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Average salary by job family in San Jose
| Management | $229,190 |
|---|---|
| Legal | $228,260 |
| Computer and Mathematical | $202,060 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $165,480 |
| Architecture and Engineering | $162,460 |
| Business and Financial Operations | $134,790 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | $129,000 |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $117,900 |
| Construction and Extraction | $94,480 |
| Educational Instruction and Library | $93,930 |
| Community and Social Service | $88,900 |
| Sales and Related | $82,530 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $82,000 |
| Protective Service | $77,230 |
| Office and Administrative Support | $71,180 |
| Production | $61,470 |
| Transportation and Material Moving | $57,200 |
| Personal Care and Service | $53,010 |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $52,590 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | $48,930 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $47,180 |
| Healthcare Support | $46,620 |
Highest-paying jobs in San Jose
- Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric$584,430
- Psychiatrists$364,570
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$319,670
- General Internal Medicine Physicians$306,970
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers$305,220
- Lawyers$288,980
- Family Medicine Physicians$281,700
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists$280,820
- Financial Managers$273,690
- Physicians, Pathologists$266,450
Most common jobs in San Jose and what they pay
| Job | Jobs | Average salary | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developers | 87,350 | $221,710 | $213,110 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 49,610 | $39,360 | $37,640 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 23,060 | $44,980 | $44,570 |
| Registered Nurses | 22,930 | $194,950 | $216,740 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 19,070 | $319,670 | $291,660 |
| Retail Salespersons | 18,340 | $47,420 | $44,220 |
| General and Operations Managers | 17,230 | $190,310 | $163,860 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | 16,680 | $195,680 | $184,430 |
| Cashiers | 16,530 | $45,090 | $42,960 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 15,780 | $46,900 | $43,870 |
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Cost of living in San Jose
Prices in the San Jose area are 10% above the U.S. average, with a BEA price parity of 110.4 for 2024. The average local salary of $119,230 therefore buys what $107,976 would buy in a typical U.S. metro. A typical home is worth $1,610,466, 10.2 times the median household income of $157,444.
$1,610,466typical home value
$157,444median household income
110.4BEA price parity
1,969,353metro population
Take-home pay in San Jose
| Salary level | Gross | After tax | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile wage | $49,800 | $41,014 | $3,418 |
| Median wage | $84,050 | $64,235 | $5,353 |
| Average wage | $119,230 | $85,712 | $7,143 |
| 75th percentile wage | $166,940 | $113,936 | $9,495 |
Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2025 rules). California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included.
Salaries for every job in San Jose
Management33 jobs
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$320K
- Financial Managers$274K
- Human Resources Managers$258K
- Marketing Managers$255K
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$253K
- Natural Sciences Managers$252K
- Advertising and Promotions Managers$247K
- Managers, All Other$235K
- Training and Development Managers$234K
- Public Relations Managers$229K
- Compensation and Benefits Managers$227K
- Sales Managers$213K
- Purchasing Managers$206K
- Fundraising Managers$193K
- General and Operations Managers$190K
- Emergency Management Directors$190K
- Medical and Health Services Managers$183K
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers$181K
- Industrial Production Managers$180K
- Administrative Services Managers$177K
- Construction Managers$168K
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$163K
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary$162K
- Facilities Managers$157K
- Education Administrators, All Other$114K
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling$111K
- Social and Community Service Managers$109K
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers$106K
- Funeral Home Managers$103K
- Personal Service Managers, All Other$103K
- Lodging Managers$100K
- Food Service Managers$98K
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$77K
Legal5 jobs
Computer and Mathematical19 jobs
- Software Developers$222K
- Computer and Information Research Scientists$217K
- Data Scientists$213K
- Web and Digital Interface Designers$201K
- Information Security Analysts$197K
- Computer Occupations, All Other$196K
- Computer Network Architects$193K
- Database Architects$191K
- Statisticians$183K
- Web Developers$167K
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$160K
- Computer Systems Analysts$157K
- Actuaries$154K
- Computer Programmers$151K
- Database Administrators$145K
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators$136K
- Computer Network Support Specialists$136K
- Operations Research Analysts$129K
- Computer User Support Specialists$96K
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical53 jobs
- Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric$584K
- Psychiatrists$365K
- General Internal Medicine Physicians$307K
- Family Medicine Physicians$282K
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists$281K
- Physicians, Pathologists$266K
- Nurse Practitioners$226K
- Podiatrists$223K
- Physician Assistants$208K
- Radiation Therapists$197K
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists$196K
- Registered Nurses$195K
- Veterinarians$192K
- Dentists, General$192K
- Pharmacists$190K
- Physicians, All Other$190K
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$166K
- Optometrists$156K
- Genetic Counselors$156K
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists$156K
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians$151K
- Respiratory Therapists$146K
- Dental Hygienists$143K
- Physical Therapists$140K
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other$138K
- Occupational Therapists$137K
- Speech-Language Pathologists$134K
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians$134K
- Audiologists$132K
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other$130K
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars$129K
- Chiropractors$120K
- Dietitians and Nutritionists$119K
- Orthotists and Prosthetists$106K
- Surgical Technologists$105K
- Recreational Therapists$99K
- Acupuncturists$99K
- Medical Records Specialists$97K
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other$97K
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$97K
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$94K
- Paramedics$93K
- Therapists, All Other$92K
- Athletic Trainers$91K
- Exercise Physiologists$84K
- Hearing Aid Specialists$83K
- Pharmacy Technicians$77K
- Emergency Medical Technicians$73K
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians$69K
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$68K
- Opticians, Dispensing$66K
- Psychiatric Technicians$63K
- Dietetic Technicians$58K
Architecture and Engineering28 jobs
- Computer Hardware Engineers$209K
- Electrical Engineers$189K
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$188K
- Aerospace Engineers$182K
- Engineers, All Other$171K
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors$169K
- Mechanical Engineers$166K
- Materials Engineers$157K
- Industrial Engineers$145K
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers$144K
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$142K
- Civil Engineers$138K
- Environmental Engineers$130K
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters$124K
- Landscape Architects$124K
- Surveyors$117K
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians$105K
- Mechanical Drafters$101K
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians$99K
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians$98K
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$98K
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$95K
- Architectural and Civil Drafters$94K
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$93K
- Drafters, All Other$91K
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$90K
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians$86K
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians$84K
Business and Financial Operations29 jobs
- Personal Financial Advisors$207K
- Financial Risk Specialists$163K
- Financial and Investment Analysts$157K
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$154K
- Management Analysts$151K
- Project Management Specialists$146K
- Credit Analysts$136K
- Labor Relations Specialists$132K
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$131K
- Budget Analysts$130K
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other$130K
- Financial Specialists, All Other$129K
- Accountants and Auditors$129K
- Compliance Officers$128K
- Financial Examiners$128K
- Logisticians$122K
- Human Resources Specialists$122K
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents$111K
- Loan Officers$110K
- Training and Development Specialists$109K
- Cost Estimators$109K
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents$107K
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$105K
- Fundraisers$103K
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners$97K
- Insurance Underwriters$94K
- Property Appraisers and Assessors$91K
- Tax Preparers$84K
- Credit Counselors$77K
Life, Physical, and Social Science33 jobs
- Materials Scientists$226K
- Physicists$189K
- Physical Scientists, All Other$177K
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$154K
- Life Scientists, All Other$152K
- Hydrologists$149K
- Psychologists, All Other$148K
- Biological Scientists, All Other$142K
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$141K
- Urban and Regional Planners$141K
- School Psychologists$137K
- Biochemists and Biophysicists$137K
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$136K
- Forensic Science Technicians$133K
- Survey Researchers$128K
- Microbiologists$124K
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$124K
- Soil and Plant Scientists$122K
- Chemists$121K
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$119K
- Conservation Scientists$119K
- Food Scientists and Technologists$117K
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$113K
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists$107K
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians$95K
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$90K
- Anthropologists and Archeologists$81K
- Social Science Research Assistants$80K
- Biological Technicians$79K
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$75K
- Forest and Conservation Technicians$72K
- Chemical Technicians$72K
- Food Science Technicians$63K
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media21 jobs
- Art Directors$183K
- Special Effects Artists and Animators$162K
- Commercial and Industrial Designers$149K
- Technical Writers$140K
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners$129K
- Public Relations Specialists$127K
- Writers and Authors$121K
- Editors$121K
- Designers, All Other$113K
- Graphic Designers$107K
- Interior Designers$101K
- Interpreters and Translators$94K
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists$91K
- Audio and Video Technicians$82K
- Lighting Technicians$80K
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other$79K
- Photographers$75K
- Coaches and Scouts$73K
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$60K
- Floral Designers$50K
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials$50K
Construction and Extraction32 jobs
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers$165K
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$130K
- Construction and Building Inspectors$124K
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$114K
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$111K
- Sheet Metal Workers$106K
- Tapers$100K
- Electricians$100K
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers$96K
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles$96K
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining$92K
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers$92K
- Glaziers$90K
- Carpenters$88K
- Highway Maintenance Workers$84K
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$81K
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons$78K
- Roofers$77K
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons$74K
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers$73K
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall$73K
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers$72K
- Tile and Stone Setters$71K
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers$70K
- Construction Laborers$70K
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance$69K
- Carpet Installers$64K
- Fence Erectors$64K
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners$64K
- Helpers--Roofers$64K
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other$60K
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters$58K
Educational Instruction and Library46 jobs
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary$188K
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary$175K
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary$167K
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary$166K
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$165K
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary$153K
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary$149K
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other$146K
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary$146K
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary$143K
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary$133K
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary$132K
- History Teachers, Postsecondary$132K
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary$132K
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$131K
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary$130K
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$130K
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary$128K
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary$126K
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other$114K
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School$112K
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$111K
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$111K
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$109K
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$108K
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists$104K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$104K
- Instructional Coordinators$102K
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$102K
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School$102K
- Archivists$101K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary$100K
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$98K
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$96K
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$93K
- Special Education Teachers, All Other$92K
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other$87K
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other$84K
- Self-Enrichment Teachers$71K
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$69K
- Library Technicians$69K
