San Diego, CA Income by Gender

In San Diego, the median income for all workers aged 15 years and older, regardless of work hours, was $58,426 for males and $40,835 for females. However, when specifically considering full-time, year-round workers within the same age group, the median income was $80,356 for males and $70,430 for females.
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Updated Feb 27, 2025

San Diego, CA annual median income by work experience and sex (Aged 15+, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars)

The table presents median income data over a decade or more for males and females categorized by Total, Full-Time Year-Round (FT), and Part-Time (PT) employment in San Diego. It showcases annual income, providing insights into gender-specific income distributions and the disparities between full-time1 and part-time2 work.

Year Male Total Income Male FT Income Male PT Income Female Total Income Female FT Income Female PT Income
2010 $51,765 $73,514 $25,224 $35,167 $61,827 $18,519
2011 $50,989 $73,286 $24,182 $34,595 $61,340 $18,180
2012 $49,222 $72,331 $22,828 $33,769 $61,014 $17,401
2013 $48,674 $71,401 $22,786 $33,186 $60,586 $17,452
2014 $47,915 $71,025 $22,409 $32,648 $60,470 $17,120
2015 $48,316 $71,209 $22,490 $32,709 $60,421 $16,839
2016 $48,667 $71,087 $22,958 $33,017 $59,774 $17,123
2017 $49,776 $71,488 $23,076 $33,925 $61,362 $17,617
2018 $49,911 $73,214 $22,999 $35,137 $62,185 $18,012
2019 $51,544 $74,127 $23,473 $36,351 $62,571 $18,516
2020 $52,700 $75,601 $24,385 $37,924 $64,349 $19,218
2021 $54,451 $76,295 $24,835 $39,283 $66,689 $19,653
2022 $56,728 $78,848 $25,091 $39,294 $68,297 $19,799
2023 $58,426 $80,356 $25,781 $40,835 $70,430 $20,303

San Diego, CA gender pay gap statistics

In San Diego, the population consists of 703,091 males (50.76%) and 681,970 females (49.24%), a breakdown further detailed in San Diego population by gender.

With a gender ratio of 103.1:100 i.e. 103.1 men to 100 women (1.031), San Diego hosts more men than women. This demographic distribution sets the backdrop for our exploration into gender-based income disparities within the area.

Historically, addressing gender-based pay differences has been a pressing concern, prompting substantial efforts not only from government initiatives but also from advocacy groups, businesses, and social movements. To explore this further within the context of San Diego, our analysis will focus on examining the income data to understand the reality of gender-based pay differences.

Here are the key findings from our analysis:

  • All workers, aged 15 years and older: In San Diego, the median income for all workers aged 15 years and older, regardless of work hours, was $58,426 for males and $40,835 for females.

    These income figures indicate a substantial gender-based pay disparity, showcasing a gap of approximately 30% between the median incomes of males and females in San Diego. With women, regardless of work hours, earning 70 cents to each dollar earned by men, this income disparity reveals a concerning trend toward wage inequality that demands attention in thecity of San Diego.

  • Full-time workers, aged 15 years and older: In San Diego, among full-time, year-round workers aged 15 years and older, males earned a median income of $80,356, while females earned $70,430, resulting in a 12% gender pay gap among full-time workers. This illustrates that women earn 88 cents for each dollar earned by men in full-time positions. While this gap shows a trend where women are inching closer to wage parity with men, it also exhibits a noticeable income difference for women working full-time in the city of San Diego.

    Interestingly, when analyzing income across all roles, including non-full-time employment, the gender pay gap percentage was higher for women compared to men. It appears that full-time employment presents a more favorable income scenario for women compared to other employment patterns in San Diego.

To visualize the evolving trend, here is a line chart depicting the changes in gender-specific annual median incomes over time in San Diego, encompassing both full-time and all workers aged 15 years and older.

Line chart showing the annual median income trends in San Diego, CA for males and females across four employment categories: (1) Males in full-time year-round positions, (2) Males in non-full-time roles (part-time and other employment types), (3) Females in full-time year-round positions, and (4) Females in non-full-time roles (part-time and other employment types).
San Diego, CA gender based income disparity: Gain insights into gender-based pay disparity trends and explore the variations in income for male and female individuals, in 2023 inflation adjusted dollars. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates

San Diego, CA gender and employment-based income distribution analysis (Ages 15+)

To gain insights into gender-based income distribution within the San Diego population, we conducted an analysis across 20 distinct brackets for males and females aged 15 years and over, covering both full-time year-round workers and other employment designations.

