City Town Info

San Diego Employment

Employment and Industries in the San Diego, California Area

Located in Southern California, the San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos metropolitan area has a robust business environment. There are five Fortune 1000 company headquarters located in the San Diego area, and numerous others throughout Southern California. The largest company headquartered in the San Diego area is Sempra Energy. The most famous are probably Jack in the Box, Petco Animal Supplies, and Qualcomm.

The San Diego area is home to many world renowned research centers, including the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Salk Institute, the Scripps Research Institute, and the Burnham Research Institute. In addition, many major corporations also have research and development labs in San Diego, including Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia, and Texas Instruments.

The San Diego area has one of the most highly educated work forces in the United States. According to the United States Census Bureau, San Diego ranked as the tenth best educated city in the United States with 39% of the population holding a college degree or higher. In 2005, Central Connecticut State University ranked San Diego as one of the forty most literate cities in America.

In its 2006 list of "Best Cities for Doing Business" in the United States, Inc. magazine ranked the San Diego metropolitan area twentieth in the large cities category. Inc. has ranked San Diego in the top 20 for all three years of the survey (2004-2006). The criteria used for the list emphasizes regional growth. San Diego was also well ranked on Forbes magazine's 2005 list of "Best Places For Business and Careers". Forbes ranked San Diego twenty-fifth out of the 150 largest metropolitan areas in the United States. In the same survey, Forbes also ranked San Diego twenty-first for job growth. The San Diego metropolitan area also achieved a "5-Star Business Opportunity Metro" ranking from Expansion Management’s 2005 Mayor’s Challenge ranking of the "Top Business Opportunity Metros." Ranking criteria used in the survey include business climate, transportation and logistics infrastructure, quality of life, public education, and other areas important for corporate site selection.

San Diego's economy was traditionally heavily dependent on tourism and defense. Initiatives by public officials in the 1980s have helped to diversify the San Diego area economy and make it less dependent on its traditional base. The San Diego metropolitan area has become a center for biotechnology, communications, computer and electronics manufacturing, medical equipment manufacturing, pharmaceutical development, and software development and computer services. In 2004, the Milken Institute ranked San Diego as the number one biotech cluster in the United States.

The United States Military has a major presence and impact on the San Diego area economy. There is a major Navy and Marines Corps presence in and around San Diego. San Diego is the home port of the largest naval fleet in the world, including the carriers USS Nimitz and the USS Ronald Reagan, and many other navy ships.

Another major influence on the San Diego area's economy is the Port of San Diego. Not only is the port home to a major U.S. Navy presence, it is also a major port of embarkation for cruise ships, as well as home to the largest ship building plant on the west coast, General Dynamics NASSCO. It is the only shipyard on the west coast capable of building and repairing large ocean-going vessels.

For business travelers, the San Diego metropolitan area is served by the San Diego International Airport (SAN). SAN is the thirtieth busiest airport in the United States.

Notable companies in the San Diego metropolitan area include:

  • Edison International
  • General Dynamics NASSCO
  • Jack in the Box
  • Kyocera
  • Petco Animal Supplies
  • Qualcomm
  • Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC)
  • Sempra Energy

Major business organizations in the San Diego area include:

The San Diego Business Journal, and the San Diego Daily Transcript are both good sources of information on business and economy in the San Diego area.

Most Popular Jobs in San Diego, California Metro Area (2008 data)

