Personal Care & Fitness San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Esthetician Salary in San Diego, California

The median esthetician salary in San Diego, CA is $54,244 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$54,244
vs State Avg
+$1,528
vs National
+$16,044
Cost of Living
142%

Esthetician Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median esthetician salary of $54,244, which is $1,528 above the California state average of $52,716. Compared to the national median of $38,200, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $54,244 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $38,200. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for estheticians in San Diego spans from $34,080 at the 10th percentile to $92,300 at the 90th percentile — a $58,220 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,920, while senior estheticians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,040. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Esthetician Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level esthetician earns around $36,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,920
+$10,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,380
+$16,380 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,040
+$26,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $34,080
25th Percentile $42,600
Median (50th) $54,244
75th Percentile $73,840
90th Percentile $92,300

Esthetician Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$69,524
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$64,176
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$55,772
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$45,076
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Esthetician in San Diego

Education

Most esthetician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SkincareFacial TreatmentsProduct KnowledgeClient ConsultationSanitationAnatomy

Job Outlook

Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Esthetician Jobs in San Diego

Browse open esthetician positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Esthetician Salary in San Diego

How much does a Esthetician make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median esthetician salary in San Diego, California is $54,244 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $38,200. Salaries range from $34,080 (10th percentile) to $92,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Esthetician make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,244, a esthetician in San Diego earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for esthetician pay? ▼
San Diego's median esthetician salary of $54,244 is 2.9% above the California state average of $52,716. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a esthetician salary of $54,244 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esthetician in San Diego? ▼
Most esthetician positions in San Diego require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Skincare, Facial Treatments, Product Knowledge, Client Consultation. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.