Overview Salaries

Salaries in Merced, CA

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Merced, CA?

The average salary in Merced, CA is $70,572 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Merced, CA, showing an average salary of $70,572 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Merced, CA, showing an average salary of $5,881 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Merced, CA, showing an average salary of $1,357 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Merced, CA, showing an average salary of $34 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Merced, CA offers a range of salaries for job seekers. The average yearly salary is around $70,572. This figure provides a good benchmark for individuals considering job opportunities in the area.

Here are some industry salaries in Merced, CA:

  • Construction: $33,000
  • Retail: $48,182
  • Education: $63,364
  • Healthcare: $78,545
  • Information Technology: $93,727
  • Finance: $108,909
  • Management: $124,091
  • Engineering: $139,273
  • Architecture: $154,455
  • Law: $169,636
  • Science: $184,818
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What are the best paying jobs in Merced, CA?

Merced, California offers a range of high-paying job opportunities across different fields. Job seekers can find good salaries in healthcare, driving, and therapy roles. Nurse practitioners lead the way with an average salary of $159,310, while traveling nurses and registered nurses also earn well over $100,000. In addition to nursing, roles like occupational therapist, speech language pathologist, and behavior analyst provide solid incomes. These positions come with the added benefit of helping others and contribute to the community. For those interested in driving, CDL drivers in Merced can expect competitive pay. Roles in healthcare and skilled trades are particularly rewarding in this area.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Merced, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $159,310 and Surgical Technician with the lowest at $76,238.

  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $159,310
    Nurse Practitioners provide comprehensive care to patients. They can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and clinics. Leading healthcare providers in Merced, such as Mercy Medical Center, offer competitive salaries and benefits.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Merced, CA


  2. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $128,720
    Traveling Nurses often work on temporary assignments in different locations. This role allows for variety and the chance to explore new places. Agencies like Trusted Health and OneStaff Medical offer good pay and flexible contracts.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Merced, CA


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $117,388
    Registered Nurses are essential in patient care and coordination. They work in many healthcare facilities, including Mercy Medical Center. RNs benefit from stable employment and opportunities for professional growth.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Merced, CA


  4. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $114,720
    Occupational Therapists help patients improve their ability to perform daily tasks. They often work with people recovering from injuries or disabilities. Companies like Encompass Health and Select Medical offer rewarding positions.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Merced, CA


  5. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $114,205
    Speech Language Pathologists assist individuals with communication disorders. They work in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Employers like Soliant and Maxim Healthcare Services provide good salaries and benefits.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Merced, CA


  6. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $96,637
    Behavior Analysts develop programs to improve the behavior of individuals. They often work with children with autism. Companies like The Autism Center and ABA of California offer competitive pay and growth opportunities.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Merced, CA


  7. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $94,463
    Clinical Supervisors oversee healthcare staff and ensure quality care. They play a crucial role in healthcare settings, including hospitals and clinics. Employers like Mercy Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente offer strong career support.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Merced, CA


  8. Registered Dietitian
    Average Salary: $90,605
    Registered Dietitians create meal plans and provide nutrition counseling. They work in hospitals, schools, and private practice. Facilities like Mercy Medical Center offer fulfilling roles and benefits.
    Find Registered Dietitian jobs in Merced, CA


  9. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $76,644
    CDL Drivers transport goods and materials. They need to navigate different routes and ensure timely deliveries. Companies like Werner Enterprises and Swift Transportation offer good pay and opportunities for advancement.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Merced, CA


  10. Surgical Technician
    Average Salary: $76,238
    Surgical Technicians assist surgeons during operations. They prepare the operating room and handle surgical instruments. Hospitals like Mercy Medical Center offer stable employment and benefits.
    Find Surgical Technician jobs in Merced, CA

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

Looking for top-paying jobs in Merced, CA without a degree? Some of the best opportunities come from the service and hospitality industries. These jobs offer good pay and can be a solid choice for those who prefer not to attend college. Server Assistants earn an average of $46,432 per year, making it one of the highest-paying jobs in this category. Other high earners include Housekeeping staff at $44,152, and Bartenders and Baristas, both with salaries around $41,781 and $40,678 respectively. Positions like Groundskeeper, Landscaper, and Cook also provide decent incomes. These roles not only pay well but also offer flexible hours and on-the-job training.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Merced, CA without a degree, highlighting Server Assistant with the highest at $46,432 and To Go Specialist with the lowest at $32,750.

