Salaries in Merced, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Merced, CA?

The average salary in Merced, CA is $69,263 per year.

Merced, CA offers a variety of salary options across different industries. The average salary in Merced is around $69,263. This figure provides a good overview of the earning potential in the area. Salaries can vary widely based on the job sector and experience level.


Some of the highest-paying industries in Merced include:

  • Information Technology: $178,880
  • Healthcare: $165,527
  • Finance: $152,175
  • Engineering: $138,822
  • Education: $125,469
  • Business: $112,116
  • Sales: $98,764
  • Manufacturing: $85,411
  • Retail: $72,058
  • Construction: $58,705
  • Hospitality: $45,353

Job seekers in Merced can find competitive salaries, especially in the tech and healthcare sectors. Exploring these industries can lead to rewarding career opportunities.

View jobs in Merced, CA

What are the best paying jobs in Merced, CA?

Merced, California, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Leading the list is the Nurse Practitioner, with a strong average salary of $150,131. This role requires advanced nursing skills and a commitment to patient care. Other top-paying jobs include Traveling Nurse, Registered Nurse, and Occupational Therapist, all offering competitive salaries and the chance to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. Beyond healthcare, Merced also provides lucrative positions in logistics and specialized services. For instance, Clinical Supervisor and Behavior Analyst roles offer salaries of $99,511 and $95,494, respectively. These positions demand expertise in management and behavioral sciences. Additionally, roles like Surgical Technician, Social Worker, and CDL Driver provide stable incomes and valuable contributions to the community. These jobs highlight Merced's diverse employment landscape, catering to various skill sets and career aspirations.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Merced, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $150,131 and Registered Nurse with the lowest at $112,565.
  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $150,131
    Nurse Practitioners work in clinics and hospitals, providing primary and specialty care. They diagnose and treat health conditions, prescribe medications, and manage patient care. Local healthcare providers like Mercy Medical Center offer opportunities for growth.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Merced, CA


  2. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $128,002
    Traveling Nurses move to different locations to fill staffing needs. They work in various settings, including hospitals and clinics. Agencies like Aya Healthcare and TravelNurseSource connect them with jobs in Merced, offering flexibility and adventure.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Merced, CA


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $112,565
    Registered Nurses provide essential care in hospitals and clinics. They monitor patients, administer treatments, and coordinate care. Local employers such as Mercy Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente offer stable and rewarding positions.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Merced, CA

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

Merced, California, offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Positions such as server assistant and groundskeeper provide good salaries. These roles allow individuals to earn a stable income while gaining valuable work experience. Server assistants and groundskeepers in Merced earn around $43,356 and $41,132 annually, respectively. These jobs offer competitive pay and the opportunity to develop skills in customer service and maintenance. Kitchen team members and baristas also provide solid earnings, with salaries around $40,655 and $40,025. These roles are ideal for those seeking a balance between income and work experience without needing a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Merced, CA without a degree, highlighting Server Assistant with the highest at $43,356 and To Go Specialist with the lowest at $32,529.
  1. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $43,356
    This role involves helping servers with tasks. It requires good communication and teamwork skills. It is a great entry-level job in the hospitality industry.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Merced, CA


  2. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $41,132
    This job focuses on maintaining outdoor spaces. It includes tasks like mowing, trimming, and planting. It is ideal for those who enjoy working outdoors.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Merced, CA


  3. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,655
    This position involves assisting in food preparation. It requires attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. It is a good fit for those interested in the culinary field.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Merced, CA


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $40,025
    This role involves preparing and serving coffee drinks. It requires customer service skills and the ability to work quickly. It is a popular job in cafes and restaurants.
    Find Barista jobs in Merced, CA


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $37,357
    This job involves cleaning and maintaining rooms. It requires attention to detail and the ability to work independently. It is a good option for those looking for a steady job.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Merced, CA


  6. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $35,918
    This role involves designing and maintaining outdoor areas. It includes tasks like planting, pruning, and landscaping. It is ideal for those who enjoy working outdoors and creating beautiful spaces.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Merced, CA


