Overview Salaries

Salaries in Merced, CA

Updated on Jul 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Merced, CA?

The average salary in Merced, CA is $70,196 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Merced, CA, showing an average salary of $70,196 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Merced, CA, showing an average salary of $5,850 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Merced, CA, showing an average salary of $1,350 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 variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary is $70,196, reflecting a strong job market. For those who work in educational services and health care, average salaries can reach as high as $84,509 and $101,445, respectively.


Below are some salary details based on different job categories:

  • Educational services and health care: $84,509 - $101,445
  • Retail trade: $33,700 - $67,573
  • Manufacturing: $50,636 - $118,382
  • Leisure and hospitality: $67,573 - $135,318
  • Professional and business services: $101,445 - $169,191
  • Construction: $135,318 - $220,000

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What are the best paying jobs in Merced, CA?

Merced, CA, offers a variety of top-paying jobs that can help you build a stable career. Among these positions, Nurse Practitioners lead the way with an impressive average salary of $159,031. Other high-earning roles include Traveling Nurses, making $129,933 on average, and Occupational Therapists, who earn $120,869 annually. Additional top-paying jobs in Merced include Registered Nurses, Speech Language Pathologists, and Behavior Analysts. Each of these roles comes with competitive salaries and the chance to make a meaningful impact. For instance, Registered Nurses earn an average of $119,855, Speech Language Pathologists make $119,616, and Behavior Analysts average $94,282. These jobs provide excellent opportunities for those seeking both financial stability and professional growth in Merced.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Merced, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $159,031 and Surgical Technician with the lowest at $77,295.

  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $159,031
    Provide primary and specialty care to patients. Work in hospitals and clinics. Common employers include Mercy Medical Center and Adventist Health. Practitioners often see patients of all ages.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Merced, CA


  2. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $129,933
    Offer nursing care in different locations. Travel between hospitals and care facilities. Employers include Cross Country Healthcare and Aya Healthcare. Nurses provide essential care and adapt to different settings.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Merced, CA


  3. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $120,869
    Help people recover and improve their daily activities. Work with patients who have injuries or disabilities. Common employers are Encompass Health and Mercy Medical Center. Therapists create personalized treatment plans.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Merced, CA


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $119,855
    Provide patient care and support. Work in hospitals and clinics. Employers include Mercy Medical Center and Adventist Health. Nurses monitor patients and assist with medical procedures.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Merced, CA


  5. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $119,616
    Help people with speech and language issues. Work with individuals of all ages. Common employers include Mercy Medical Center and various school districts. Pathologists assess and treat communication disorders.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Merced, CA


  6. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $94,282
    Evaluate and improve behavior. Work with individuals with developmental disorders. Employers include Autism Spectrum Therapies and various schools. Analysts develop programs to enhance behavior.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Merced, CA


  7. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $91,826
    Oversee clinical staff and ensure quality care. Work in hospitals and clinics. Employers include Mercy Medical Center and Adventist Health. Supervisors manage teams and improve patient care.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Merced, CA


  8. Registered Dietitian
    Average Salary: $90,184
    Plan and provide nutrition advice. Work in hospitals and private practice. Employers include Mercy Medical Center and various healthcare facilities. Dietitians help patients with dietary needs.
    Find Registered Dietitian jobs in Merced, CA


  9. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $79,513
    Transport goods and materials. Drive large trucks on highways. Employers include regional logistics firms and trucking companies. Drivers ensure timely delivery of cargo.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Merced, CA


  10. Surgical Technician
    Average Salary: $77,295
    Assist surgeons during operations. Prepare operating rooms and equipment. Employers include Mercy Medical Center and Adventist Health. Technicians ensure sterile conditions and support surgical procedures.
    Find Surgical Technician jobs in Merced, CA

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

Several high-paying jobs in Merced, CA, do not require a college degree. Positions such as housekeeping and barista offer competitive wages, making them attractive options for job seekers without a degree. With an average salary of around $45,000 for housekeeping and over $42,000 for barista, these roles provide good financial rewards and valuable work experience. In addition to housekeeping and barista roles, jobs like line cook and dishwasher also provide decent pay. These roles have average salaries near $37,000 and $34,000, respectively. Meanwhile, servers can expect an average salary of around $34,000. These positions offer stable employment and the opportunity to earn a good income in a short amount of time.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Merced, CA without a degree, highlighting Housekeeping with the highest at $45,397 and Server with the lowest at $33,807.

