Automotive & Maintenance San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Maintenance Worker Salary in San Diego, California

The median maintenance worker salary in San Diego, CA is $61,344 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$61,344
vs State Avg
+$1,728
vs National
+$18,144
Cost of Living
142%

Maintenance Worker Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median maintenance worker salary of $61,344, which is $1,728 above the California state average of $59,616. Compared to the national median of $43,200, 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 $61,344 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $43,200. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for maintenance workers in San Diego spans from $39,760 at the 10th percentile to $95,140 at the 90th percentile — a $55,380 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,600, while senior maintenance workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $89,460. 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.

Maintenance Worker Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level maintenance worker earns around $42,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,460 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,600
+$12,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,480
+$18,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,460
+$26,460 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $39,760
25th Percentile $48,280
Median (50th) $61,344
75th Percentile $78,100
90th Percentile $95,140

Maintenance Worker Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Maintenance Worker in San Diego

Education

Most maintenance worker positions require a high school diploma. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

General RepairPlumbing BasicsElectrical BasicsHVAC BasicsPaintingSafety

Job Outlook

Nationally, maintenance worker 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 Maintenance Worker Jobs in San Diego

Browse open maintenance worker positions in San Diego, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Maintenance Worker Salary in San Diego

How much does a Maintenance Worker make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median maintenance worker salary in San Diego, California is $61,344 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $43,200. Salaries range from $39,760 (10th percentile) to $95,140 (90th percentile).
How much does a Maintenance Worker make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,344, a maintenance worker in San Diego earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for maintenance worker pay? ▼
San Diego's median maintenance worker salary of $61,344 is 2.9% above the California state average of $59,616. 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 maintenance worker salary of $61,344 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a maintenance worker in San Diego? ▼
Most maintenance worker positions in San Diego require a high school diploma. Key skills include General Repair, Plumbing Basics, Electrical Basics, HVAC Basics. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.