What is the average salary in Laguna Beach, CA?
In Laguna Beach, CA, job seekers can expect competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at around $54,369. This figure offers a good benchmark for understanding the earning potential in the area.
Different sectors offer diverse salary ranges. For instance, the lowest-paying jobs earn around $33,800 per year, while the highest-paying roles can reach up to $150,000 annually. Below is a breakdown of the salary distribution:
- 43.66% earn between $33,800 and $44,364
- 22.45% earn between $44,364 and $54,927
- 9.45% earn between $54,927 and $65,491
- 5.14% earn between $65,491 and $76,055
- 4.37% earn between $76,055 and $86,618
- 3.07% earn between $86,618 and $97,182
- 1.65% earn between $97,182 and $107,745
- 1.48% earn between $107,745 and $118,309
- 0.95% earn between $118,309 and $128,873
- 1.71% earn between $128,873 and $139,436
- 1.06% earn over $139,436
What are the best paying jobs in Laguna Beach, CA?

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Cook
Average Salary: $46,565
Cooks work in restaurants preparing delicious meals. This includes chopping, mixing, and cooking food. Popular employers include fine dining restaurants.
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Front Desk Associate
Average Salary: $42,753
Front desk associates greet guests and manage reservations at hotels. They often handle check-ins and check-outs. Local hotels hire them for their friendly service.
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Host
Average Salary: $38,186
Hosts manage table seating and reservations at restaurants. They ensure guests have a great experience. Popular employers include popular dining spots.
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Barista
Average Salary: $37,299
Baristas prepare coffee and other drinks at cafes. They need to know how to use coffee machines well. Many cafes in the area hire baristas to serve customers.
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Server
Average Salary: $34,961
Servers take orders and deliver food to customers in restaurants. They also handle payments. This role is important for a smooth dining experience.
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Food Runner
Average Salary: $33,958
Food runners assist servers by delivering food from the kitchen to tables. They need to be quick and efficient. This role is vital in busy restaurants.
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Bartender
Average Salary: $33,727
Bartenders mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at bars. They need to know how to prepare many drinks. Many local bars hire bartenders for their mixology skills.
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What are the best paying jobs in Laguna Beach, CA without a degree?

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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $44,491
Cleaning and maintaining rooms and common areas in hotels and restaurants. Ensures a welcoming environment for guests. Well-suited for those who enjoy a tidy workplace.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $40,493
Preparing meals quickly and efficiently in a kitchen setting. Often works in fast-paced environments like cafes and restaurants. Requires attention to detail and strong time management skills.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $38,592
Washing dishes and utensils in commercial kitchens. Operates dishwashing machines and maintains a clean workspace. Ideal for those who enjoy hands-on work and teamwork.
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Barista
Average Salary: $37,299
Preparing and serving coffee drinks in cafes. Interacts with customers to take orders and ensure satisfaction. Perfect for individuals who enjoy creative work and social interaction.
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Server
Average Salary: $34,961
Taking orders, serving food, and managing tables in restaurants. Requires excellent customer service skills. Offers the chance to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $33,650
Supporting servers by preparing tables and clearing dishes. Works closely with servers to ensure smooth service. Great for those who enjoy teamwork and a bustling atmosphere.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $33,380
Assisting with various tasks such as cleaning, setting up, and customer service in hospitality settings. Works collaboratively with team members to provide excellent service. Suitable for those who enjoy diverse responsibilities.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Laguna Beach, CA?

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City of Laguna Beach
Average Salary: $92,885
The City of Laguna Beach offers a variety of roles within city government, providing competitive salaries and benefits. Working here can offer job stability and opportunities for career growth.
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Providence
Average Salary: $90,834
Providence, a leading healthcare provider, offers rewarding careers with excellent salaries and benefits. Positions here can lead to professional development and career advancement.
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Montage International
Average Salary: $50,810
Montage International provides luxury hospitality experiences. Employees enjoy competitive pay, with opportunities to grow in a vibrant work environment.
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Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach
Average Salary: $46,057
Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach offers roles in hospitality with a family-friendly atmosphere. Employees can look forward to a welcoming environment with good earning potential.
How does the cost of living in Laguna Beach, CA compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Laguna Beach, California, significantly exceeds the national average, making it one of the more expensive places to reside in the United States. The housing index in Laguna Beach is a striking 320, which means it costs four times as much as the national average of 100. This high cost of housing is a major factor driving up the overall cost of living in this area.
When looking at other categories, Laguna Beach still shows elevated costs. Groceries cost 30% more, with an index of 130. Utilities and healthcare each stand at 20% above the national average, with indexes of 120. Transportation costs are 15% higher than the nationwide average, at an index of 115. Miscellaneous expenses also exceed the average, with an index of 150, indicating a 50% increase. These elevated costs across multiple categories highlight why Laguna Beach is a pricier place to live.



