Salaries in Goleta, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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What is the average salary in Goleta, CA?

The average salary in Goleta, CA is $68,773 per year.

Goleta, CA, offers a variety of salary opportunities across different industries. The average salary in the area is around $68,773. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers. Salaries can vary widely based on the job sector and experience level.


Here are some average salary ranges for various jobs in Goleta:

  • Entry-level positions: $33,500 to $47,427
  • Mid-level positions: $61,355 to $89,209
  • Senior-level positions: $103,136 to $186,700
These figures can help job seekers set realistic expectations and understand the earning potential in different roles.

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What are the best paying jobs in Goleta, CA?

Goleta, CA, offers a range of top-paying jobs for skilled professionals. Among these, Systems Engineers and Software Engineers lead the way with average salaries around $143,000 and $130,000, respectively. These roles require strong technical skills and often involve working with cutting-edge technology. Other high-paying positions include Program Managers, Mechanical Engineers, and Registered Nurses. Program Managers oversee projects and teams, often earning over $128,000. Mechanical Engineers design and develop mechanical systems, with salaries around $125,000. Registered Nurses, who provide essential patient care, can earn about $103,000. These jobs demand a mix of technical expertise, leadership, and dedication to quality.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Goleta, CA, highlighting Systems Engineer with the highest at $143,277 and Manufacturing Technician with the lowest at $62,100.
  1. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $143,277
    This role involves designing and maintaining complex systems. Companies like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin are hiring. They focus on creating efficient and reliable systems for various applications.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA


  2. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $130,010
    Software engineers develop applications and software systems. Tech firms in the area, such as Intel and Qualcomm, are looking for skilled professionals. They work on creating innovative solutions to meet user needs.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA


  3. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $128,790
    Program managers oversee projects and ensure they meet goals. Companies like Boeing and Northrop Grumman need managers who can coordinate teams and resources effectively. They play a key role in project success.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Goleta, CA


  4. Mechanical Engineer
    Average Salary: $125,168
    Mechanical engineers design and develop mechanical systems. Firms such as Raytheon and Lockheed Martin are hiring. They focus on creating efficient and reliable mechanical systems for various applications.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA


  5. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $103,066
    Registered nurses provide patient care and support. Hospitals like Cottage Health System are hiring. They work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive the best care.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Goleta, CA


  6. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $101,541
    Speech language pathologists help patients with communication and swallowing. Clinics and schools in the area are hiring. They work with individuals to improve their speech and language skills.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Goleta, CA


  7. Manufacturing Engineer
    Average Salary: $98,334
    Manufacturing engineers design and improve production processes. Companies like Boeing and Northrop Grumman are looking for skilled engineers. They focus on creating efficient and cost-effective manufacturing systems.
    Find Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA


  8. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $71,095
    Licensed vocational nurses provide basic patient care. Hospitals and clinics in the area are hiring. They work under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors to ensure patients receive proper care.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Goleta, CA


  9. General Manager
    Average Salary: $69,350
    General managers oversee daily operations of businesses. Companies like restaurants and retail stores are hiring. They ensure smooth operations and meet business goals.
    Find General Manager jobs in Goleta, CA


  10. Manufacturing Technician
    Average Salary: $62,100
    Manufacturing technicians operate machinery and equipment. Firms such as Boeing and Northrop Grumman are hiring. They focus on producing high-quality products efficiently.
    Find Manufacturing Technician jobs in Goleta, CA

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

Goleta offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Positions such as Server Assistant and Kitchen Team Member provide good earnings. These roles often come with opportunities for growth and experience in the industry. Server Assistants, for example, earn around $40,689 per year. They help in serving food and drinks, ensuring customers have a pleasant experience. Kitchen Team Members, earning about $36,953 annually, assist in preparing meals and maintaining a clean kitchen. These jobs offer competitive pay and the chance to work in a dynamic environment.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Goleta, CA without a degree, highlighting Server Assistant with the highest at $40,689 and Service Team Member with the lowest at $34,170.
  1. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $40,689
    This role involves helping servers with tasks. It requires a friendly attitude and good communication skills. It is a great starting point for those interested in the food service industry.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Goleta, CA


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $39,423
    Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms and common areas. This job is ideal for those who enjoy a clean and organized environment. It is often found in hotels and hospitality businesses.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Goleta, CA


  3. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $39,176
    Beauty consultants help customers choose and use beauty products. They work in stores and provide personalized advice. This role is perfect for those who love beauty and helping others.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Goleta, CA