Within San Diego, among individuals aged 15 years and older with income, there were 531.64 thousand men and 481.65 thousand women in the workforce. Among them, 314.04 thousand men were engaged in full-time, year-round employment, while 220,924 women were in full-time, year-round roles.

Analyzing the percentage of full-time, year-round workers to the total workforce reveals that among men, the proportion of full-time employment was 59.07%, whereas among women, the ratio was 45.87%. This indicates that a higher percentage of men were engaged in full-time, year-round roles compared to women.

The observed disparity may stem from various factors such as industry choices, societal expectations, or employment opportunities, revealing potential gender-based variations in employment trends within San Diego.Parenthood, for instance, is one such factor influencing these trends. Women between 25 and 44 years old who are mothers are less inclined to participate in the workforce compared to women of the same age without children at home. Furthermore, when employed, these mothers often work fewer hours per week, adding to the observed disparities in full-time employment between genders.

San Diego annual income distribution by work experience and sex (Ages 15+ with income)

The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the count of individuals within distinct income brackets, categorizing them by gender (men and women) and employment type - full-time1 (FT) and part-time2 (PT), offering valuable insights into the diverse income landscapes within San Diego

Income Bracket Full-Time Males Part-Time Males Full-Time Females Part-Time Females
$1 to $2,499 or loss 531 16,271 325 21,507
$2,500 to $4,999 330 12,475 419 15,751
$5,000 to $7,499 1,192 10,364 1,130 15,526
$7,500 to $9,999 935 9,770 792 14,521
$10,000 to $12,499 1,746 12,942 1,652 19,471
$12,500 to $14,999 1,571 11,716 1,218 17,402
$15,000 to $17,499 1,380 9,726 1,916 13,871
$17,500 to $19,999 1,945 7,824 1,916 11,027
$20,000 to $22,499 3,983 8,972 3,556 10,641
$22,500 to $24,999 5,873 6,893 3,890 10,873
$25,000 to $29,999 12,342 12,395 8,691 16,073
$30,000 to $34,999 12,698 10,181 11,093 11,838
$35,000 to $39,999 13,241 8,151 12,809 9,139
$40,000 to $44,999 13,736 7,919 11,268 8,650
$45,000 to $49,999 14,721 6,292 10,677 7,863
$50,000 to $54,999 11,960 5,435 10,473 5,501
$55,000 to $64,999 24,865 8,686 19,053 10,028
$65,000 to $74,999 23,502 9,630 18,451 8,453
$75,000 to $99,999 45,474 14,646 35,133 13,808
$100,000 or more 122,012 27,313 66,462 18,786

To provide a more comprehensive understanding of income distribution, we have grouped the original income brackets into five broader categories for analysis purposes: Under $24,999, $25,000 to $49,999, $50,000 to $74,999, $75,000 to $99,999, and above $100,000. This grouping allows for a more focused assessment of income disparities across distinct income ranges, offering clearer insights into gender-based income distributions within the San Diego population.

The analysis unveiled the following key findings:

  • Annual income under $24,999: Of the male population working full-time, 6.21% fell within the income range of under $24,999, while 7.61% of the female population working full-time was represented in the same income bracket. Additionally, among individuals in other non-full-time employment categories, 49.15% of males and 57.76%of females were found within this income range.

    In total, among the population aged 15 years and older with income, across all employment categories, the analysis revealed that 23.78% of the entire male population and 34.76% of the entire female population fell within the income bracket of under $24,999.

    A higher percentage of females compared to males falling within the under $24,999 income bucket suggests a potential disparity, indicating a greater concentration of women in this lower income range.

  • Annual income between $25,000 and $49,999: 21.25% of males in full-time employment were within the $25,000 to $49,999 income range, while 24.69% of females in full-time roles were represented in this income bracket. Moreover, among other employment categories, 20.65% of males and 20.54% of females fell into this income range.

    Considering the population aged 15 years and older with income across all employments, 21.01% of the total male population and 22.44% of the total female population were encompassed within this income bracket.

    The higher representation of females compared to males in the $25,000 to $49,999 income bracket indicates a potential inequality, emphasizing a greater prevalence of women within this lower-middle income range.

  • Annual income between $50,000 and $74,999: 19.21% of men in full-time employment fell within the $50,000 to $74,999 income bracket, while 21.72% of women in full-time positions were also within this income range. Furthermore, among individuals in other non-full-time employment categories, 10.91% of men and 9.20% of women were situated within this specific income bracket.

    Overall, considering the entire population aged 15 years and older with income across all job types, 15.81% of the total male population and 14.94% of the total female population were found within the $50,000 to $74,999 income bracket.