Where the Majority of Workers Have College Degrees

RankTitleLocal JobsLocal Mean SalaryTypical Local SalaryNational Growth % 2006-2016National % With College Degree
1Registered nurses24,38078,880$57,850 - 104,10024%56%
2Elementary school teachers, except special education13,40067,020$35,530 - 108,01014%95%
3Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education11,98065,900$38,280 - 97,5806%96%
4Accountants and auditors10,08065,590$41,350 - 96,15018%79%
5Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products9,56063,800$32,020 - 109,7008%51%
6Management analysts6,57095,250$45,300 - 22%78%
7Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education6,31066,750$42,310 - 98,11011%95%
8Computer software engineers, applications6,22086,560$47,040 - 128,13045%85%
9Lawyers5,970128,610$58,270 - 11%99%
10Financial managers5,720120,010$60,240 - 13%60%
11Sales managers5,350113,170$46,070 - 10%69%
12Medical scientists, except epidemiologists4,79082,440$43,780 - 126,57020%99%
13Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products4,61076,860$35,310 - 122,50012%51%
14Electronics engineers, except computer4,31098,770$61,750 - 141,3704%81%
15Computer software engineers, systems software4,29096,040$57,430 - 138,41028%85%
16Computer specialists, all other4,19079,070$43,870 - 118,56015%68%
17Computer systems analysts3,93076,230$49,430 - 106,06029%68%
18Engineering managers3,850131,100$82,900 - 7%84%
19Teachers and instructors, all other3,85049,360$27,220 - 79,2509%54%
20Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety, and transportation3,82057,760$32,370 - 85,4805%58%
21Human resources, training, and labor relations specialists, all other3,75055,730$34,230 - 85,87017%56%
22Engineers, all other3,74093,000$54,550 - 135,7906%82%
23Educational, vocational, and school counselors3,62053,170$21,480 - 98,11013%73%
24Civil engineers3,50080,540$57,430 - 108,05018%87%
25Managers, all other3,300104,570$57,870 - 160,0007%55%
26Network and computer systems administrators3,28071,330$44,780 - 102,08027%50%
27Computer and information systems managers3,020114,840$67,350 - 16%73%
28Computer programmers2,97076,770$42,330 - 109,3600%73%
29Mechanical engineers2,82081,370$40,850 - 128,0504%78%
30Self-enrichment education teachers2,77043,510$24,760 - 68,28023%54%
31Graphic designers2,65049,770$29,610 - 71,77010%55%
32Social and human service assistants2,64030,650$18,430 - 47,49034%58%
33Chief executives2,640191,920$97,800 - 2%65%
34Marketing managers2,550121,670$61,850 - 14%69%
35Public relations specialists2,52057,260$26,600 - 98,06018%81%
36Detectives and criminal investigators2,51062,890$39,370 - 93,75017%54%
37Market research analysts2,49070,990$35,260 - 122,35020%82%
38Sales and related workers, all other2,23043,440$18,380 - 70,10014%62%
39Pharmacists2,200118,190$105,410 - 137,72022%97%
40Financial specialists, all other2,12060,220$30,020 - 99,50012%50%
41Network systems and data communications analysts2,11073,630$45,990 - 104,70053%57%
42Instructional coordinators2,10074,480$34,790 - 116,65023%79%
43Medical and health services managers2,030102,080$53,650 - 161,63016%57%
44Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents2,02091,710$36,050 - 25%67%
45Financial analysts2,01093,080$49,960 - 154,48034%87%
46Child, family, and school social workers1,98050,980$33,460 - 68,16019%77%
47Biological technicians1,94048,270$29,480 - 71,63016%60%
48Industrial engineers1,84077,910$53,250 - 107,11020%74%
49Education administrators, elementary and secondary school1,820111,250$76,750 - 151,5108%78%
50Chemists1,80092,990$57,260 - 130,2709%93%
51Electrical engineers1,70094,250$59,410 - 133,0606%81%
52Computer hardware engineers1,61080,350$35,030 - 128,2805%70%
53Medical and clinical laboratory technicians1,58043,000$28,040 - 63,00015%51%
54Sales engineers1,54093,890$47,770 - 152,1909%79%
55Personal financial advisors1,54073,130$38,290 - 115,37041%81%
56Community and social service specialists, all other1,52046,100$24,780 - 70,82025%58%
57Coaches and scouts1,51043,140$19,860 - 67,94015%60%
58Training and development specialists1,50058,650$34,590 - 89,07018%56%
59Employment, recruitment, and placement specialists1,49055,120$29,840 - 88,28018%56%
60Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists1,47070,250$34,440 - 110,84016%99%
61Environmental scientists and specialists, including health1,46066,150$38,000 - 99,97025%93%
62Architects, except landscape and naval1,44092,150$53,570 - 137,53018%88%
63Education administrators, postsecondary1,44081,920$44,380 - 159,42014%78%
64Database administrators1,38064,010$33,470 - 105,56029%72%
65Advertising sales agents1,37059,950$27,600 - 104,88020%56%
66Health educators1,30038,010$23,480 - 59,61026%58%
67Natural sciences managers1,300149,100$84,830 - 11%93%
68Aerospace engineers1,290100,710$67,980 - 136,10010%87%
69Biochemists and biophysicists1,29088,820$43,240 - 152,05016%95%
70Physical therapists1,17078,180$57,840 - 100,82027%89%
71Mental health and substance abuse social workers1,09040,550$23,810 - 65,14030%77%
72Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists1,08059,820$40,830 - 84,08018%56%
73Social and community service managers1,06062,970$38,300 - 92,93025%72%
74Insurance underwriters1,02055,720$36,310 - 83,6506%53%
75Editors1,02046,390$29,920 - 72,2502%81%
76Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school1,01069,410$43,950 - 101,16020%87%
77Environmental engineers99088,200$58,890 - 129,03025%86%
78Producers and directors95078,170$30,350 - 155,33011%75%
79Dentists, general950124,720$64,510 - 9%100%
80Physician assistants93083,400$64,740 - 122,95027%67%
81Mental health counselors92049,200$25,820 - 84,27030%73%
82Rehabilitation counselors89037,000$21,990 - 53,41023%73%
83Medical and public health social workers89058,830$36,740 - 80,98024%77%
84Budget analysts89072,120$46,230 - 105,0207%78%
85Purchasing managers88097,830$57,790 - 149,0803%57%
86Computer and information scientists, research860102,530$71,140 - 137,71022%68%
87Speech-language pathologists82084,190$59,450 - 110,76011%98%
88Occupational therapists81076,320$54,780 - 99,31023%90%
89Librarians81060,140$36,720 - 91,9404%85%
90Special education teachers, secondary school81072,250$44,550 - 108,5709%87%
91Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors75037,420$26,970 - 51,53034%73%
92Human resources managers, all other730111,820$69,130 - 11%58%
93Credit analysts72066,580$36,470 - 103,0502%60%
94Technical writers72072,200$45,710 - 98,84020%74%
95Education, training, and library workers, all other72037,610$21,670 - 49,77011%79%
96Urban and regional planners72070,730$36,440 - 101,59015%92%
97Healthcare practitioners and technical workers, all other71070,330$39,980 - 103,79015%72%
98Medical and clinical laboratory technologists71066,740$47,070 - 89,14012%51%
99Social workers, all other68047,270$29,110 - 72,38018%77%
100Interior designers66051,080$31,220 - 72,57020%55%

