Did you know that San Diego is considered by many to be the most pleasant place in the United States?
They don’t call it America’s Finest City for nothing. With 70 miles of pristine beaches and an idyllic climate, there’s no better place to be than San Diego. But we know what you’re thinking – doesn’t San Diego living come with a high price?
The answer? Yes and no. And even if you’re paying the high cost of calling this California paradise home, it can be worth it. That’s especially true when you’re with one of the coolest companies to work for in San Diego.
Today we’ll be listing some of San Diego’s best employers. These are generally believed to be the top companies to work for in San Diego because of their benefits structure, positive employee culture, and attitude of innovation that guarantees future growth. Which of San Diego’s mot innovative employers would you like to work for?
Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps has come a long way since it was founded in the 1940s by the eccentric Emanuel Bronner. Famous for its text-laden labels and use of organic and fair-trade materials, this Vista-based company is known to be one of San Diego’s most innovative employers. In fact, it won first place for mid-size companies in the 2020 Top Workplaces survey conducted by the Union-Tribune.
When you work for Dr. Bronner’s, there are a number of perks. All benefit-eligible employees get a retirement plan that includes up to 10% discretionary annual profit-sharing. There’s also a discretionary bonus at the end of the year that consists of up to 10% of the employee’s annual salary. Another reason this one of the most employee-friendly companies in San Diego is that they cap the total compensation of the executives and highest-paid employees. They aren’t able to make more than five times the lowest-paid fully vested position.
Every single benefit-eligible employee gets exactly the same benefits, too, including company leaders. This company makes healthy living a priority, which translates into free vegan lunches every day, Zumba classes, and massages. Health insurance and childcare assistance are also a part of the deal. This is one of the best companies to work for in San Diego if you want a company that truly cares.
Brain Corp.
This San Diego tech company focuses on turning manually run commercial machinery into autonomously operating machines. If you think that robotics and AI are the future, you might want to check out this place. Plus, the catered lunches, generous PTO, and other great benefits don’t hurt.
This company is one that you can feel at home in if you favor technology and you love solving unique challenges. It’s one of San Diego’s most innovative employers, attracting people from all over the world.
The company’s unique and diverse workforce embodies some of its key values – communication and collaboration. Just like these concepts fuel the robotics and AI sectors on which the company is based, so too do they contribute to the team atmosphere that facilitates technological breakthroughs while sustaining an amazing employee culture.
Cloudbeds
This SaaS company is focusing on building management solutions for the hospitality sector. The team is made up of more than 400 people who speak more than 30 different languages and are in 40 different companies. They have a set of core values on which they operate, and their mission is to offer exceptional service and innovative software to hosts and hoteliers.
It’s only fitting that a company in the hospitality sector knows about being courteous, and accommodating others. The diverse team brings a great mixture of talents and knowledge, equipping them to support customers in a wide variety of needs. Likewise, the company is known for being one of the top companies to work for in San Diego because it accommodates its workers as well.
While one of their three offices is in San Diego (the other two are in Dublin and Sao Paulo), Cloudbeds is a remote company. They believe that remote operations allow their team to have flexibility in their work-life balance. This also allows them to hire top-tier talent without being bound to one location.
Booz Allen Hamilton
Named as the second-best large company to work for in San Diego in the 2020 Top Workplaces survey, Booz Allen Hamilton has a dedicated workforce of highly skilled minds. This consulting firm has expertise in engineering, analytics, cyber, and digital. They serve customers in both the private and public sectors, helping businesses of all sizes as well as governments and military organizations.
This is one of San Diego’s best employers for multiple reasons. Benefits you’ll receive working at this company include paid parental leave, 10 paid holidays per year, and more. They also have an employee wellness program that focuses on helping you care for your emotional, physical, and financial well-being. Through this program, you can take steps to care for your wellness and earn contributions to your paycheck or your HSA.
The company is also growing fast, with performance exceeding expectations and keeping shareholders happy. This is good news for the company’s current and future employees, as it shows this San Diego industry giant is here to stay, and here to provide the rewarding workplace employees desire.
Classy
Classy is a social enterprise that offers fundraising software to not-for-profit organizations. Non-profits and not-for-profits are some of the most productive and value-driving organizations in the world, despite not pursuing profitability. These facilities are focused on life’s priceless qualities, like health, wellness, community, togetherness, and progress.
This fast-growing startup in San Diego offers a number of perks that might make you a little happier to go to work in the morning. With competitive salaries and complete health benefits, you won’t have to worry about racking up medical debt or pinching pennies from working at your non-profit. While they don’t make the almighty dollar their top priority, they do value their employees to a high degree.
They also offer generous parental leave, flexible vacation time, half-days, and holidays. On top of that, there are company sports teams, meditation zones, and healthy office snacks to munch on. Family values? Check. Community? Check. Fun? Check. Sounds like this non-profit embodies the values of its organizational classification, and lives up to its name as well.