  1. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $45,397
    This role involves cleaning and maintaining buildings. Duties may include making beds, cleaning rooms, and ensuring common areas are tidy. Positions are available in hotels, motels, and large facilities.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Merced, CA


  2. Barista
    Average Salary: $42,099
    A barista prepares and serves coffee and other beverages. They work in coffee shops and cafes, taking orders and making drinks to customer specifications.
    Find Barista jobs in Merced, CA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $36,667
    Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook food in restaurants. They work in fast-paced environments and must follow recipes closely. Opportunities exist in various dining establishments.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Merced, CA


  4. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $34,388
    Dishwasher cleans dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They work in restaurants, ensuring the kitchen area is clean and ready for the next shift. It's a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Merced, CA


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $33,807
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They work in dining rooms, handling multiple tables and ensuring guests have a pleasant dining experience. Positions are available in a wide range of restaurants.
    Find Server jobs in Merced, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Merced, CA?

Merced, CA, offers several companies with competitive salaries. Among them, CommonSpirit Health leads with an average salary of $137,551. This company provides healthcare services and offers a lucrative opportunity for professionals in the industry. Another notable company is Merced College, offering an average salary of $111,710. This educational institution provides a rewarding career path for those in the academic field. The data also shows that Bristol Hospice and Golden Valley Health Centers pay well, with average salaries of $86,882 and $77,321, respectively. These companies provide valuable services to the community and offer good compensation packages. Smaller companies like Avalon Health Care Group and the City of Merced also provide respectable salaries. These companies create a variety of job opportunities for those looking to work in Merced.
Graph displaying company salaries in Merced, CA, highlighting CommonSpirit Health with the highest at $137,551 and Delaware North with the lowest at $38,154.

  1. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $137,551
    CommonSpirit Health is a non-profit, Catholic health system. They focus on providing quality care to their patients. With a wide range of services, they offer many opportunities for growth and development.


  2. Merced College
    Average Salary: $111,710
    Merced College is a community college that provides educational services. They are dedicated to helping students achieve their goals. The college offers a range of programs and support services.


  3. Bristol Hospice
    Average Salary: $86,882
    Bristol Hospice offers end-of-life care services. They focus on providing compassionate care to patients and their families. Their team works together to ensure comfort and dignity in a difficult time.


  4. Golden Valley Health Centers
    Average Salary: $77,321
    Golden Valley Health Centers is a community health center. They provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services. Their mission is to deliver accessible care to the community.


  5. University of California Merced
    Average Salary: $68,852
    University of California Merced is a public university. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university focuses on research and community engagement.


  6. Avalon Health Care Group
    Average Salary: $68,200
    Avalon Health Care Group is a healthcare services company. They provide staffing and consulting services to healthcare facilities. Their goal is to improve patient care and operational efficiency.


  7. City of Merced
    Average Salary: $67,824
    The City of Merced is a local government organization. They provide various services to the community, including public safety, parks, and utilities. They are committed to improving the quality of life for residents.


  8. Starbucks
    Average Salary: $51,249
    Starbucks is a global coffee company. They operate coffee shops worldwide. Starbucks offers a welcoming environment and opportunities for career advancement.


  9. STARS Behavioral Health Group
    Average Salary: $51,042
    STARS Behavioral Health Group provides mental health services. They focus on helping individuals achieve better mental well-being. Their team includes psychologists, counselors, and support staff.


  10. Delaware North
    Average Salary: $38,154
    Delaware North is a diversified hospitality and entertainment company. They operate concessions and food services in various locations. They offer a range of career opportunities in the hospitality industry.

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

Merced, CA, showcases a cost of living index that varies across different categories when compared to the nationwide average of 100. Housing in Merced is notably 25% higher than the national average, while groceries cost 10% more. Utilities are slightly lower at 5% below the average, and transportation costs match the national average. Merced's healthcare expenses are 10% below the national average, and miscellaneous costs align perfectly with the national index. This diverse range indicates that while some expenses are higher, others offer potential savings. Job seekers should consider these variations when planning their budgets.
Cost of living comparison graph for Merced, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 25% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 5% lower, transportation 5% higher, healthcare 10% lower, miscellaneous 0% lower.

Merced, California, stands out with a cost of living index that exceeds the nationwide average in several key areas. The housing index in Merced is 25% higher than the national average, showing that housing costs are substantially greater. Job seekers might find that they need a higher salary to afford a comfortable home in Merced compared to other parts of the country.


When it comes to groceries, Merced’s cost of living index stands at 10% above the nationwide average. This means that everyday food expenses are not far off from what people might expect elsewhere. However, utilities and healthcare in Merced are relatively lower. The utilities index is 5% below the national average, and healthcare costs are 10% lower. This offers some relief for families and individuals looking to manage their expenses in Merced. Transportation costs in Merced are about 5% above the national average, making it slightly more expensive to commute or own a vehicle.

There are 311 job openings in Merced, CA, today!

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