Where the Majority of Workers Do Not Have College Degrees

RankTitleLocal JobsLocal Mean SalaryTypical Local SalaryNational Growth % 2006-2016National % With College Degree
1Retail salespersons48,17025,770$16,920 - 40,50012%25%
2Cashiers32,30022,390$16,710 - 33,910-2%10%
3Office clerks, general32,14028,740$18,290 - 39,96013%19%
4Waiters and waitresses26,54020,200$16,680 - 24,70011%14%
5Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food23,45019,820$16,670 - 25,74018%5%
6General and operations managers20,580119,770$53,060 - 2%48%
7Executive secretaries and administrative assistants19,87044,250$28,590 - 63,94015%18%
8Customer service representatives18,27035,770$22,450 - 51,30025%22%
9Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners18,09025,000$17,440 - 37,85015%4%
10Stock clerks and order fillers15,94025,020$17,120 - 37,710-7%8%
11Business operations specialists, all other15,88067,710$34,160 - 110,50021%49%
12Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks15,85037,170$25,180 - 50,89013%16%
13First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers15,20052,130$31,650 - 77,4406%29%
14Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand15,03025,230$17,390 - 36,8802%5%
15Landscaping and groundskeeping workers14,28025,520$18,800 - 36,22018%6%
16Teacher assistants13,47028,320$19,930 - 38,45010%18%
17Security guards12,58025,400$17,960 - 36,16017%13%
18Construction laborers12,29036,220$21,730 - 59,68011%5%
19First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers12,12040,670$23,000 - 63,1704%25%
20Maintenance and repair workers, general11,61036,740$22,310 - 55,64010%6%
21Maids and housekeeping cleaners10,96020,490$16,900 - 25,56013%5%
22Food preparation workers10,51020,610$16,740 - 26,84015%7%
23Team assemblers10,49024,770$17,670 - 34,5400%5%
24Cooks, fast food9,91018,600$16,660 - 20,7708%5%
25Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop9,38019,730$16,690 - 24,67010%8%
26Cooks, restaurant9,37024,240$19,180 - 30,81012%5%
27Carpenters9,34047,930$29,610 - 69,45010%6%
28Sales representatives, services, all other9,29060,800$27,830 - 104,85028%48%
29Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive9,16034,100$21,610 - 50,0201%18%
30Receptionists and information clerks8,82026,400$17,900 - 37,07017%13%
31Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants8,46025,600$20,180 - 32,58018%7%
32First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers8,30030,030$19,310 - 44,81011%14%
33Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer8,17042,260$28,670 - 56,61010%4%
34Medical secretaries8,08031,110$21,030 - 44,36017%18%
35Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks7,90029,140$18,990 - 41,4004%6%
36Truck drivers, light or delivery services7,67031,200$18,430 - 53,6908%4%
37Packers and packagers, hand7,63019,590$16,670 - 24,150-11%3%
38Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers7,25018,910$16,670 - 21,47012%6%
39Bartenders7,09021,460$16,710 - 29,25011%17%
40Medical assistants6,59029,890$22,000 - 40,28035%10%
41Counter and rental clerks6,51027,010$16,990 - 43,75023%16%
42Computer support specialists6,30046,970$29,330 - 67,36013%43%
43Electricians6,25047,880$28,400 - 74,3707%7%
44Dishwashers6,14018,890$16,690 - 22,37010%3%
45First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers6,13075,930$51,630 - 105,4309%10%
46Tellers5,87026,530$20,010 - 35,11014%16%
47Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses5,79044,930$34,200 - 55,90014%7%
48Automotive service technicians and mechanics5,65042,560$22,760 - 63,74014%4%
49Child care workers5,26023,390$17,330 - 30,75018%15%
50Billing and posting clerks and machine operators5,09035,190$25,480 - 48,0704%15%
51Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters5,06052,570$34,120 - 75,74011%4%
52Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop4,69019,250$16,760 - 23,15010%17%
53Home health aides4,52023,540$17,610 - 32,31049%7%
54First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers4,45058,320$34,770 - 88,590-4%15%
55Office and administrative support workers, all other4,17028,070$18,620 - 41,390-8%32%
56Painters, construction and maintenance4,07041,180$30,270 - 57,83012%6%
57Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers3,97034,880$21,140 - 55,910-6%14%
58Property, real estate, and community association managers3,95052,620$16,940 - 105,06015%36%
59Postsecondary teachers, all other3,92070,300$35,390 - 123,6000%0%
60Bill and account collectors3,87035,270$26,460 - 47,67023%13%
61Amusement and recreation attendants3,85020,710$16,690 - 28,96024%22%
62Dental assistants3,74033,800$22,720 - 46,13029%9%
63Production, planning, and expediting clerks3,73047,620$27,670 - 69,4704%30%
64Industrial truck and tractor operators3,65035,240$21,710 - 53,550-1%2%
65Police and sheriff's patrol officers3,63073,140$53,860 - 93,89011%33%
66Preschool teachers, except special education3,58028,810$20,660 - 38,78026%43%
67Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products3,50062,420$36,930 - 97,0700%42%
68First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers3,45063,970$35,520 - 92,9907%13%
69Food service managers3,45048,400$35,100 - 65,4605%24%
70Cleaners of vehicles and equipment3,34021,980$16,710 - 31,02014%3%
71Machinists3,34039,590$23,120 - 58,540-2%3%
72Postal service mail carriers3,290 1%11%
73Order clerks3,28030,650$21,000 - 41,760-23%16%
74Assemblers and fabricators, all other3,26029,420$17,850 - 41,920-8%5%
75Recreation workers3,20023,840$17,390 - 32,28013%47%
76Parking lot attendants3,17020,320$16,640 - 25,93012%14%
77All other information and record clerks3,12037,640$23,330 - 51,180-12%21%
78Helpers--production workers2,98021,950$17,070 - 29,9100%4%
79Loan officers2,94076,410$34,320 - 136,78012%49%
80Insurance claims and policy processing clerks2,94038,080$26,560 - 52,3600%22%
81Driver/sales workers2,94022,710$16,640 - 38,280-4%4%
82Telemarketers2,88027,270$17,450 - 39,780-9%14%
83Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors2,86035,130$18,340 - 56,82027%47%
84Legal secretaries2,80044,300$25,560 - 65,57012%18%
85Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists2,78025,030$17,190 - 36,15012%6%
86Insurance sales agents2,72072,620$31,700 - 149,09013%45%
87Drywall and ceiling tile installers2,69048,910$33,520 - 71,3607%2%
88Personal and home care aides2,68021,080$17,320 - 25,77051%10%
89Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators2,67058,320$38,700 - 82,6309%47%
90Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks2,67022,040$17,500 - 27,16017%14%
91Electrical and electronic engineering technicians2,60058,430$31,390 - 94,2304%18%
92Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators2,58061,300$40,830 - 83,0308%3%
93First-line supervisors/managers of non-retail sales workers2,54074,740$39,880 - 113,8404%38%
94Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers2,39056,850$44,490 - 66,0303%13%
95Pharmacy technicians2,37036,110$26,880 - 48,18032%16%
96Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders2,36024,120$17,810 - 31,400-4%5%
97Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers2,33027,110$17,870 - 39,680-26%6%
98Cost estimators2,31067,310$36,140 - 103,70019%32%
99Interviewers, except eligibility and loan2,29029,930$17,560 - 48,27010%24%
100Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers2,29039,330$22,030 - 57,7905%2%
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Career Schools in San Diego

