Business & Finance San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Financial Analyst Salary in San Diego, California

The median financial analyst salary in San Diego, CA is $135,014 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$135,014
vs State Avg
+$3,804
vs National
+$39,934
Cost of Living
142%

Financial Analyst Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median financial analyst salary of $135,014, which is $3,804 above the California state average of $131,210. Compared to the national median of $95,080, 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 $135,014 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $95,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for financial analysts in San Diego spans from $81,224 at the 10th percentile to $236,572 at the 90th percentile — a $155,348 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $85,200, while senior financial analysts with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $210,160. 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.

Financial Analyst Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level financial analyst earns around $85,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $210,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$85,200
+$25,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,320
+$40,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$210,160
+$62,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $81,224
25th Percentile $103,376
Median (50th) $135,014
75th Percentile $177,500
90th Percentile $236,572

Financial Analyst Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Financial Analyst in San Diego

Education

Most financial analyst positions require a bachelor's degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Financial ModelingExcelBloomberg TerminalValuationData AnalysisPresentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, financial analyst employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Financial Analyst Jobs in San Diego

Browse open financial analyst positions in San Diego, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Analyst Salary in San Diego

How much does a Financial Analyst make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median financial analyst salary in San Diego, California is $135,014 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $95,080. Salaries range from $81,224 (10th percentile) to $236,572 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Analyst make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $135,014, a financial analyst in San Diego earns approximately $65 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for financial analyst pay? ▼
San Diego's median financial analyst salary of $135,014 is 2.9% above the California state average of $131,210. 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 financial analyst salary of $135,014 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial analyst in San Diego? ▼
Most financial analyst positions in San Diego require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Financial Modeling, Excel, Bloomberg Terminal, Valuation. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.