Did you know that San Diego is considered to be the most pleasant place in the United States?
With 70 miles of pristine beaches and an idyllic climate, there’s no better place to be than San Diego. Do you want to live in this most pleasant place while also working at a super cool company? Yeah, we thought so.
What are the best companies to work for in San Diego, though? Well, you’ve certainly got a lot of options. Let’s take a look at nineteen of the best places to work in San Diego so you can enjoy both your work time and your free time.
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 their text-laden labels and use of organic and fair-trade materials, this Vista-based company is known to be a great mid-size company to work for. In fact, it won first place for mid-size companies for the 2020 Top Workplaces survey conducted by the Union-Tribune.
When you work for Dr. Bronner’s, not only did you get full bragging rights when you head to your next music festival, but there are also 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.
Health insurance and child care assistance are also a part of the deal.
Another cool thing that makes this one of the best places to work 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.
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.
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.
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 and also allows them to hire top-tier talent.
Booz Allen Hamilton
Named as the second-best large company to work for in San Diego in the 2020 Top Workplaces survey, Booz Allen has a whopping 1,349 employees. This consulting firm has expertise in engineering, analytics, cyber, and digital that they offer to government, businesses, and military organizations.
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.
Viasat
This tech company started out in military communication but have broadened their horizons to offering communication and internet services to families, businesses, and the government. Focused on helping employees stay active as a part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, they have a basketball court and gym for employee use.
Measurabl
Measurabl is a SaaS company that offers a platform for collecting, disclosing, managing, and acting upon data related to real estate ESG/sustainability.
They offer unlimited vacation, competitive salaries, and retirement plans.
Patient Safe Solutions
This company is dedicated to providing clear and quick communication for healthcare teams. They offer one device that allows clinicians to send patient data and information securely.
Not only do you get to participate in improving information sharing in the healthcare sector, but working for Patient Safe Solutions means you get a 401(k) plan, healthcare, and stock options.
Illumina
This tech company specializes in DNA sequencing. Whether you’re a person who’s interested in biotech, genomics, engineering, or a more clinical role, there are a lot of opportunities at this growing company. One of the perks of working here is that your genome can be sequenced at a discounted rate, offering you a pretty cool chance to get to know your DNA more intimately!
Classy
Classy is a social enterprise that offers fundraising software to not-for-profit organizations.
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.
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.
Seismic
This is a San Diego based company that has grown quickly to become a leader in the world of sales enablement. What started with 5 San Diego founders has expanded to a company with 900 employees and 14 offices around the globe.
When you work for Seismic, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the perks that Silicon Valley tech companies are famous for. These include things like a flexible work schedule, career development opportunities, team outings, and company happy hours.
GameTree
This San Diego company was named one of the coolest companies on the Connect With San Diego Venture Group 2020 list. This Public Benefit Corporation allows people to create a profile and get matched with people that have similar gaming interests. You can then connect in a chat, and meet people you might just get along with!
Power Digital Marketing
This full-service digital marketing agency dedicating to help brands elevate their internet presence. With some high-caliber clients like Beyond Meat, Airbnb, Spanx, Bed Bath and Beyond, and more, this is definitely not your average digital marketing company.
When you work here, you’ll get perks like unlimited PTO, catered lunches, and top-notch health insurance. They also offer employee matching 401(k) plans, profit-sharing, and a monthly gym membership.
Community Interface Services
This nonprofit organization provides services to both adults and children who have developmental disabilities. 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 Indicates Services, but they also offer some appealing benefits as well. These include health insurance, retirement plans, holidays, and personal leave.
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.
In both 2014 and 2016, they were listed as being the best place to work in San Diego for mid-size companies. With full benefits, generous vacation and holiday time, competitive compensation, flexible work options and more, you’ll appreciate the way they treat their employees here.
GoSite
This company creates simplified technology to serve small businesses in the United States. Allowing small businesses to have everything they need in one place in order to connect with their customers, they offer a cloud-based suite of web and mobile tools.
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 vacation, 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!
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.
Coffman Engineers, Inc.
These award-winning engineering consultants are the number one small company to work for on the Union-Tribune’s 2020 list. They offer standard benefits like healthcare and financial and retirement plans, as well as some sought after benefits such as paid parental leave.
You’ll also have the benefits of a flexible work schedule, paid holidays, and a flexible paid-time-off policy. There are also transportation reimbursements, complimentary beverages, breakfast, and snacks, and more.
Kidder Mathews
This is the largest independent commercial real estate firm in the region. If commercial real estate is your name, Kidder Mathews might just be your game.
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 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.
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Mission Federal Credit Union
This company was ranked number one on the list of the best large companies released by the San Diego Union-Tribune.
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.
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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.
If you want to know the best way to learn about a new city before you move there, check out this article.
The Weather
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.
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Industry Hotspot
As you’ve likely gathered, San Diego is an industry hotspot 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.
Cost of Living
The population of San Diego has increased by a quarter-million people since 2010. It’s no surprise that people are moving their in droves as news of their high quality of live became less of a secret around the country. What this also means, though, is that the cost to live has also risen fairly quickly in the last ten years.
Whether San Diego is expensive depends on where you’re coming from. It’s not as expensive as San Francisco. However, many of the factors that make up the cost of living are above the US average.
According to one estimate, it is 44% more expensive to live in San Diego than the US average.
A little over half of the population of San Diego rents their homes. The average rent for an apartment is $2,238, whereas the average in the country overall is $1,463.
Navigating the City
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.
The Vibe
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.
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Public Transportation
It can be annoying to drive in San Diego. 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.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are rare in San Diego, however, they are possible. This is because San Diego is located near some faults.
It’s worth knowing what to do in the case of an earthquake just in case. This includes being aware and staying calm. On top of that, you’ll want to use the job/cover/hold technique.
This technique involves dropping to the ground, finding cover under a desk or table, and holding onto the legs of the desk or table you are under.
Proximity to Mexico
Not far from the Mexican border, San Diego is packed full of high-quality Mexican food. You can also easily head down to Tijuana for a fun Mexican adventure.
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 is plenty to do in this beautiful city. This ranges 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 farmers markets and festivals that locals gather at, and it isn’t uncommon to run into acquaintances and friends at local restaurants and bars.
As mentioned previously, the population of San Diego is relatively young. This is due in part to big-city amenities, lots of tech jobs, and higher education opportunities.
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.
Is it time for you to schedule your move to our beautiful city? If so, contact us today!