Schools with flexible schedules, simple applications, online info request forms, and rapid responses to requests for info.

(Also see all California Colleges.)

Argosy University
San Diego, California
  • Programs: Business And Management, Education And Teaching, Family And Social Work, Liberal Arts, Medical Administration, Medical Support And Technology, Medicine, Religion And Philosophy, Security And Law Enforcement, Therapy And Counseling
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Bachelor, Doctorate, Master
  • Request Info From The School

California College San Diego
San Diego, California
  • Programs: Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Design, Engineering Technician, Medical Administration, Medical Support And Technology, Medicine, Nursing And Emergency Medicine
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Bachelor, Master
  • Request Info From The School

DeVry University
San Diego, California
  • Programs: Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Design, Engineering Technician, Family And Social Work, Media, Medical Administration, Medical Support And Technology
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Bachelor, Diploma, Master
  • Request Info From The School

DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management
San Diego, California
  • Programs: Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Education And Teaching, Family And Social Work, Hospitality, Medical Administration, Security And Law Enforcement
  • Degrees/Course Work: Graduate Certificate, Master
  • Request Info From The School

ITT Technical Institute
San Diego, California
  • Programs: Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Design, Engineering, Engineering Technician, Law, Media, Medical Administration, Nursing And Emergency Medicine, Real Estate And Construction Management, Security And Law Enforcement
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Bachelor, Diploma, Master
  • Request Info From The School

Kaplan College KHE
San Diego, California
  • Programs: Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Construction Trades, Law, Mechanics And Repair, Media, Medical Administration, Medical Support And Technology, Nursing And Emergency Medicine, Nutrition And Exercise Therapy, Photography And Commercial Art, Security And Law Enforcement, Therapy And Counseling
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Certificate, Diploma
  • Request Info From The School

Marinello Schools of Beauty
San Diego, California

NewSchool of Architecture & Design
San Diego, California
  • Programs: Architecture And Planning, Computer Science And Engineering, Design, Real Estate And Construction Management
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Bachelor, Master
  • Request Info From The School

The Art Institutes
San Diego, California
  • Programs: Architecture And Planning, Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Cooking And Culinary Arts, Design, Drama And Performing Arts, Engineering Technician, Hospitality, Media, Music, Photography And Commercial Art
  • Degrees/Course Work: Advanced Diploma, Associate, Bachelor, Bachelor , Certificate, Certificate , Diploma
  • Request Info From The School

UEI College
San Diego, California
  • Programs: Business And Management, Engineering Technician, Mechanics And Repair, Medical Support And Technology, Nursing And Emergency Medicine, Office And Administration, Security And Law Enforcement
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Diploma
  • Request Info From The School

University of Phoenix
San Diego, California
  • Programs: Business And Management, Computer Science And Engineering, Education And Teaching, Family And Social Work, Hospitality, Liberal Arts, Media, Medical Administration, Medicine, Nursing And Emergency Medicine, Nutrition And Exercise Therapy, Security And Law Enforcement, Therapy And Counseling
  • Degrees/Course Work: Associate, Bachelor, Doctorate, Master
  • Request Info From The School

University of Redlands
San Diego, California

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Jobs More Common Near San Diego Than Most Other Cities

