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What is the average salary in Merced, CA?

The average salary in Merced, CA is $69,136 per year.

In Merced, CA, the average yearly salary stands at $69,136, offering a solid income potential. Merced provides a diverse job market with a range of opportunities across different industries.

Job seekers will find roles that include:

  • Agriculture, with a median salary of $33,800.
  • Education and health services, averaging $49,818 per year.
  • Professional and business services, offering $65,836 annually.
  • Manufacturing, with a median salary of $81,855.
  • Management roles, averaging $97,873 per year.
  • Information technology, offering $113,891 annually.
  • Finance and insurance, with a median salary of $129,909.
  • Arts, entertainment, and recreation, averaging $145,927 per year.
  • Construction, with a median salary of $161,945.
  • Management of companies and enterprises, averaging $177,964 per year.
  • Real estate and rental and leasing, with a median salary of $193,982.
  • Other services, averaging $210,000 per year.
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What are the best paying jobs in Merced, CA?

Merced, CA, offers several high-paying job opportunities for those seeking well-compensated careers. Nurse Practitioners lead the list with an average salary of $159,030, providing critical healthcare services. Other well-paying roles include Traveling Nurses, earning about $133,392, and Registered Nurses, with a salary of $122,974. In addition to nursing professions, job seekers can find rewarding careers in healthcare with roles such as Occupational Therapists, earning around $121,811, and Speech Language Pathologists, with a salary of $121,367. Various healthcare support positions, such as Clinical Supervisors and Registered Dietitians, offer competitive salaries. Merced also provides lucrative opportunities for CDL Drivers and Surgical Technicians, ensuring a range of choices for those seeking higher pay.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Merced, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $159,030 and Surgical Technician with the lowest at $77,845.
  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $159,030
    This role works with patients of all ages, offering primary and specialty care. The city's hospitals and clinics need these professionals. They diagnose and treat conditions, prescribe medication, and manage care.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Merced, CA


  2. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $133,392
    Traveling nurses provide care in various settings. They often work for temporary staffing agencies, allowing them to work in different hospitals and clinics in the city. This role offers flexibility and diverse experiences.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Merced, CA


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $122,974
    RNs play a crucial role in patient care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and home care settings. This job involves administering medication, monitoring patients, and coordinating care. The city has many facilities needing dedicated nursing staff.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Merced, CA


  4. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $121,811
    Occupational therapists help people recover from injuries and improve their daily living skills. They work in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. This role allows them to make a significant impact on people’s lives.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Merced, CA


  5. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $121,367
    These professionals work with people who have communication and swallowing disorders. They provide therapy in schools, hospitals, and private practices. Their work helps individuals improve their ability to communicate and eat safely.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Merced, CA


  6. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $101,229
    Clinical supervisors oversee the work of nurses and other healthcare staff. They ensure quality care and manage team performance. This role is vital in hospitals and clinics to maintain high standards of care.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Merced, CA


  7. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $97,440
    Behavior analysts work with individuals to improve their behaviors. They often work in schools and clinics, focusing on developmental and behavioral issues. This role helps people achieve better outcomes in their daily lives.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Merced, CA


  8. Registered Dietitian
    Average Salary: $90,024
    Registered dietitians create nutrition plans for individuals and groups. They work in hospitals, schools, and private practices. This role involves educating people on healthy eating habits and managing dietary needs.
    Find Registered Dietitian jobs in Merced, CA


  9. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $83,457
    CDL drivers transport goods and materials. They often work for logistics companies and drive trucks. This job requires a Commercial Driver’s License and adherence to safety regulations.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Merced, CA


  10. Surgical Technician
    Average Salary: $77,845
    Surgical technicians assist surgeons during operations. They prepare the operating room, handle instruments, and support the surgical team. This role is essential in hospitals and surgical centers.
    Find Surgical Technician jobs in Merced, CA

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

Opportunities for those without a college degree in Merced, CA can lead to good earnings. Baristas top the list with an average salary of $42,188. Following closely, line cooks can earn about $36,279 annually. Dishwashers and servers also have solid salaries, averaging $34,479 and $34,108, respectively. Each of these roles offers a chance to earn a respectable income with hands-on work. Merced’s market rewards workers with experience and dedication. These jobs provide pathways to financial stability without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Merced, CA without a degree, highlighting Barista with the highest at $42,188 and Server with the lowest at $34,108.
  1. Barista
    Average Salary: $42,188
    A barista serves coffee and other beverages. They work at coffee shops and restaurants. Well-known places in Merced include Peet’s Coffee and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Skills in making various coffee drinks and providing good customer service are important.
    Find Barista jobs in Merced, CA


  2. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $36,279
    A line cook prepares meals quickly and efficiently in a kitchen. They work in restaurants like Denny’s and Taco Bell in Merced. They need to follow recipes and work well under pressure to meet orders on time.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Merced, CA


  3. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $34,479
    A dishwasher cleans dishes and kitchen equipment. They work at restaurants like McDonald’s and The Cheesecake Factory. This job requires attention to detail and the ability to handle hot water and soap safely.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Merced, CA


  4. Server
    Average Salary: $34,108
    A server takes orders and serves food and drinks to customers. They work in places like TGI Fridays and The Melting Pot. They need to be friendly, provide good service, and remember customer orders accurately.
    Find Server jobs in Merced, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Merced, CA?

