Recruiter Salary in San Diego, CA
Recruiter salaries in San Diego range from $65,250 to $203,000 in 2026. The mid-level median is $112,375, which is 45% above the national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
$65,250 – $89,900
Median: $77,575 · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
$94,250 – $130,500
Median: $112,375 · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
$137,750 – $203,000
Median: $170,375 · per year
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5 years
Entry level20+ years
Estimated Recruiter Salary in San Diego, CA
Estimated†$116,000–$166,750/year
Median: $141,375 per year (adjusted for San Diego cost of living)
Junior
$77,575
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$112,375
3-5 yrs
Senior
$170,375
6+ yrs
Cost of Living in San Diego
Cost of Living Levelvery high
Population1.4M
Top IndustriesBiotechnology, Defense & Military, Telecommunications
vs National Average+45%
Top Employers in San Diego
QualcommIlluminaNorthrop GrummanUC San Diego HealthGeneral Atomics
How San Diego Compares
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA | $112,375 | very high |
| New York, NY | $112,375 | very high |
| Los Angeles, CA | $112,375 | very high |
| Chicago, IL | $93,000 | high |
| Houston, TX | $77,500 | moderate |
| Phoenix, AZ | $77,500 | moderate |