- Museum Technicians and Conservators$64K
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education$56K
- Tutors$55K
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$52K
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary$49K
Community and Social Service17 jobs
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$137K
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$117K
- Healthcare Social Workers$108K
- Marriage and Family Therapists$105K
- Social Workers, All Other$103K
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$101K
- Health Education Specialists$92K
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers$90K
- Counselors, All Other$90K
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education$80K
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$79K
- Clergy$78K
- Community Health Workers$73K
- Religious Workers, All Other$73K
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other$66K
- Rehabilitation Counselors$65K
- Social and Human Service Assistants$64K
Sales and Related19 jobs
- Sales Engineers$180K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products$164K
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents$132K
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$127K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$121K
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers$119K
- Advertising Sales Agents$117K
- Real Estate Sales Agents$102K
- Insurance Sales Agents$95K
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other$84K
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$65K
- Travel Agents$63K
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters$57K
- Parts Salespersons$57K
- Counter and Rental Clerks$56K
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers$50K
- Telemarketers$49K
- Retail Salespersons$47K
- Cashiers$45K
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair32 jobs
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers$153K
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay$138K
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment$123K
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door$114K
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers$111K
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other$106K
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers$106K
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment$103K
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$97K
- Medical Equipment Repairers$95K
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$92K
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$91K
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers$91K
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers$90K
- Avionics Technicians$90K
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics$88K
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers$86K
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$86K
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers$78K
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers$78K
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$75K
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$69K
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery$69K
- Home Appliance Repairers$67K
- Motorcycle Mechanics$65K
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$65K
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers$63K
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics$61K
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers$57K
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers$54K
- Bicycle Repairers$53K
- Tire Repairers and Changers$49K
Protective Service17 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$181K
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$174K
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators$153K
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators$145K
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$144K
- Firefighters$134K
- Correctional Officers and Jailers$126K
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other$92K
- Private Detectives and Investigators$77K
- Transportation Security Screeners$76K
- Animal Control Workers$75K
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers$66K
- Parking Enforcement Workers$66K
- Protective Service Workers, All Other$56K
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers$54K
- Security Guards$51K
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$43K
Office and Administrative Support43 jobs
- Public Safety Telecommunicators$116K
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants$113K
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$100K
- Brokerage Clerks$94K
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$91K
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs$87K
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks$85K
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks$80K
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks$78K
- Bill and Account Collectors$78K
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service$73K
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan$71K
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$70K
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other$70K
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$70K
- Billing and Posting Clerks$69K
- Word Processors and Typists$69K
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$69K
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other$68K
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$67K
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$67K
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$66K
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks$66K
- File Clerks$66K
- Procurement Clerks$65K
- Postal Service Mail Carriers$65K
- Customer Service Representatives$64K
- Cargo and Freight Agents$63K
- Postal Service Clerks$63K
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators$63K
- Office Clerks, General$61K
- Library Assistants, Clerical$60K
- Order Clerks$60K
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks$58K
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$56K
- Couriers and Messengers$55K
- Data Entry Keyers$55K
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping$54K
- Tellers$53K
- Receptionists and Information Clerks$53K
- Gambling Cage Workers$52K
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service$50K
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks$47K
Production56 jobs
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$118K
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$107K
- Power Plant Operators$104K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers$101K
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$94K
- Plant and System Operators, All Other$89K
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$70K
- Prepress Technicians and Workers$70K
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers$69K
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$69K
- Machinists$69K
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$69K
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$69K
- Upholsterers$67K
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$65K
- Dental Laboratory Technicians$65K
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$65K
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$64K
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic$63K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$63K
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators$62K
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$61K
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters$60K
- Etchers and Engravers$59K
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other$58K
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$58K
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$58K
