Overview Salaries

Salaries in Costa Mesa, CA

Updated on Aug 21, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Costa Mesa, CA?

The average salary in Costa Mesa, CA is $88,581 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Costa Mesa, CA, showing an average salary of $88,581 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Costa Mesa, CA, showing an average salary of $7,382 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Costa Mesa, CA, showing an average salary of $1,703 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Costa Mesa, CA, showing an average salary of $43 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Costa Mesa, CA, offers a diverse range of salaries across different industries. The average yearly salary stands at $88,581. This reflects a healthy job market with various opportunities. Most people can expect to earn well above the national average. This makes Costa Mesa an attractive place for job seekers.


Here are some key industries and their average salaries:

  • Sales: $34,000
  • Administrative Support: $51,818
  • Construction: $69,636
  • Engineering: $87,455
  • IT: $105,273
  • Healthcare: $123,091
  • Finance: $140,909
  • Management: $158,727
  • Education: $176,545
  • Architecture: $194,364
  • Legal: $212,182
  • Other: $230,000
Costa Mesa, CA provides a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries.

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What are the best paying jobs in Costa Mesa, CA?

Job seekers in Costa Mesa, CA, have access to a range of high-paying roles. Technical Programs Managers lead the way with an average salary of $192,798. Other top earners include Software Engineers, who make an average of $173,864, and Solution Architects, earning $171,396 annually. These jobs demand skilled professionals who can drive innovation and efficiency in their respective fields. Additionally, Systems Engineers, Electrical Engineers, and Product Managers also enjoy competitive salaries. Systems Engineers average $169,722, while Electrical Engineers earn $165,428. Product Managers, with an average salary of $154,282, play a crucial role in guiding product development. For those in legal, finance, and mechanical engineering, positions such as Attorney, Finance Manager, and Mechanical Engineer offer substantial rewards, with respective average salaries of $153,203, $146,531, and $145,659. Program Managers, with an average salary of $135,065, complete the list of top-paying jobs in the area.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Costa Mesa, CA, highlighting Technical Programs Manager with the highest at $192,798 and Program Manager with the lowest at $135,065.

  1. Technical Programs Manager
    Average Salary: $192,798
    Manage and oversee technical projects. Work in tech companies, software firms, and other industries. Ensure projects run smoothly and meet goals.
    Find Technical Programs Manager jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  2. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $173,864
    Create, test, and maintain software. Work for tech companies, startups, and various industries. Focus on coding, debugging, and problem-solving.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  3. Solution Architect
    Average Salary: $171,396
    Design and develop software solutions. Collaborate with tech teams and clients. Ensure solutions meet business needs and technical requirements.
    Find Solution Architect jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  4. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $169,722
    Manage and optimize computer systems. Work for IT companies and tech firms. Ensure systems run efficiently and meet user needs.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  5. Electrical Engineer
    Average Salary: $165,428
    Design and develop electrical systems. Work on various projects, from residential to large-scale infrastructure. Focus on innovation and efficiency.
    Find Electrical Engineer jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  6. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $154,282
    Lead product development from concept to market. Work for tech companies and startups. Ensure products meet customer needs and business goals.
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  7. Attorney
    Average Salary: $153,203
    Provide legal advice and represent clients. Work for law firms, corporations, and government. Ensure clients receive fair and effective legal support.
    Find Attorney jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  8. Finance Manager
    Average Salary: $146,531
    Oversee financial operations and strategy. Work for businesses, nonprofits, and government. Ensure financial health and compliance.
    Find Finance Manager jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  9. Mechanical Engineer
    Average Salary: $145,659
    Design, develop, and test mechanical systems. Work in manufacturing, automotive, and various industries. Focus on efficiency and safety.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  10. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $135,065
    Oversee program development and execution. Work for tech companies and various industries. Ensure programs meet objectives and timelines.
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What are the best paying jobs in Costa Mesa, CA without a degree?