Community Interface Services
Another great non-profit in San Diego is Community Interface Services. This one serves a need that changes the lives of countless people – both the individuals they help directly, and their families.
What need is this? This nonprofit organization provides services to both adults and children who have developmental disabilities. Such work can provide support and resources to people whose lives have been diminished or challenged. Thanks to this company and its employees, people are getting help with some of life’s most serious health conditions. These include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Intellectual disability
- Seizure disorder
- Autism
- Other similar conditions
Not only can you feel like you are making a difference when you work for Community Interface Services, but they also offer some appealing benefits as well. These include health insurance, retirement plans, holidays, and personal leave. Combine the incredible impact of this line of work with this impressive benefits package, and you have an organization that attracts people from all over the world for all the right reasons.
The Classical Academies
If you’re more interested in academia than AI or big business, this company might appeal to you. Since 1999, they have grown from having 200 students to serving over 4,500 students and their families. They are focused on reinventing public education with both passion and purpose. Their approach is a tuition-free charter public school model that appeals to all grade levels.
Throughout the past decade, they’ve been praised on many occasions as being one of the coolest companies to work for in San Diego. Their unique approach to education also caught a lot of interest during the events of the past several years. This influx of interest has come not only from prospective clients, but prospective employees as well.
Luckily, in addition to being one of San Diego’s most innovative employers, this organization is also one of the most employee-friendly companies as well. With full benefits, generous vacation and holiday time, competitive compensation, flexible work options, and more, you’ll find this company schools most others in how to treat its employees.
GoSite
This company creates simplified technology to serve small businesses in the United States. Their cloud-based suite of web and mobile tools provides small businesses with everything they need in one place. This makes connecting with customers easy, as well as scalable, facilitating sustainable growth and allowing companies to create consistent positive relationships with their base no matter how large it grows.
When you work for GoSite, you’ll get a 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision plan when it comes to healthcare. They also offer highly competitive salaries, 401(k)s with a competitive company match, and a monthly gym membership. You’ll also get to take paid holidays, generous vacations, and sick time.
If all that isn’t enough for you, check out the snack and beverage options. As an employee of GoSite, you’ll have access to a custom espresso and latte machine, LaCroix, energy drinks, and even a keg! Just like the company gives their business clients everything they need to grow and thrive, they do the same with their employees.
Bumble Bee Foods LLC
This seafood company is well-known around the country, and you’ve probably bought some of their tuna at one point or another. This company started all the way back in 1899 and has come a long way since then. The cannery it formerly ran in Astoria, Oregon, is even designated as a National Historic Landmark. When you work for them, you can enjoy a number of perks that result from their dedication to being a fiercely people-first company.
As far as health benefits go, you’ll get medical, dental, and vision plans with a number of different coverage options for you and your family. There are also reimbursement programs for employees to help them reduce the taxes they pay on qualified expenses. On top of that, they offer additional insurance options such as life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and business travel accident insurance. You’ll also get a competitive 401(k) with employer match, paid holidays, and paid vacation and sick time.
There are some work-life benefits to working here, too. There’s a gym facility adjacent to the San Diego office, a tuition reimbursement program, employee events, San Diego Padres tickets, and free office parking. This seafood specialist is definitely one of the coolest companies to work for in San Diego. Snagging a job like this is a true catch!
Kidder Mathews
If there’s one thing San Diego has a lot of (besides beaches) it’s real estate. The area’s real estate scene is so bustling, it’s no wonder it’s home to one of San Diego’s best employers. Kidder Matthews leads the way as the largest independent commercial real estate firm in the region. If commercial real estate is something you’ve been interested in, this company could be for you.
They offer health benefits including mental, dental, and vision to name a few. You can also enjoy paid time off, sick leave, and ten paid holidays every year. You’re even paid to perform jury duty and can take two paid days to perform volunteer work. You’ll also get a 401(k) with a company match program as well as the opportunity to take financial education classes.
Continuing education is also a perk, with Kidder Mathews reimbursing employees when they are working to keep needed credentials for their roles. While commercial real estate is the foundation of San Diego’s successful business scene, this company knows that the true foundation of any successful field or area is the employees they hire. That’s why they’re one of the most employee-friendly companies in San Diego.
Mission Federal Credit Union
Mission Federal Credit Union was ranked as one of the top places to work in 2022 by the San Diego Union-Tribune. This non-for-profit financial cooperative is member-owned, showing that it embodies the essence of an employee-friendly company in San Diego in its very structure. The company is known for giving back to the community through partnerships and investments in local organizations.
When you work for this credit union, you’ll have access to a number of great benefits, including medical and dental health care, federal holidays off, paid time off, and limited weekend hours. On top of that, they offer competitive wages and a generous 401(k) match.
