What is the average salary in Merced, CA?
Merced, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in Merced is $70,691. This figure reflects a diverse job market with competitive pay across different sectors.
Some of the top-paying industries include:
- Information Technology: $106,636
- Healthcare: $91,909
- Education: $77,182
- Finance: $62,455
- Retail: $47,727
These figures show that Merced provides good earning potential for professionals in these fields.
What are the best paying jobs in Merced, CA?

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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $155,769
Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage patient care.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $129,244
Traveling Nurses work in various locations, often on short-term assignments. They provide care in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They must be adaptable and ready to work in different environments.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $116,573
Registered Nurses care for patients and help them recover. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They monitor patients, administer medications, and assist doctors with procedures.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $112,203
Speech Language Pathologists help patients with communication and swallowing issues. They work in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. They create treatment plans and work with patients to improve their skills.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $110,140
Occupational Therapists help patients regain skills needed for daily activities. They work in hospitals, clinics, and schools. They create personalized treatment plans and help patients improve their independence.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $96,520
Behavior Analysts study and improve behaviors. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. They develop behavior intervention plans and work with patients to achieve their goals.
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Clinical Supervisor
Average Salary: $96,518
Clinical Supervisors oversee healthcare teams. They work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. They ensure staff follow protocols and provide quality care to patients.
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Registered Dietitian
Average Salary: $89,481
Registered Dietitians create nutrition plans for patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They help patients manage their diets and improve their health.
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Surgical Technician
Average Salary: $77,143
Surgical Technicians assist surgeons during operations. They work in hospitals and surgical centers. They prepare the operating room, sterilize equipment, and help with procedures.
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Social Worker
Average Salary: $69,584
Social Workers help people with personal and social issues. They work in hospitals, schools, and community agencies. They provide counseling, connect clients with resources, and advocate for their needs.
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What are the best paying jobs in Merced, CA without a degree?

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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $45,663
This role involves helping servers with tasks and ensuring guests are well taken care of. It is a great entry-level position in the food service industry. Many local restaurants and cafes offer this opportunity.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $42,775
Housekeepers clean and maintain guest rooms and public areas. They work in hotels and motels, ensuring a clean and comfortable environment for guests. This job is ideal for those who enjoy a tidy and organized workspace.
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Barista
Average Salary: $41,605
Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. They work in coffee shops and cafes, often interacting with customers. This role is perfect for those who love coffee and enjoy a fast-paced environment.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $40,678
Groundskeepers maintain the grounds of parks, schools, and other properties. They perform tasks like mowing, trimming, and planting. This job is ideal for those who enjoy working outdoors and keeping spaces beautiful.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $36,745
Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. They work in restaurants and food service establishments. This role is great for those who enjoy cooking and working in a team environment.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $33,676
Dishwasher cleans and sanitizes dishes and utensils. They work in restaurants and cafes, ensuring everything is ready for the next use. This job is ideal for those who enjoy a steady routine and working in a busy kitchen.
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Server
Average Salary: $33,171
Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They work in restaurants and cafes, ensuring guests have a pleasant dining experience. This role is perfect for those who enjoy interacting with people and working in a dynamic environment.
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To Go Specialist
Average Salary: $32,683
To Go Specialists prepare and package food for customers to take away. They work in restaurants and cafes, ensuring orders are ready on time. This job is ideal for those who enjoy preparing food and working efficiently.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Merced, CA?

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CommonSpirit Health
Average Salary: $124,985
CommonSpirit Health is a large healthcare organization. They offer a wide range of medical services. Their employees enjoy competitive salaries and benefits.
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Merced College
Average Salary: $103,163
Merced College is a higher education institution. They provide various academic programs. Faculty and staff enjoy good salaries and benefits.
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Golden Valley Health Centers
Average Salary: $78,577
Golden Valley Health Centers is a healthcare provider. They focus on community health. Their employees receive fair compensation.
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University of California Merced
Average Salary: $73,485
The University of California Merced is a public university. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs. Faculty and staff enjoy competitive salaries.
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Avalon Health Care Group
Average Salary: $69,897
Avalon Health Care Group provides healthcare services. They focus on patient care. Their employees receive good salaries.
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Merced Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Average Salary: $69,198
Merced Nursing and Rehabilitation Center offers care for the elderly. They provide nursing and rehabilitation services. Their staff enjoy fair compensation.
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City of Merced
Average Salary: $67,440
The City of Merced is a local government. They offer various public services. Employees receive good salaries and benefits.
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La Sierra Care Center
Average Salary: $62,792
La Sierra Care Center provides healthcare services. They focus on patient care. Their staff enjoy fair compensation.
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Healthcare Services Group
Average Salary: $57,765
Healthcare Services Group offers healthcare services. They focus on patient care. Their employees receive fair compensation.
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STARS Behavioral Health Group
Average Salary: $52,098
STARS Behavioral Health Group provides behavioral health services. They focus on mental health care. Their staff enjoy fair compensation.
How does the cost of living in Merced, CA compare to the national average?

Merced, California, shows a cost of living index that varies across different categories when compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in Merced stand at 120, which is 20% higher than the national average. This means that housing expenses in Merced are significantly more expensive, making it a key consideration for potential residents.
Other areas also reflect differences from the national average. For instance, groceries in Merced cost 105, which is 5% higher. Utilities, however, are slightly lower, with an index of 95, meaning they are 5% cheaper than the national average. Transportation costs in Merced are 110, which is 10% higher. Healthcare costs remain at par with the national average, indexed at 100. Miscellaneous expenses are also slightly lower, with an index of 98, indicating a 2% reduction. These variations highlight the importance of considering multiple factors when evaluating the overall cost of living in Merced.