  1. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $46,432
    Help servers with food and drinks in busy restaurants. Work at places like Cracker Barrel and Red Robin. Stay on your toes to meet the needs of customers.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Merced, CA


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $44,152
    Clean guest rooms in hotels and motels. Marriott and Hilton are local employers. This job is about attention to detail and keeping places tidy for guests.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Merced, CA


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $41,781
    Make coffee and other drinks for customers at cafes. Work at Starbucks and local coffee shops. Enjoy interacting with people while preparing their favorite beverages.
    Find Barista jobs in Merced, CA


  4. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $40,678
    Maintain the grounds of parks, schools, and commercial areas. Work with the local government or private companies. Spend time outdoors while keeping the area looking good.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Merced, CA


  5. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $36,964
    Design and maintain gardens and outdoor areas for homeowners and businesses. Companies like TruGreen look for skilled landscapers. Enjoy working with plants and design.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Merced, CA


  6. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $36,802
    Prepare ingredients and cook food quickly in a fast-paced kitchen. Work at restaurants like IHOP and local diners. Focus on speed and teamwork to keep orders coming.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Merced, CA


  7. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $33,837
    Wash dishes, glasses, and utensils in a busy kitchen. Positions are available at Cracker Barrel and local cafes. Work well in a fast-paced environment and keep the kitchen clean.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Merced, CA


  8. Server
    Average Salary: $33,185
    Take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. Work at Red Robin and local restaurants. Good at interacting with people and managing multiple tasks at once.
    Find Server jobs in Merced, CA


  9. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $32,750
    Prepare orders for customers who want to take food home. Work at fast-food chains like McDonald's. Focus on accuracy and speed to keep customers happy.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Merced, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Merced, CA?

Companies in Merced, CA, offer competitive salaries across various industries. Leading the pack is CommonSpirit Health, with an average salary of $138,141. Merced College also offers strong compensation, averaging $108,134 per year. These figures reflect the commitment of these employers to providing attractive pay packages for their employees. Among the top-paying employers, Golden Valley Health Centers offers $74,668, while the University of California Merced and Merced Nursing and Rehabilitation Center each provide over $70,000 annually. Avalon Health Care Group and the City of Merced also present good salary opportunities. Lower, but still valuable, salaries come from La Sierra Care Center, STARS Behavioral Health Group, and Starbucks, which provide between $50,000 and $60,000 per year. These figures highlight the diverse opportunities available in Merced for job seekers looking for competitive compensation.
Graph displaying company salaries in Merced, CA, highlighting CommonSpirit Health with the highest at $138,141 and Starbucks with the lowest at $50,302.

  1. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $138,141
    CommonSpirit Health offers a range of healthcare services and is known for its commitment to quality care and employee benefits.


  2. Merced College
    Average Salary: $108,134
    Merced College provides higher education opportunities and has a supportive community atmosphere.


  3. Golden Valley Health Centers
    Average Salary: $74,668
    Golden Valley Health Centers is a healthcare provider that focuses on delivering comprehensive medical services to the community.


  4. University of California Merced
    Average Salary: $72,479
    The University of California Merced is a public university that offers a variety of academic programs and research opportunities.


  5. Merced Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
    Average Salary: $71,628
    This center provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services to patients who need long-term care.


  6. Avalon Health Care Group
    Average Salary: $70,812
    Avalon Health Care Group focuses on providing quality healthcare services and has a team of dedicated professionals.


  7. City of Merced
    Average Salary: $67,268
    The City of Merced offers a variety of employment opportunities in different sectors, providing public services to the community.


  8. La sierra care center
    Average Salary: $61,423
    La sierra care center provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services to patients in need of long-term care.


  9. STARS Behavioral Health Group
    Average Salary: $50,702
    STARS Behavioral Health Group focuses on providing mental health services and support to individuals in need.


  10. Starbucks
    Average Salary: $50,302
    Starbucks is a well-known coffee shop that offers a variety of coffee drinks, food items, and a welcoming environment.

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

Merced, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs are 20% above the average, while groceries are 7% higher. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs are all slightly below the national average, making Merced's overall cost of living relatively balanced despite the higher housing expenses. Merced’s housing index stands at 120, which is 20% above the national average of 100. This indicates that housing prices in Merced are notably higher than the nationwide average. Groceries also cost 7% more, with an index of 107. However, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs remain slightly below the average, with indexes of 95, 98, 105, and 102, respectively. This suggests that while housing is more expensive, other living expenses in Merced are fairly comparable to the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Merced, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 20% higher, groceries 7% higher, utilities 5% lower, transportation 2% lower, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 2% higher.

The cost of living in Merced, California, shows some areas where residents spend more compared to the national average. Housing costs are notably higher, standing at 120 on the cost of living index. This means that housing prices are 20% higher than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Given that housing is often a major expense, this significant increase can impact overall living expenses.


In other areas, the cost differences are less pronounced. For instance, groceries in Merced cost 107, which is 7% more than the national average. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items also show only slight increases. Utilities are at 95 (5% below the average), transportation at 98 (2% below the average), healthcare at 105 (5% above the average), and miscellaneous items at 102 (2% above the average). This varied cost landscape means that while housing is a major expense, other living costs remain relatively close to the national average.

There are 338 job openings in Merced, CA, today!

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Merced, CA
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