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $38,224
    Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. They need to be quick and accurate. This job is common in cafes and coffee shops.
    Find Barista jobs in Goleta, CA


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $37,678
    Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook food quickly. They work in fast-paced environments. This role is found in restaurants and food service establishments.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Goleta, CA


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $37,311
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They need good communication skills and a friendly demeanor. This job is common in restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server jobs in Goleta, CA


  7. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $36,953
    Kitchen team members assist in food preparation and cooking. They work in a team to ensure smooth kitchen operations. This role is found in various food service settings.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Goleta, CA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $34,227
    Dishwasher clean and sanitize dishes and utensils. They need to work efficiently in a busy kitchen. This job is common in restaurants and food service businesses.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Goleta, CA


  9. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $34,170
    Service team members provide customer service and support. They need to be friendly and helpful. This role is found in various service-oriented businesses.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Goleta, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Goleta, CA?

Job seekers in Goleta, CA, can find competitive salaries at several top companies. Raytheon leads with an average salary of $139,992, followed by Northrop Grumman at $123,192. ProCare Therapy offers $100,854, while Deckers Brands provides $95,571. These companies offer attractive compensation packages, making them desirable for professionals seeking rewarding careers. Other notable employers include Toyota, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, and CVS Health, with average salaries ranging from $69,234 to $60,438. AppleOne, Good Samaritan Shelter, and Santa Barbara Humane also provide good compensation, with average salaries from $59,067 to $52,783. These companies present excellent opportunities for those looking to advance their careers in a thriving local job market.
Graph displaying company salaries in Goleta, CA, highlighting Raytheon with the highest at $139,992 and Santa Barbara Humane with the lowest at $52,783.
  1. Raytheon
    Average Salary: $139,992
    Raytheon is a global technology and defense company. They focus on creating solutions for air, space, and land. They offer a competitive salary and benefits.


  2. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $123,192
    Northrop Grumman is a leader in global security. They provide innovative systems for the defense industry. They offer a strong salary package and career growth.


  3. ProCare Therapy
    Average Salary: $100,854
    ProCare Therapy is a healthcare staffing company. They connect healthcare professionals with job opportunities. They offer a good salary and benefits.


  4. Deckers Brands
    Average Salary: $95,571
    Deckers Brands is a footwear company. They design and sell popular brands like Ugg and Teva. They offer a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment.


  5. Toyota
    Average Salary: $69,234
    Toyota is a well-known car manufacturer. They produce reliable and innovative vehicles. They offer a good salary and benefits for their employees.


  6. Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
    Average Salary: $63,627
    Devereux is a behavioral health organization. They provide services for people with special needs. They offer a decent salary and opportunities for growth.


  7. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $60,438
    CVS Health is a healthcare company. They offer pharmacy, health services, and insurance. They provide a good salary and benefits.


  8. AppleOne
    Average Salary: $59,067
    AppleOne is a staffing agency. They connect job seekers with temporary and permanent positions. They offer a fair salary and benefits.


  9. Good Samaritan Shelter
    Average Salary: $54,356
    Good Samaritan Shelter provides housing and support for homeless individuals. They offer a good salary and the chance to make a difference.


  10. Santa Barbara Humane
    Average Salary: $52,783
    Santa Barbara Humane is an animal shelter. They care for animals and find them loving homes. They offer a decent salary and the chance to help animals.

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

Goleta, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Goleta stands at 215, which is 115% of the national average. This indicates that housing costs in Goleta are significantly higher than the average. Other categories, such as groceries, utilities, and transportation, also exceed the national average, with indices of 110, 120, and 115, respectively. These figures suggest that living in Goleta involves higher expenses across multiple areas.
Cost of living comparison graph for Goleta, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 115% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 20% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

Goleta, California, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Goleta stands at 215, which is 115% of the national average. This means housing costs are significantly higher, making it a major factor for those considering a move. Job seekers should be aware that finding affordable housing may be more challenging in Goleta.


Other expenses in Goleta also exceed the national average. For instance, groceries cost 110% of what they would nationwide, while utilities are 20% higher at 120%. Transportation costs are 15% above average, with an index of 115. Healthcare costs are slightly below the national average at 105%, offering some relief. Miscellaneous expenses are 30% higher, with an index of 130. These factors combine to make Goleta's overall cost of living notably higher than the national average.

There are 501 job openings in Goleta, CA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Goleta, CA

Discover what it's like to work in Goleta, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
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Goleta, CA
501 Job Openings