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

Human Resources Manager Salary in San Diego, California

The median human resources manager salary in San Diego, CA is $184,600 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$184,600
vs State Avg
+$5,200
vs National
+$54,600
Cost of Living
142%

Human Resources Manager Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median human resources manager salary of $184,600, which is $5,200 above the California state average of $179,400. Compared to the national median of $130,000, 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 $184,600 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $130,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for human resources managers in San Diego spans from $111,044 at the 10th percentile to $295,360 at the 90th percentile — a $184,316 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $92,300, while senior human resources managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $234,300. 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.

Human Resources Manager Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level human resources manager earns around $92,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $234,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$92,300
+$27,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$149,100
+$44,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$234,300
+$69,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $111,044
25th Percentile $143,420
Median (50th) $184,600
75th Percentile $237,140
90th Percentile $295,360

Human Resources Manager Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$236,600
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$218,400
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$189,800
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$153,400
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Human Resources Manager in San Diego

Education

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

Key Skills

Talent AcquisitionEmployee RelationsHRIS SystemsComplianceBenefits AdministrationLeadership

Job Outlook

Nationally, human resources manager employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Human Resources Manager Jobs in San Diego

Browse open human resources manager positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Human Resources Manager Salary in San Diego

How much does a Human Resources Manager make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median human resources manager salary in San Diego, California is $184,600 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $111,044 (10th percentile) to $295,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Human Resources Manager make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $184,600, a human resources manager in San Diego earns approximately $89 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for human resources manager pay? ▼
San Diego's median human resources manager salary of $184,600 is 2.9% above the California state average of $179,400. 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 human resources manager salary of $184,600 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a human resources manager in San Diego? ▼
Most human resources manager positions in San Diego require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, HRIS Systems, Compliance. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.