Merced, CA, offers a range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The top-paying companies include CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region, with an average salary of $132,529, and Vitana Inc, where employees earn around $128,560 per year. These companies provide attractive compensation packages, making them appealing to professionals. Other notable companies in Merced with good salaries include MERCED COLLEGE FOUNDATION, where the average salary is $90,356, and Bristol Hospice, with salaries around $87,271. Golden Valley Health Centers and Avalon Health Care Group also offer average salaries of $72,980 and $71,949 respectively, providing solid income options for job seekers. These companies reflect the diverse opportunities available in Merced for those seeking rewarding careers.
Graph displaying company salaries in Merced, CA, highlighting CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region with the highest at $132,529 and Stars Behavioral Health Group with the lowest at $50,927.
  1. CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region
    Average Salary: $132,529
    CommonSpirit Health is one of the largest health care systems in the country. The company offers a variety of positions, from clinical roles to administrative jobs. They value teamwork and provide many opportunities for career growth.


  2. Vitana Inc
    Average Salary: $128,560
    Vitana Inc. offers services for people with developmental disabilities. They provide supportive living, education, and employment options. Working here means helping people live fulfilling lives.


  3. MERCED COLLEGE FOUNDATION
    Average Salary: $90,356
    MERCED COLLEGE FOUNDATION supports Merced College. They help students achieve their educational goals through scholarships and grants. It’s a great place to work if you enjoy supporting education and student success.


  4. Bristol Hospice
    Average Salary: $87,271
    Bristol Hospice offers end-of-life care for patients and support for their families. The company values compassion and dignity in all they do. Working here allows you to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.


  5. Golden Valley Health Centers
    Average Salary: $72,980
    Golden Valley Health Centers provide medical, dental, and mental health care. They focus on serving low-income and underserved communities. It’s a rewarding place to work if you care about community health.


  6. Avalon Health Care Group
    Average Salary: $71,949
    Avalon Health Care Group offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. They work with patients to help them recover and return home. It’s a good place if you like helping others regain their independence.


  7. University of California, Merced
    Average Salary: $68,918
    The University of California, Merced, is a public university that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Working here means being part of an institution dedicated to education and research.


  8. City of Merced
    Average Salary: $67,777
    The City of Merced provides essential services to its residents. From public safety to parks and recreation, city workers play a vital role in the community. It’s a stable job with a variety of opportunities.


  9. Starbucks
    Average Salary: $51,404
    Starbucks is a well-known coffee retailer. Working here means serving high-quality coffee and creating a welcoming environment for customers. It’s a great place for those who enjoy interacting with people.


  10. Stars Behavioral Health Group
    Average Salary: $50,927
    Stars Behavioral Health Group offers mental health and substance abuse treatment. They focus on helping people overcome challenges and improve their lives. Working here is rewarding for those who care about mental health support.

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

Merced, CA, shows a cost of living index slightly above the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs are notably higher, at 130 compared to the average of 100. This translates to a 30% increase in housing expenses in Merced. Utilities and healthcare in Merced align closely with the national average, both at 95, suggesting minimal difference in these costs. Groceries, transportation, and miscellaneous items also show slight variations but remain relatively balanced. Job seekers considering Merced should weigh these factors against potential benefits.
Cost of living comparison graph for Merced, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 30% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 5% lower, transportation 5% higher, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 0% lower.

Merced, California, has a unique cost of living when compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing in Merced is notably higher, with an index of 130, meaning it costs 30% more than the national average. This increase can significantly impact individuals and families considering moving to the area.


The transportation cost in Merced is slightly above the average, standing at 105, which indicates a 5% increase. This slight rise might add to the monthly expenses for those commuting to work. Groceries in Merced have an index of 110, reflecting a 10% increase over the national average. This increase means that food costs are somewhat higher in Merced compared to other areas. Utilities and healthcare costs are below the average in Merced, with indexes of 95 and 95, respectively, suggesting a 5% savings in these areas. Miscellaneous costs are on par with the national average, with an index of 100. Job seekers should carefully consider these factors when planning their move to Merced, California.

There are 380 job openings in Merced, CA, today!

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

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City
Overview
Merced, CA
380 Job Openings