You can even enjoy some of the health and wellness perks they offer, which include free yoga classes available at their corporate office. And of course, as a finance industry giant, it’s only natural you would enjoy some helpful resources to strengthen your finances. Working here puts you on the path to financial wellness through both the generous compensation package and the wealth of knowledge you’re connected to.
Moving to San Diego: What You Should Know
It can always be a bit nerve-wracking to move to a new city that you’ve never lived in before. However, you can settle some of your anxieties by learning some of the ins and outs of your new place. Here at Best Fit Movers, we know all about the area and its appeal. We’ve helped many employees relocate to San Diego, and more are coming every year.
The great industries and companies attracting new residents have a positive impact on San Diego’s population. In turn, this influx of growth returns the investment into the community with hard work at major businesses and not-for-profit organizations. It’s a cycle of progress that keeps on giving, and we’re proud to be a part of it by helping employees relocate. If you’re moving to this area for work, here’s what you should know about your future home.
A Warm Climate in More Ways Than One
Did we mention the weather in San Diego is amazing? You won’t need those heavy woolen wears anymore. With low humidity and year-round sunshine, you’ll find the beaches full of happy people all year round. But it’s not just the temperature to thank for San Diego’s warmness. You’ll also get a warm reception from this industry hotspot.
Talented and driven professionals come here to change lives – both their own and those of the customers they’ll serve. San Diego is an innovation hub thanks to investment from the healthcare, biotechnology, and tech industries. This makes it an attractive spot for young graduates, which is evidenced by the fact that the median age in the city is only 32.
Navigating the City with Ease
This is a well-planned city that is built on a grid. That means that no matter how you’re traveling, you’ll learn how to easily get around quickly. There are numbered roads from north to south and alphabetical tree names from east to west. After you run out of tree names, the tree names are literally just letters, such as A St., B St., etc.
If driving in a city makes you nervous, plan ahead so that you can avoid rush hour. You’ll also want to stay in the slow lane. San Diego isn’t known for being great when it comes to traffic. While it’s not as bad as Boston, D.C., or Chicago, and doesn’t even crack the top ten worst cities, you still might find yourself crawling in rush hour. However, the Metropolitan Transit System of the city includes a number of options to keep you moving without driving your own car. These include light rail, bus services, and trolleys.
If you plan on taking public transportation, you’ll want to pick up a Compass Card which is the city smartcard for public transportation. You also can use their app and mobile ticketing features. Even though San Diego is the second biggest city in California, it still has a very relaxed vibe. It is also pretty safe compared to other major US cities, which contributes to the approachable atmosphere.
What’s It Like Living in San Diego?
Once you moved to San Diego, you’ll wonder what took you so long. This area is famous for its impressive beaches and sunny weather, but there’s much more to it than just that. There are attractions and amenities of all different kinds, ranging from entertainment venues to free museums to outdoor activities.
If you love living an active outdoor lifestyle, you will love San Diego. Because the weather is mild and pleasant, you will hardly ever get shut down from exploring the great outdoors. You can find hiking trails both inland and coastal in great quantity here. It is also popular to play tennis, golf, and go cycling. Don’t be surprised, though, if you find that you spend most of your weekends at the beach like many locals here. There you can play beach volleyball, sunbathe, go boating, and more.
You also find world-class dining, entertainment, and professional sports options here. There are also strong community ties because of the patchwork of distinct neighborhoods. There are farmer’s markets and festivals that locals gather at, and it isn’t uncommon to run into acquaintances and friends at local restaurants and bars. As you can see, it isn’t all work and no play – though these are definitely some fun areas to explore with your co-workers.
Companies to Work For in San Diego: Once You’ve Made Your Choice, We’re Here to Help You Move!
There are so many cool and interesting companies to work for in San Diego, you’ll likely have a hard time deciding where to apply! However, you can use this list to help guide you as you navigate the process of growing your career.
When it’s time for you to make the move to San Diego, we’ll be here to help. As a top-rated moving company in the city, we at Best Fit Movers take our jobs very seriously. We’re here to take the stress away from moving, whether you’re moving across town or across the state. Our licensed and insured company is highly reviewed by customers, a proud member of the San Diego Chamber, and rated an A+ with the BBB.
We offer:
- Packing and unpacking
- Loading and unloading
- Professional packing supplies
- Secure storage solutions
- Transport in spacious trucks
- Residential and commercial moving
- Employee relocation services
Whether you’re a company that’s relocating employees to join the team, or you’re a professional who is heading here in hopes of joining one of these amazing organizations, we can offer you an amazing moving experience.
With us, you get the professionalism of a top-rated moving expert with friendly service that feels like a warm San Diego reception. Is it time for you to schedule your move to our beautiful city? If so, contact us today! We can start you off with a free moving quote.