* Average job popularity for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal JobsPop. vs. Avg.*
Forest and conservation workers22,62026029.5
Home economics teachers, postsecondary91,45017018
Gaming service workers, all other23,77093012.8
Slot key persons25,5406709.4
Sociologists 2509.4
Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary84,0303108.7
Life scientists, all other83,4805907.6
Floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles37,9203906.6
Biological science teachers, postsecondary66,1002,1706.3
Biochemists and biophysicists88,8201,2906.2
Gaming cage workers29,9906006.2
Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers55,6807905.9
Architecture teachers, postsecondary89,1001505.7
Artists and related workers, all other35,9802905.6
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists82,4404,7905.6
Engineering teachers, postsecondary94,8307105.4
Costume attendants34,6701205.3
Psychologists, all other100,9203204.8
Gaming change persons and booth cashiers23,2405504.7
Animal trainers31,1102704.7
Microbiologists89,8505904.7
Media and communication equipment workers, all other54,8405804.6
Law clerks34,2901,2604.5
Social science research assistants44,1504604.3
Precision instrument and equipment repairers, all other50,1802304.3
Forest and conservation technicians39,3102704.2
Physics teachers, postsecondary101,4902704.1
Manicurists and pedicurists19,0801,5304
Stonemasons43,7903603.9
Concierges27,1707203.7
Computer and information scientists, research102,5308603.7
Plasterers and stucco masons40,8101,1903.5
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners40,3504803.5
Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary88,3203303.5
Biological technicians48,2701,9403.4
Chemistry teachers, postsecondary87,7504303.2
Electro-mechanical technicians47,0304103.2
Natural sciences managers149,1001,3003.1
Criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondary86,4101603
Biological scientists, all other61,1206503
Law teachers, postsecondary100,7301403
Electronics engineers, except computer98,7704,3103
Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers37,9005303
Tour guides and escorts29,2607003
Detectives and criminal investigators62,8902,5102.9
Protective service workers, all other31,9102,1702.9
Transportation workers, all other41,0707702.9
Locksmiths and safe repairers38,5003602.9
Aerospace engineers100,7101,2902.8
Choreographers48,6101602.8

Work Paying Relatively Well in the San Diego, California Metro Area (2008 data)

* Average Salary Index for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalarySalary Index *Local Jobs
Music directors and composers99,9301.96110
Writers and authors104,5801.95510
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary110,5401.86940
Radio and television announcers63,4701.63200
Tax preparers53,9501.53640
Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary101,4501.53680
Cement masons and concrete finishers56,3901.521,850
Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary88,3201.52330
Police and sheriff's patrol officers73,1401.513,630
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary89,8801.47650
Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers51,0201.47360
Vocational education teachers, postsecondary70,9101.46900
Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers28,1401.46880
Criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondary86,4101.44160
Veterinary technologists and technicians41,2201.43780
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators61,3001.432,580
Surveying and mapping technicians53,8301.42380
Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers55,6801.41790
Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators50,9101.41370
Chemists92,9901.411,800
Communications teachers, postsecondary87,0401.41340
Crane and tower operators63,9901.41140
Special education teachers, secondary school72,2501.4810
Glaziers55,3301.4490
Legal support workers, all other64,7101.39750
Healthcare practitioners and technical workers, all other70,3301.39710
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines59,6901.391,060
Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school69,4101.391,010
Opticians, dispensing47,1601.39610
Producers and directors78,1701.38950
Brickmasons and blockmasons62,5001.37600
Special education teachers, middle school69,5501.36470
Microbiologists89,8501.36590
Education administrators, elementary and secondary school111,2501.361,820
Electrical power-line installers and repairers74,5001.36310
Nonfarm animal caretakers28,0901.361,900
Natural sciences managers149,1001.361,300
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators52,5201.35180
Water and liquid waste treatment plant and system operators55,0201.35530
Bus drivers, transit and intercity40,9501.351,630
Elementary school teachers, except special education67,0201.3513,400
Fire fighters56,5201.341,820
Medical equipment repairers58,6601.34460
Baggage porters and bellhops27,7401.34810
Bus drivers, school34,8701.332,020
Gaming and sports book writers and runners29,0801.33120
Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education66,7501.336,310
Dental hygienists83,8101.321,440
Financial analysts93,0801.312,010
Refuse and recyclable material collectors39,4701.311,010

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