Workforce Insights: San Diego Professional (SCI + Technical)

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. PROFESSIONAL STAFFING: LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNICAL Workforce Insights: San Diego, CA Salaries, Employment Trends, and Key Industry Data Low Medium High Number Employed Quality Control Technician $45,864 $58,656 $66,144 1,701 Clinical Research Coordinator $79,456 $126,256 $161,824 2,613 Regulatory Affairs Manager $102,024 $130,520 $159,848 11,627 Program Manager $81,328 $102,544 $116,168 26,340 Research Associate $34,008 $44,304 $53,664 2,613 R&D Scientist $69,888 $91,624 $102,960 94 Chemist $64,792 $97,032 $125,944 1,128 Medical Affairs $100,718 $142,972 $198,914 6,614 Manufacturing Associate $54,796 $54,234 $69,960 1,701 Process Engineer $57,096 $77,272 $83,304 3,102 Biostatistician $87,984 $127,920 $163,280 303 The salaries listed are estimates and may vary based on experience, location, and industry demand. ● Employment growth projected at approximately 4.5–5.0%, remaining slightly above the national average ● Tech employment growth moderates to 2–3% YoY as employers prioritize efficiency, AI adoption, and cost control ● Continued job gains driven by healthcare, life sciences, professional services, and defense-related business support roles ● San Diego GDP growth projected at approximately 2.3–2.7%, reflecting steady but moderate expansion Employment Growth ● Job openings stabilize following prior pullbacks, with strongest demand for specialized, mid- to senior-level talent ● Median salary across roles increases to approximately $83,000–$86,000 per year ● Wage growth remains cautious and continues to be constrained by housing affordability and elevated cost-of-living Job Market Conditions

By leveraging these insights, businesses can make informed decisions to remain competitive in a dynamic labor market, align compensation strategies with market realities, and address staffing challenges proactively. To stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape, we encourage you to delve deeper into localized trends and leverage this data for strategic workforce planning. For more tailored insights or assistance with your hiring needs, contact our team of experts to explore customized solutions that drive success in your organization. ● Continued ripple effects from California’s $20 fast-food minimum wage influence wage expectations across entry-level roles ● Employers in hospitality, retail, and business services face upward pressure on hourly and frontline pay ● Increased reliance on automation, contract labor, and workforce optimization strategies to manage labor costs ● Entry-level turnover remains elevated at approximately 14–16%, driven by wage competition and housing affordability Wage Trends 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