Estimated Weekly PFL Benefit · San Diego Median Salary · 2026
$969/week
Based on San Diego median salary of $72,000 · 8-week total: $7,754
PFL for San Diego Workers — What You Need to Know
San Diego's economy is built around biotech, defense, healthcare, tourism, and military. Workers across all these sectors who pay into SDI qualify for California PFL when taking leave to bond with a new child or care for a seriously ill family member.
San Diego has a large military and biotech workforce. Military civilian employees may qualify for PFL; active-duty service members are covered separately under military leave laws.
🏙️San Diego local ordinanceSan Diego's Earned Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Ordinance sets higher local minimums that feed into PFL wage calculations for hourly workers.
PFL Estimates for Common San Diego Professions
| Profession | Typical Salary | Weekly PFL | 8-Week Total |
|---|
| 🔬 Biotech Researcher | $95,000 | $1,279/wk | $10,231 |
| 🏥 Registered Nurse | $90,000 | $1,212/wk | $9,692 |
| 🎖️ Military Civilian | $72,000 | $969/wk | $7,754 |
| 🏖️ Tourism / Hospitality | $40,000 | $538/wk | $4,308 |
| 📚 Teacher (SDUSD) | $60,000 | $808/wk | $6,462 |
How EDD Calculates Your San Diego PFL Benefit
The formula is the same across all of California — EDD does not adjust for local cost of living. Your benefit is based entirely on your personal wage history.
1
Highest Quarter EarningsEDD finds your highest-paid 3-month period in the 12 months ending 5–18 months before your claim.
2
Average Weekly WageHighest quarter ÷ 13 = AWW
3
Apply Rate (70% or 90%)AWW ≤ $1,252 → 90% · AWW > $1,252 → 70%. Max: $1,765/week
⚠️File within 41 daysFile your PFL claim at edd.ca.gov within 41 days of your first day of leave. Missing this deadline forfeits your benefits permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions — San Diego
How much PFL does a San Diego worker get in 2026? +
Based on San Diego's median salary of $72,000/year, the estimated weekly PFL benefit is $969, for a total of $7,754 over 8 weeks. Your actual benefit depends on your specific quarterly wages as reported to EDD.
Does working in San Diego affect my PFL benefit? +
Indirectly — San Diego workers tend to earn higher wages, which increases PFL benefits. However, the EDD formula does not adjust for city or cost of living. Your benefit is calculated from your personal W-2 wages only.
Can I get PFL if I work part-time in San Diego? +
Yes. PFL has no minimum hours requirement. As long as SDI was deducted from your San Diego paycheck, you qualify. Your benefit will reflect your part-time earnings.
Calculate Your Exact PFL Benefit
Use the calculator on the right with your actual salary for a precise estimate. Or browse by profession: