Overview Salaries

Salaries in Goleta, CA

Updated on May 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Goleta, CA?

The average salary in Goleta, CA is $77,784 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Goleta, CA, showing an average salary of $77,784 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Goleta, CA, showing an average salary of $6,482 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Goleta, CA, showing an average salary of $1,496 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Goleta, CA, showing an average salary of $37 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Goleta, CA, provides a wide range of salary options for professionals across various fields. The average yearly salary stands at $77,784. This figure can help job seekers gauge what to expect in different roles. The salary range varies, with the lowest at $34,000 and the highest reaching $206,000.

Here are some key points for potential salaries:

  • Entry-level positions start at about $34,000.
  • Mid-level jobs offer salaries around $96,545.
  • Experienced professionals can earn upwards of $159,091.
  • Top roles in specialized fields reach up to $206,000.

These figures give a clear picture of what to aim for in different career stages in Goleta, CA.

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What are the best paying jobs in Goleta, CA?

Goleta, CA, offers various high-paying jobs for professionals. The best-paying roles include Systems Engineers, who earn around $155,411 yearly. Software Engineers and Program Managers also land top spots, with annual salaries of $147,112 and $135,772, respectively. Mechanical Engineers, Registered Nurses, and Manufacturing Engineers enjoy competitive salaries in Goleta. These jobs pay about $132,853, $111,111, and $99,429 per year. These positions attract skilled professionals seeking rewarding careers with good pay.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Goleta, CA, highlighting Systems Engineer with the highest at $155,411 and Store Manager with the lowest at $47,440.

  1. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $155,411
    This role focuses on creating and maintaining systems that meet company needs. The work involves collaborating with IT teams to ensure smooth operations. Key employers include local tech firms and research institutions.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA


  2. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $147,112
    Developing and managing software systems is central to this position. It involves writing code and debugging software. Major companies in Goleta offer roles in this field, such as local tech startups and established corporations.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA


  3. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $135,772
    This position oversees projects from start to finish. It requires strong leadership and project management skills. Companies in the tech and biotech sectors often hire for this role.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Goleta, CA


  4. Mechanical Engineer
    Average Salary: $132,853
    Mechanical engineers design and improve products and processes. This job often involves working with manufacturers and tech companies. Goleta’s engineering firms offer many opportunities in this area.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA


  5. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $111,111
    Caring for patients and coordinating healthcare services is key. Hospitals and clinics in Goleta rely on registered nurses for high-quality patient care.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Goleta, CA


  6. Manufacturing Engineer
    Average Salary: $99,429
    This role focuses on improving manufacturing processes and efficiency. It involves working with machinery and production teams. Local manufacturing companies provide many job opportunities.
    Find Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA


  7. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $73,602
    Providing patient care and support to registered nurses is essential. This role includes administering medications and monitoring patients. Local healthcare facilities need skilled LVNs.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Goleta, CA


  8. Manufacturing Technician
    Average Salary: $63,337
    Operating and maintaining machinery is a core responsibility. This job requires attention to detail and technical skills. Goleta’s manufacturing sector offers various positions.
    Find Manufacturing Technician jobs in Goleta, CA


  9. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $52,338
    Helping customers find products and providing excellent service is key. This role often involves working in retail stores. Local businesses need friendly and knowledgeable sales associates.
    Find Retail Sales Associate jobs in Goleta, CA


  10. Store Manager
    Average Salary: $47,440
    Managing store operations and staff is central to this role. It includes overseeing sales and customer service. Retail stores in Goleta require experienced managers.
    Find Store Manager jobs in Goleta, CA

What are the best paying jobs in Goleta, CA without a degree?

Goleta, CA, offers many job opportunities that provide good pay without needing a college degree. Among the top positions are roles in housekeeping, which often pay around $50,954 annually. Kitchen team members, beauty consultants, and baristas also earn strong salaries, with figures around $40,654, $40,559, and $40,031, respectively. These jobs offer a chance to earn well while gaining valuable work experience. Other high-paying roles include server, server assistant, and service team member positions. Servers can expect to earn about $38,897 a year, while server assistants make around $37,820. Service team members, in various capacities, can earn approximately $36,125 annually. These positions provide competitive wages and the opportunity to work in dynamic environments.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Goleta, CA without a degree, highlighting Housekeeping with the highest at $50,954 and Service Team Member with the lowest at $36,125.

  1. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $50,954
    Ensure cleanliness in hotels and restaurants. Maintain a tidy environment. Work for places like Marriott and Hilton.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Goleta, CA


  2. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,654
    Prepare meals in fast-paced settings. Follow recipes and instructions. Cook for establishments such as Panera Bread and Chipotle.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Goleta, CA


  3. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $40,559
    Provide beauty advice and product recommendations. Work in stores like Ulta and Sephora. Help customers with skincare and makeup.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Goleta, CA


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $40,031
    Prepare coffee and beverages. Serve customers quickly and accurately. Work in coffee shops like Starbucks and Peet's Coffee.
    Find Barista jobs in Goleta, CA


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $38,897
    Take orders and serve food and drinks. Interact with customers to ensure satisfaction. Serve at places like Chili's and Olive Garden.
    Find Server jobs in Goleta, CA


  6. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $37,820
    Help servers with table settings and food delivery. Maintain a clean and organized dining area. Assist at restaurants such as Applebee's and Red Lobster.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Goleta, CA


  7. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $36,125
    Provide excellent customer service in various settings. Work in roles that require interaction with guests. Serve at places such as Panera Bread and Chipotle.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Goleta, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Goleta, CA?

Goleta, California offers a diverse job market with competitive salaries. Companies like Google, L3Harris, and Raytheon provide some of the highest average salaries in the area. These leading employers pay an average of $173,420, $139,308, and $138,973 respectively, making them attractive options for job seekers. Additionally, Northrop Grumman, Deckers Brands, and Cottage Health follow closely with impressive average salaries. They offer $124,254, $108,929, and $95,032 respectively. Toyota, CVS Health, AppleOne, and Marriott International also provide decent salaries ranging from $73,563 to $49,686. Job seekers in Goleta can find good opportunities with these companies.
Graph displaying company salaries in Goleta, CA, highlighting Google with the highest at $173,420 and Marriott International with the lowest at $49,686.

  1. Google
    Average Salary: $173,420
    Google is a global technology company known for its innovative products. It offers a wide range of job opportunities, especially in tech and engineering. Workers often enjoy a competitive salary, perks, and a great work environment.


  2. L3Harris
    Average Salary: $139,308
    L3Harris is a leading technology company specializing in aerospace and defense. It provides excellent career opportunities with a strong focus on innovation and advancement. Employees benefit from competitive salaries and a supportive workplace.


  3. Raytheon
    Average Salary: $138,973
    Raytheon is a global defense company that offers many job opportunities in engineering and technology. It is known for its innovative projects and commitment to employee development. Workers receive a good salary and benefits.


  4. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $124,254
    Northrop Grumman focuses on defense and technology. It provides many job opportunities for skilled workers. The company is known for its innovation and offers a competitive salary and benefits package.


  5. Deckers Brands
    Average Salary: $108,929
    Deckers Brands is a company that designs and sells footwear. It offers many jobs in various areas such as design, sales, and marketing. Employees benefit from a good salary and a friendly work environment.


  6. Cottage Health
    Average Salary: $95,032
    Cottage Health runs several hospitals and clinics. It offers jobs in healthcare, administration, and support services. Workers receive a good salary and enjoy a supportive and caring work environment.


  7. Toyota
    Average Salary: $73,563
    Toyota is a leading car manufacturer. It offers many job opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, and sales. Workers benefit from a good salary, benefits, and a stable work environment.


  8. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $59,947
    CVS Health is a health services company. It offers jobs in retail, pharmacy, and healthcare. Workers receive a good salary and benefits, along with a supportive workplace.


  9. AppleOne
    Average Salary: $58,073
    AppleOne is a staffing agency that offers many job opportunities in various fields. It helps people find jobs in different areas. Workers receive a fair salary and can benefit from flexible working options.


  10. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $49,686
    Marriott International is a hotel chain with many job opportunities. It offers roles in hospitality, management, and customer service. Employees receive a good salary and benefits, along with a chance to travel and grow.

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

Goleta, CA, shows a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Goleta are 85% higher, with an index of 185. This makes it one of the most expensive categories. Other areas like groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also exceed the national average, though not as drastically as housing. Groceries stand at 10% above the average, while utilities, transportation, and healthcare are around 20% higher. Miscellaneous expenses are only 5% above the average. This data highlights the overall higher cost of living in Goleta compared to the rest of the country.
Cost of living comparison graph for Goleta, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 85% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 20% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 30% higher, miscellaneous 5% higher.

Job seekers considering Goleta, CA, will find the cost of living significantly higher in certain areas compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Goleta are particularly high, with an index of 185. This means that housing expenses in Goleta are 85% higher than the national average. Prospective residents should be prepared for elevated expenses when it comes to finding a place to live.


Other areas also show increased costs compared to the national average. For instance, utilities in Goleta are 20% higher, with an index of 120. Transportation costs are 15% higher, at an index of 115. These factors, combined with higher housing prices, make it clear that Goleta is not the cheapest place to live. While groceries are only 10% above the national average, at an index of 110, and miscellaneous costs are slightly below average at 105, these areas do little to offset the higher expenses in housing and utilities. Job seekers must weigh these costs against potential salary and lifestyle benefits when deciding if Goleta is the right fit for them.

There are 275 job openings in Goleta, CA, today!

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Goleta, CA
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