Workforce Insights: San Diego, CA

Low End Market Mean High End # of employees Machine Operator $22.93 $27.55 $32.33 3,522 Assembler $21.87 $25.74 $30.01 9,864 Electro-mechanical Assembler $23.77 $28.20 $32.77 4,550 Material Handler $22.58 $31.35 $29.99 25,235 Packer Shipper $21.02 $22.86 $26.04 7,542 Forklift Operator $23.30 $27.20 $31.41 3,204 CNC Operator $28.50 $30.96 $36.37 1,563 Welder $28.01 $33.51 $39.57 2,890 Manufacturing Associate/Technician $23.04 $26.40 $29.77 1,701 Maintenance Technician $25.68 $29.90 $34.23 14,275 Test Technician $27.62 $32.54 $37.83 2,289 Quality Inspector $25.16 $29.81 $34.64 5,704 Production Supervisor $33.87 $40.25 $47.59 4,360 Process Engineer $41.16 $49.85 $59.71 3,102 Production Assistant $28.61 $33.48 $38.90 4,890 Service Technician $31.77 $37.24 $43.32 5,701 Facilities Specialist $28.33 $32.51 $36.95 14,275 Production Supervisor $33.54 $39.77 $46.91 4,360 Operations Manager $54.64 $67.42 $82.19 2,257 Plant Manager $63.09 $76.93 $85.16 2,257 The salaries listed are estimates and may vary based on experience, location, and industry demand. Based on ERI data; values represent the 10th, Mean, and 90th percentiles. 2026 This report provides a detailed overview of salary ranges, employment figures, and workforce trends for key industrial roles, offering insights into local hiring landscapes. It supports employers and HR professionals in workforce planning and salary benchmarking by highlighting regional dynamics and industry-specific data. INDUSTRIAL STAFFING Workforce Insights: San Diego, CA Salaries, Employment Trends, and Key Industry Data

● The average San Diego household spends approximately $75,000–$80,000/year on expenses, with 35–38% allocated to housing. ● The estimated “living wage” for a family of four is roughly $110,000–$116,000/year to meet basic needs. ● Housing affordability remains a significant challenge, with many households considered cost-burdened. Why this impacts salaries: Elevated housing costs and living-wage thresholds push employers to offer higher, more competitive wages to attract and retain talent in a high-cost market. Cost of Living Insights SB 294 – Workplace Know Your Rights Act Notices ● Starting Feb 1, 2026, employers must provide an annual “Know Your Rights” notice to employees. ● Must cover workers’ comp, immigration protections, union/concerted activity, and rights during law enforcement interactions. ● Must be provided in the employee’s workplace communication language. ● Employees must be able to designate an emergency contact by March 30, 2026. Why that impacts salary: Adds compliance workload and accelerates onboarding/policy standardization. SB 617 – Cal-WARN Notice Updates ● Effective Jan 1, 2026, Cal-WARN notices must include expanded required details. ● Must include local workforce board coordination info and CalFresh assistance contacts. ● If coordinating services, employers must arrange them within 30 days. Why that impacts salary: Increases risk and admin demands during workforce reductions. Legislation Insights ● San Diego’s advanced manufacturing sector employs approximately 115,000–120,000 workers, supported by strong defense, life sciences, and technology clusters. ● The sector remains stable, though growth is expected to be modest amid broader economic shifts. ● Average earnings for advanced manufacturing roles exceed $95,000 annually, outperforming many local industries. Why that impacts salary: High skill requirements and strong cross-industry competition mean employers must maintain competitive pay to secure specialized talent despite slower sector growth. San Diego Insights California Minimum Wage & Exempt Thresholds ● As of Jan 1, 2026, California’s minimum wage is $16.90/hour (up from $16.50 in 2025). ● The exempt salary threshold increases to $70,304/year (≈ $5,859/month) because exempt employees must earn at least 2x minimum wage. ● Roles below this threshold cannot legally be classified as exempt. ● Employers must decide whether to reclassify positions (nonexempt) or increase salaries to remain compliant. Why that impacts salary: A higher wage floor raises entry-level pay and creates upward pressure on pay bands—often compressing wage structures and increasing labor costs for hourly-heavy industries. Wage Insights Request A Custom Salary Guide