Scientist salary in San Diego, CA, 2026
How much does a Scientist make in San Diego, CA?
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The average salary for a scientist is $113,274 per year in San Diego, CA. 206 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated November 7, 2026).
Highest paying companies for Scientist in San Diego, CA
Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.Looking to Hire?
Highest paying cities for Scientists near San Diego, CA
Where can a Scientist earn more?
Compare salaries for Scientists in different locations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Scientist
The average salary for a Scientist is $113,274 per year in San Diego, CA. This figure is based on 206 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months, last updated on November 7, 2026.
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Scientist salaries in San Diego, CA typically range between a low of $75,268 and a high of $170,469 per year, depending on experience and the hiring company.
Some of the highest-paying cities for Scientist in San Diego, CA include San Jose, CA at $170,921 per year, San Francisco, CA at $148,694 per year, and Fremont, CA at $127,169 per year.
Based on recent job postings on Indeed, some of the top-paying companies for Scientist in San Diego, CA include L3Harris ($206,000 per year) and ASK Staffing ($168,584 per year).
Compensation can vary based on the specific niche and level of responsibility within the field. Here is how the average Scientist salary in San Diego, CA compares to related positions: