idea of the ideal places you can work, it is always best to tap into the experiences of past and existing employees. So, here is a carefully handpicked choice of the best places to work based on employee feedback:
- Illumina
Illumina is a company with headquarters in San Diego, CA that specializes in enhancing human health through genetic analysis.
- Intuit
Intuit works to solve the most challenging financial problems by building Giant solutions like TurboTax, Quickbooks, and Mint. They are using the power of AI and Machine Learning, and an unrivaled set of data to help millions of customers to achieve financial freedom.
- Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Founded in 1994 and with headquarters in San Diego, CA, this company serves the aerospace defense industry. Its products and solutions are intended for the security of the USA and allies. With Kratos, you will have one of the best jobs in San Diego because the company offers a competitive benefits package that includes a 401K plan.
- Dexcom
This pharmaceuticals company has been positively impacting the care and management of diabetes by offering superior CGM (continuous glucose monitoring) tech to both patients and healthcare experts. According to employees, this company provides comprehensive benefits, among them 401K plans, health insurance, and paid time off.
- Sempra Energy
Started in 1998 and with a revenue of over $1 billion, Sempra Energy is one of America’s leading natural gas utilities companies. With an employee base of over 10,000, it worth checking out when you are looking for jobs in San Diego area.
- Dyson Real Estate
Dyson Ltd designs and manufactures an array of household appliances, for example, hand dryers, vacuum cleaners, bladeless fans, hair dryers, and heaters. It currently employs over 10,000 people across the globe.
- General Atomics
General Atomics serves the aerospace defense industry and is one of the leading providers of resources for high-tech systems such as nuclear fuel cycles. Its 10,000+ workforce enjoys benefits such as paid time off, insurance plans, health and retirement plans, as well as career development opportunities.
- NuVasive
NuVasive specializes in innovative medical solutions for spine surgeries. It employs between 1,000 to 10,000 people and has a revenue of over $1billion.
- Qualcomm
Qualcomm is a communications equipment company that designs, manufactures, and markets an array of digital communication solutions and gadgets across the planet. The company’s employees report that the company offers dental, medical plans, and prescription drug benefits. Apart from that, it provides wellness programs, time-off, and much more.
- Quidel
This pharmaceuticals company pioneers diagnostic healthcare solutions to improve the well-being of people across the planet. Quidel offers comprehensive 401K plans, life insurance, paid time off, employee stock purchasing options, health covers, among other benefits.
Top Companies in San Diego with Headquarters Elsewhere
- DLA Piper
Although headquartered in Washington, DC, this multinational legal firm has offices in over 40 countries (in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East).
- Eli Lilly and Co.
Elli Lilly & Co. is a pharmaceuticals company with headquarters in Indianapolis, IN, that is recognized for high-quality medicines distributed in 125+ countries.
- Johnson and Johnson
Johnson and Johnson is an American multinational company that specializes in pharmaceutical and medical devices as well as packaged goods.
- Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati (WSGR)
WSGR has headquarters in Palo Alto, CA. It is a US law firm that focuses on intellectual property, business, and securities law.
- Union Bank
With headquarters in New York, NY, this bank has an extensive network of branches.
In conclusion, these are some of the highest paying and companies you can work for in San Diego. Keep coming back, as we will keep updating our list to ensure you make informed career decisions. Also, it will help to stay informed about the next big industries in the area.