  7. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $34,936
    This position involves preparing food in a fast-paced kitchen. It requires strong cooking skills and the ability to work under pressure. It is a good fit for those interested in the culinary field.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Merced, CA


  8. Server
    Average Salary: $33,051
    This role involves taking orders and serving food and drinks. It requires good communication and customer service skills. It is a popular job in the hospitality industry.
    Find Server jobs in Merced, CA


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $32,698
    This job involves cleaning dishes and kitchen equipment. It requires attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. It is a good entry-level job in the food service industry.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Merced, CA


  10. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $32,529
    This role involves preparing and packaging food for takeout. It requires strong organizational skills and the ability to work quickly. It is a good fit for those interested in the food service industry.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Merced, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Merced, CA?

Merced College offers some of the best salaries in Merced, with an average of $97,620. This college provides competitive pay for its employees, making it a top choice for job seekers. Other notable companies with high salaries include Dignity Health, which offers an average of $97,295, and the University of California Merced, with an average of $73,623. These companies value their employees and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying company salaries in Merced, CA, highlighting Merced College with the highest at $97,620 and CALIFORNIA PSYCHIATRIC TRANSITIONS with the lowest at $47,576.
  1. Merced College
    Average Salary: $97,620
    Merced College offers a variety of academic and vocational programs. It is a great place for those looking to advance their education and career.


  2. Dignity Health
    Average Salary: $97,295
    Dignity Health is a healthcare provider with many locations. It offers a range of medical services and is known for its strong employee benefits.


  3. University of California Merced
    Average Salary: $73,623
    UC Merced is a public university that provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It is known for its innovative approach to education.


  4. Golden Valley Health Centers
    Average Salary: $73,326
    Golden Valley Health Centers is a community health organization that provides medical, dental, and mental health services. It is committed to serving underserved communities.


  5. Avalon Health Care Group
    Average Salary: $68,212
    Avalon Health Care Group offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. It is a leading provider in the region, known for its quality care.


  6. Merced Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
    Average Salary: $67,495
    This center provides long-term care and rehabilitation services. It is dedicated to helping patients recover and improve their quality of life.


  7. La Sierra Care Center
    Average Salary: $64,818
    La Sierra Care Center offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. It is known for its compassionate and professional care.


  8. City of Merced
    Average Salary: $64,381
    The City of Merced provides various municipal services. It is a great place for those interested in public service and community development.


  9. Healthcare Services Group
    Average Salary: $57,176
    Healthcare Services Group offers a range of healthcare services. It is known for its commitment to patient care and employee satisfaction.


  10. CALIFORNIA PSYCHIATRIC TRANSITIONS
    Average Salary: $47,576
    California Psychiatric Transitions provides mental health services. It is dedicated to helping individuals transition through various mental health challenges.

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, with a cost of living index of 110. This figure indicates that living expenses in Merced are 10% higher than the national average. Specifically, housing costs are the most significant, standing at 29% above the average. This data highlights the importance for job seekers to consider these factors when planning their relocation.
Cost of living comparison graph for Merced, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 29% higher, groceries 6% higher, utilities 2% lower, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 7% lower, miscellaneous 2% higher.

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 129, which is 29% higher than the average. This means that the expenses for renting or buying a home in Merced are significantly above the national norm. For groceries, the cost of living index is 106, indicating a 6% increase over the average. This suggests that while grocery prices are not excessively high, they are still somewhat above the national standard.


Utilities in Merced have a cost of living index of 98, which is 2% below the average. This indicates that residents may find utility costs slightly more affordable than the national average. Transportation costs in Merced are at 110, which is 10% higher than the average. This shows that commuting and other transportation-related expenses are somewhat elevated. Healthcare costs in Merced are at 93, which is 7% below the average. This suggests that healthcare expenses in Merced are more affordable compared to the national average. Miscellaneous costs in Merced have an index of 102, which is 2% higher than the average. This indicates that other miscellaneous expenses are slightly more expensive than the average.

There are 622 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
622 Job Openings