    The higher proportion of males compared to females in the $50,000 to $74,999 income bracket suggests a potential inequality, emphasizing a greater prevalence of men within this middle-income range.

  • Annual income between $75,000 and $99,999: 14.48% of men in full-time roles occupied the $75,000 to $99,999 income bracket, while 15.90% of women in full-time positions shared this income range. Additionally, among individuals in other non-full-time employment categories, 6.73% of men and 5.30% of women were situated within this specific income bracket.

    In total, among the entire population aged 15 years and older with income across all job types, 11.31% of the total male population and 10.16% of the total female population fell within the $75,000 to $99,999 income bracket.

    The elevated ratio of males to females in the $75,000 to $99,999 income bracket hints at a potential inequality, underscoring a stronger predominance of men within this upper-middle income range.

  • Annual income above $100,000: 38.85% of men in full-time roles earned incomes exceeding $100,000, while 30.08% of women in full-time positions earned within this income bracket. Additionally, among those in alternative non-full-time employment, 12.55% of men and 7.21% of women earned within this income bracket.

    In total, across the entire population aged 15 years and older with income across all job types, 28.09% of the total male population and 17.70% of the total female population earned incomes above $100,000.

    The increased proportion of males compared to females in the above $100,000 income bracket suggests a potential inequality, emphasizing a greater predominance of men in this higher income range.

Grouped bar chart displaying the count of male and female individuals across 20 income brackets, categorized by full-time and part-time employment statuses. It provides insights into income disparities and variations across genders, aiding in data analysis and decision-making.
San Diego, CA gender and employment-based income distribution analysis (Ages 15+) Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5 -Year Estimates

Things to know

Is there a gender-based pay gap in San Diego, CA?

In San Diego, the median income for all workers aged 15 years and older, regardless of work hours, was $58,426 for males and $40,835 for females.These income figures indicate a substantial gender-based pay disparity, showcasing a gap of approximately 30% between the median incomes of males and females in San Diego. With women, regardless of work hours, earning 70 cents to each dollar earned by men, this income disparity reveals a concerning trend toward wage inequality that demands attention in thecity of San Diego.

What is the average annual income for a women in San Diego, CA?

The median income for females aged 15 years and older in San Diego is $40,835, indicating that half of the female population in this age group earns more than this figure, while the other half earns less. This data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

What is the average annual income for men in San Diego, CA?

The median income for males aged 15 years and older in San Diego is $58,426, indicating that half of the male population in this age group earns more than this figure, while the other half earns less. This data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Is $100,000 considered low annual income in San Diego, CA?

In San Diego, among individuals aged 15 years and older working full-time year-round positions, 38.85% of men and 30.08% of women earned incomes surpassing $100,000. Based on these figures, $100,000 doesn't seem to be an uncommon salary, as a notable percentage fall within or above this income bracket.

References

Notes

1 A full-time, year-round worker is a person who worked full time (35 or more hours per week) and 50 or more weeks during the previous calendar year. 2 A part-time worker is a person who worked less than 35 hours per week during the previous calendar year.

The analysis presented in this article is based on estimates derived from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. While these figures offer valuable insights, they are subject to a margin of error. It is advisable to exercise caution and consider the potential margin of error when interpreting and utilizing this data.

Datasets

Explore datasets by year of publication.
2025
San Diego, CA annual median income by work experience and sex dataset: Aged 15+, 2010-2023 (in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars) // 2025 Edition
Last updated February 27, 2025
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2019-2023
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents median income data over a decade or more for males and females categorized by Total, Full-Time Year-Round (FT), and Part-Time (PT) employment in San Diego. It showcases annual income, providing insights into gender-specific income distributions and the disparities between full-time and part-time work. The dataset can be utilized to gain insights into gender-based pay disparity trends and explore the variations in income for male and female individuals.

Key observations: Insights from 2023

Based on our analysis ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, we present the following observations:

  • All workers, aged 15 years and older: In San Diego, the median income for all workers aged 15 years and older, regardless of work hours, was $58,426 for males and $40,835 for females.

    These income figures indicate a substantial gender-based pay disparity, showcasing a gap of approximately 30% between the median incomes of males and females in San Diego. With women, regardless of work hours, earning 70 cents to each dollar earned by men, this income disparity reveals a concerning trend toward wage inequality that demands attention in thecity of San Diego.

