What is the average salary in Costa Mesa, CA?
Job seekers in Costa Mesa, CA, can expect a range of salaries across different industries. The average yearly salary stands at $91,137. This figure represents the middle of the income spectrum, offering a balanced view of potential earnings. Many sectors contribute to the healthy salary landscape in this area.
Here are some common industries and their average salaries:
- Construction: $34,000
- Retail: $51,591
- Manufacturing: $69,182
- Healthcare: $86,773
- Finance: $104,364
- IT: $121,955
- Education: $139,545
- Professional Services: $157,136
- Real Estate: $174,727
- Management: $192,318
- Tech: $209,909
- Top Executives: $227,500
What are the best paying jobs in Costa Mesa, CA?

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Technical Programs Manager
Average Salary: $192,969
Leads technical projects and teams. Works with companies like tech startups and established firms. Manages budgets and timelines to ensure project success.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $171,466
Develops and tests software applications. Companies need skilled engineers to build innovative solutions. Works closely with cross-functional teams to deliver quality products.
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Systems Engineer
Average Salary: $169,867
Designs and maintains computer systems. Ensures systems run smoothly and efficiently. Works in both tech companies and other industries to optimize operations.
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Solution Architect
Average Salary: $169,674
Designs technical solutions for business needs. Works with companies to create effective IT strategies. Bridges the gap between business goals and technical capabilities.
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Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $164,009
Designs and tests electrical systems. Companies in tech and manufacturing rely on their expertise. Works on projects ranging from small devices to large-scale systems.
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Product Manager
Average Salary: $153,729
Guides product development from concept to market. Works with tech companies to launch successful products. Collaborates with marketing, engineering, and sales teams.
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Attorney
Average Salary: $151,470
Provides legal advice and representation. Serves both businesses and individuals. Works in firms handling various legal matters, ensuring clients' rights are protected.
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Finance Manager
Average Salary: $145,461
Manages financial planning and analysis. Works in various sectors including tech and retail. Oversees budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting to ensure business health.
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Mechanical Engineer
Average Salary: $141,284
Designs and develops mechanical systems. Works in industries from automotive to aerospace. Ensures systems are safe, efficient, and cost-effective.
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Engineer
Average Salary: $133,649
Designs, builds, and tests engineering projects. Works in diverse fields from construction to tech. Solves technical problems to improve processes and products.
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What are the best paying jobs in Costa Mesa, CA without a degree?

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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $77,036
In this role, you will oversee day-to-day operations. This includes managing staff and ensuring excellent customer service. Top companies in Costa Mesa, CA, seek managers with a strong background in hospitality.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $68,161
You will manage kitchen staff and ensure food quality. This position is key for smooth kitchen operations. Experience with high-volume kitchens is valued by local businesses.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $49,760
This job involves maintaining landscapes and gardens. You'll work for various companies. Skills in landscaping and grounds maintenance are essential. You'll keep outdoor areas neat and attractive.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $48,415
You'll clean and maintain hotel rooms. Attention to detail is important. This role ensures guests have a clean environment. Costa Mesa hotels offer many opportunities for those in this field.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $43,965
This role involves serving customers in restaurants. You'll interact with guests and ensure their satisfaction. Fast-paced environments are common. Experience in the food service industry is beneficial.
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Server
Average Salary: $41,329
You'll take orders and serve food and drinks. This role requires good communication skills. Costa Mesa has many dining options for servers to explore. Fast service and friendly service are key.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $41,290
You'll assist in the kitchen. This role involves preparing food and helping cooks. It's a great entry-level position. Local restaurants value team members who work well under pressure.
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Beauty Consultant
Average Salary: $41,012
You'll provide beauty advice and sell products. This role is for those who enjoy helping others look their best. Top beauty brands in Costa Mesa are always looking for skilled consultants.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $40,581
You'll prepare ingredients and cook meals. Speed and accuracy are essential. Line cooks work in fast-paced kitchens. Many local restaurants value experienced line cooks.
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Barista
Average Salary: $40,321
You'll make coffee and other drinks. Attention to detail is important. This role involves serving customers and maintaining the coffee area. Coffee shops in Costa Mesa often seek skilled baristas.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Costa Mesa, CA?

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Deloitte
Average Salary: $163,214
Deloitte is a top-tier professional services firm. They offer auditing, consulting, financial advisory, and tax services. Many professionals in Costa Mesa find rewarding careers here.
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Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
Average Salary: $156,735
Lewis Brisbois is a well-known law firm. They focus on litigation and business services. This company attracts many legal professionals seeking competitive salaries.
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Crowe LLP
Average Salary: $141,186
Crowe LLP is a global accounting and consulting firm. They offer a variety of services including assurance, tax, and consulting. Employees enjoy good compensation and benefits.
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Experian
Average Salary: $140,845
Experian is a leading global information services company. They provide credit data and analytics. Working here means being part of a dynamic, innovative environment.
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Elevance Health
Average Salary: $137,155
Elevance Health, formerly Anthem, Inc., is a health benefits company. They focus on improving health outcomes. Their competitive salaries attract many in the healthcare field.
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Coast Community College District
Average Salary: $134,617
The Coast Community College District includes several colleges in Orange County. They offer various academic programs. Many educators find fulfilling careers here.
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Cushman & Wakefield
Average Salary: $125,211
Cushman & Wakefield is a global real estate services firm. They provide commercial real estate services. Employees here benefit from a strong company culture and good pay.
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Moffatt & Nichol
Average Salary: $118,472
Moffatt & Nichol is a global engineering and design firm. They offer architecture, engineering, and consulting services. Professionals here enjoy diverse projects and a supportive work environment.
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Providence
Average Salary: $117,643
Providence is a not-for-profit health system. They offer a range of health services. Employees find meaning and satisfaction in their work here.
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Dickies
Average Salary: $112,552
Dickies is a leading workwear brand. They offer durable, high-quality clothing. Many skilled workers find stable and rewarding jobs here.
How does the cost of living in Costa Mesa, CA compare to the national average?

Costa Mesa, California, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Costa Mesa stands at 180, meaning housing costs are 80% higher than the national average. This significant increase makes finding affordable housing one of the primary challenges for residents.
The cost of groceries in Costa Mesa is also above average, with an index of 112. This indicates a 12% increase in grocery prices compared to the national average. Other areas like utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also exceed the national average. Utilities are 10% higher, transportation is 15% higher, healthcare costs are 5% higher, and miscellaneous expenses are 25% higher. These figures show that living in Costa Mesa generally involves higher expenses across multiple categories.