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$57K
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$57K
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$57K
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers$55K
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators$55K
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$55K
- Semiconductor Processing Technicians$54K
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood$54K
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$54K
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$53K
- Production Workers, All Other$53K
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers$53K
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers$53K
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders$52K
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand$52K
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$51K
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$50K
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$50K
- Printing Press Operators$49K
- Helpers--Production Workers$49K
- Bakers$49K
- Food Batchmakers$48K
- Sewing Machine Operators$48K
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders$48K
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials$46K
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers$45K
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers$45K
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers$44K
- Food Processing Workers, All Other$44K
Transportation and Material Moving23 jobs
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers$305K
- Commercial Pilots$177K
- Airfield Operations Specialists$95K
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors$88K
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$80K
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$77K
- Bus Drivers, School$71K
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$71K
- Light Truck Drivers$58K
- Passenger Attendants$57K
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$56K
- Driver/Sales Workers$56K
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$54K
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other$53K
- Aircraft Service Attendants$52K
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$51K
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers$51K
- Stockers and Order Fillers$49K
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants$48K
- Parking Attendants$46K
- Material Moving Workers, All Other$46K
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$45K
- Packers and Packagers, Hand$43K
Personal Care and Service23 jobs
- Costume Attendants$75K
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers$73K
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$71K
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers$68K
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$66K
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$64K
- Gambling Dealers$62K
- Tour and Travel Guides$61K
- Residential Advisors$61K
- Animal Trainers$58K
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other$55K
- Recreation Workers$55K
- Gambling Service Workers, All Other$55K
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants$54K
- Skincare Specialists$52K
- Concierges$50K
- Childcare Workers$48K
- Animal Caretakers$48K
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops$47K
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$47K
- Manicurists and Pedicurists$46K
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$44K
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants$44K
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance10 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$74K
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners$71K
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$70K
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$58K
- Pest Control Workers$58K
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other$54K
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$54K
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other$53K
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation$52K
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$47K
Food Preparation and Serving Related16 jobs
- Chefs and Head Cooks$80K
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$59K
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$54K
- Waiters and Waitresses$52K
- Bartenders$51K
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$51K
- Cooks, Restaurant$49K
- Cooks, All Other$49K
- Cooks, Fast Food$47K
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$46K
- Cooks, Short Order$46K
- Food Preparation Workers$46K
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other$45K
- Fast Food and Counter Workers$45K
- Dishwashers$45K
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$44K
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry3 jobs
Healthcare Support16 jobs
- Occupational Therapy Assistants$95K
- Physical Therapist Assistants$95K
- Medical Equipment Preparers$85K
- Dental Assistants$71K
- Phlebotomists$69K
- Orderlies$67K
- Medical Assistants$65K
- Psychiatric Aides$65K
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$64K
- Medical Transcriptionists$62K
- Massage Therapists$60K
- Nursing Assistants$59K
- Pharmacy Aides$53K
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$52K
- Physical Therapist Aides$51K
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides$39K
Jobs paid by the hour in San Jose
For 2 jobs in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metro area BLS publishes an hourly wage only, because the work is rarely full-time all year (gigs, seasons, performances). An annual figure would overstate what most people earn, so we show the hourly rate.
| Job | Average per hour | Median per hour | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musicians and Singers | $53.78 | $49.45 | 160 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | $23.88 | $20.90 | 90 |
Average salary in nearby cities
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Salary in San Jose: questions
What is a good salary in San Jose?
Half of all workers in the San Jose metro earn less than $84,050 and the average is $119,230. Earning more than $166,940 puts you in the top quarter of local wages.
How much do you need to earn in San Jose to match a $69,770 salary elsewhere?
About $77,042, because prices here are 10% above the U.S. average (BEA price parity 110.4).
What are the highest-paying jobs in San Jose?
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric ($584,430), Psychiatrists ($364,570), Computer and Information Systems Managers ($319,670).
What is the average salary in Sunnyvale?
Sunnyvale is part of the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metro area, where the average salary is $119,230 a year and the median $84,050. BLS does not publish separate wage figures for Sunnyvale, so these metro figures are the closest official guide.
What is the average salary in Santa Clara?
Santa Clara is part of the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metro area, where the average salary is $119,230 a year and the median $84,050. BLS does not publish separate wage figures for Santa Clara, so these metro figures are the closest official guide.
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. Area San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA (41940), all occupations and 574 individual jobs. What a metro area includes.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Population and median household income: Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2023.
- Home value: Zillow Home Value Index.
- Take-home pay: Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2025 rules). California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included.
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.