  • Full-time workers, aged 15 years and older: In San Diego, among full-time, year-round workers aged 15 years and older, males earned a median income of $80,356, while females earned $70,430, resulting in a 12% gender pay gap among full-time workers. This illustrates that women earn 88 cents for each dollar earned by men in full-time positions. While this gap shows a trend where women are inching closer to wage parity with men, it also exhibits a noticeable income difference for women working full-time in the city of San Diego.

    Interestingly, when analyzing income across all roles, including non-full-time employment, the gender pay gap percentage was higher for women compared to men. It appears that full-time employment presents a more favorable income scenario for women compared to other employment patterns in San Diego.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. All incomes have been adjusting for inflation and are presented in 2023-inflation-adjusted dollars.

Gender classifications include:

  • Male
  • Female

Employment type classifications include:

  • Full-time, year-round: A full-time, year-round worker is a person who worked full time (35 or more hours per week) and 50 or more weeks during the previous calendar year.
  • Part-time: A part-time worker is a person who worked less than 35 hours per week during the previous calendar year.

Variables / Data Columns

  • Year: This column presents the data year. Expected values are 2010 to 2023
  • Male Total Income: Annual median income, for males regardless of work hours
  • Male FT Income: Annual median income, for males working full time, year-round
  • Male PT Income: Annual median income, for males working part time
  • Female Total Income: Annual median income, for females regardless of work hours
  • Female FT Income: Annual median income, for females working full time, year-round
  • Female PT Income: Annual median income, for females working part time

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for San Diego median household income by race. You can refer the same here

San Diego, CA annual income distribution by work experience and gender dataset: Number of individuals ages 15+ with income, 2023 // 2025 Edition
Last updated February 27, 2025
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2019-2023
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents the detailed breakdown of the count of individuals within distinct income brackets, categorizing them by gender (men and women) and employment type - full-time (FT) and part-time (PT), offering valuable insights into the diverse income landscapes within San Diego. The dataset can be utilized to gain insights into gender-based income distribution within the San Diego population, aiding in data analysis and decision-making..

Key observations

  • Employment patterns: Within San Diego, among individuals aged 15 years and older with income, there were 531.64 thousand men and 481.65 thousand women in the workforce. Among them, 314.04 thousand men were engaged in full-time, year-round employment, while 220,924 women were in full-time, year-round roles.
  • Annual income under $24,999: Of the male population working full-time, 6.21% fell within the income range of under $24,999, while 7.61% of the female population working full-time was represented in the same income bracket.
  • Annual income above $100,000: 38.85% of men in full-time roles earned incomes exceeding $100,000, while 30.08% of women in full-time positions earned within this income bracket.
  • Refer to the research insights for more key observations on more income brackets ( Annual income under $24,999, Annual income between $25,000 and $49,999, Annual income between $50,000 and $74,999, Annual income between $75,000 and $99,999 and Annual income above $100,000) and employment types (full-time year-round and part-time)
Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Income brackets:

  • $1 to $2,499 or loss
  • $2,500 to $4,999
  • $5,000 to $7,499
  • $7,500 to $9,999
  • $10,000 to $12,499
  • $12,500 to $14,999
  • $15,000 to $17,499
  • $17,500 to $19,999
  • $20,000 to $22,499
  • $22,500 to $24,999
  • $25,000 to $29,999
  • $30,000 to $34,999
  • $35,000 to $39,999
  • $40,000 to $44,999
  • $45,000 to $49,999
  • $50,000 to $54,999
  • $55,000 to $64,999
  • $65,000 to $74,999
  • $75,000 to $99,999
  • $100,000 or more

Variables / Data Columns

  • Income Bracket: This column showcases 20 income brackets ranging from $1 to $100,000+..
  • Full-Time Males: The count of males employed full-time year-round and earning within a specified income bracket
  • Part-Time Males: The count of males employed part-time and earning within a specified income bracket
  • Full-Time Females: The count of females employed full-time year-round and earning within a specified income bracket
  • Part-Time Females: The count of females employed part-time and earning within a specified income bracket

Employment type classifications include:

  • Full-time, year-round: A full-time, year-round worker is a person who worked full time (35 or more hours per week) and 50 or more weeks during the previous calendar year.
  • Part-time: A part-time worker is a person who worked less than 35 hours per week during the previous calendar year.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for San Diego median household income by race. You can refer the same here

If you're looking for datasets from another year, please feel free to contact us at research@neilsberg.com and we'll be happy to assist you further.

Explore more

Median household income of places that contain San Diego (in 2023 dollars)

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Neilsberg Research team are data scientists with expertise in processing, analysis and visualization of big data helping small businesses make right decisions.

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