Discover lucrative job opportunities in Costa Mesa, CA that do not require a college degree. Roles like Restaurant Manager and Kitchen Manager offer average salaries above $70,000. Positions in hospitality, such as Server and Line Cook, also provide competitive pay starting around $40,000. Explore top-paying jobs like Restaurant Manager and Kitchen Manager in Costa Mesa, CA, both with salaries over $70,000. Service Team Members and Servers can also earn respectable wages, averaging around $40,000. These roles offer good earning potential with less educational requirements, making them attractive to many job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Costa Mesa, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $77,472 and Line Cook with the lowest at $40,692.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $77,472
    Manage the daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, ensure customer satisfaction, and handle budgets. Popular restaurants in Costa Mesa offer competitive benefits.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  2. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $72,401
    Lead the kitchen staff and ensure food is prepared safely and on time. Coordinate with the front of house team. Work in high-demand restaurants with good career growth.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $48,874
    Maintain the landscaping and outdoor areas of properties. Use tools to trim, mow, and plant. Work with local landscape companies and golf courses.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $48,156
    Clean and organize rooms in hotels and residential properties. Follow safety and sanitation guidelines. Opportunities exist with various hospitality chains.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $44,656
    Provide excellent service to customers in a fast-paced environment. Handle reservations and assist with dining experiences. Available in many food service businesses.
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  6. Server
    Average Salary: $41,350
    Take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. Provide recommendations and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Many restaurants offer flexible hours.
    Find Server jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  7. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $41,275
    Help customers find the right beauty products. Provide skincare and makeup advice. Work in beauty stores and spas with potential for commissions.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  8. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,143
    Assist in food preparation and cooking tasks. Follow kitchen safety rules. Work in busy kitchens that need dependable staff.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  9. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $40,902
    Support servers by setting up tables and clearing dishes. Ensure the dining area is clean and ready for guests. Available in various dining establishments.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  10. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $40,692
    Prepare ingredients and cook meals in a fast-paced kitchen. Work under pressure to meet service deadlines. Opportunities exist in multiple food service outlets.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Costa Mesa, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Costa Mesa, CA?

Job seekers looking for high-paying opportunities in Costa Mesa, CA, have several great companies to consider. Anduril Industries leads the pack with an average salary of $172,931. Deloitte and Crowe LLP follow closely, offering average salaries of $166,333 and $141,419, respectively. These top companies provide attractive compensation packages, making them excellent choices for professionals seeking competitive pay. Other notable employers in the area include Experian, Elevance Health, and Cushman & Wakefield, all offering average salaries above $120,000. This data can guide job seekers as they explore the best opportunities for rewarding careers in Costa Mesa.
Graph displaying company salaries in Costa Mesa, CA, highlighting Anduril Industries with the highest at $172,931 and Vans with the lowest at $113,425.

  1. Anduril Industries
    Average Salary: $172,931
    Anduril Industries is a technology company known for making advanced systems for defense and security. They focus on using artificial intelligence to make technology more powerful and secure.


  2. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $166,333
    Deloitte offers professional services in areas like auditing, consulting, financial advisory, and tax. It is a leading global company in these fields.


  3. Crowe LLP
    Average Salary: $141,419
    Crowe LLP is a global accounting firm. They help businesses with auditing, tax, and advisory services. Their work helps companies manage their finances better.


  4. Experian
    Average Salary: $139,704
    Experian is a global information services company. They provide data and analytical tools. Their services help businesses and consumers make better decisions.


  5. Elevance Health
    Average Salary: $136,717
    Elevance Health focuses on health services. They help people with health insurance and health-related services to improve their health outcomes.


  6. Cushman & Wakefield
    Average Salary: $125,800
    Cushman & Wakefield is a global real estate services firm. They help with property management, leasing, and real estate investment.


  7. Moffatt & Nichol
    Average Salary: $120,194
    Moffatt & Nichol provides architecture, engineering, and planning services. They work on projects that shape communities.


  8. Providence
    Average Salary: $119,265
    Providence is a health care provider. They run hospitals and clinics, focusing on providing high-quality patient care.


  9. Coast Community College District
    Average Salary: $118,551
    Coast Community College District runs several community colleges. They offer a range of educational programs to help students achieve their goals.


  10. Vans
    Average Salary: $113,425
    Vans is a footwear and apparel company. They design and sell shoes, clothing, and accessories. They are known for their skateboarding culture and trendy styles.

How does the cost of living in Costa Mesa, CA compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Costa Mesa, California, is notably higher than the nationwide average. Housing costs, for instance, stand at 60% above the national average. This elevated cost of living impacts several areas, including groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses. Specifically, groceries in Costa Mesa are 20% higher, utilities 5% more, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 10% above the average, and miscellaneous costs 30% higher. This data suggests that job seekers must consider these costs when planning their move to Costa Mesa.
Cost of living comparison graph for Costa Mesa, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 60% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

The cost of living in Costa Mesa, CA, reflects a higher expense compared to the nationwide average, which is indexed at 100. Specifically, the housing index stands at 160, indicating that housing costs are 60% higher than the national average. This significant increase suggests that job seekers should prepare for a considerable portion of their income to go towards housing in this area.


Additionally, the grocery index in Costa Mesa is at 120, 20% above the national average. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs also exceed the national average, with respective indices of 105, 115, 110, and 130. These figures highlight that overall living expenses in Costa Mesa are elevated. Job seekers should account for these higher costs when evaluating job opportunities and making relocation decisions.

There are 1,092 job openings in Costa Mesa, CA, today!

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Costa Mesa, CA
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