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What is the average salary in Merced, CA?

The average salary in Merced, CA is $69,519 per year.

Merced, CA, offers a diverse job market with varying salary ranges across different industries. The average yearly salary for workers in Merced stands at $69,519, making it a competitive place to find employment. Several key sectors significantly contribute to this salary distribution.


The top-paying jobs in Merced include roles in the finance, insurance, and real estate sectors, with salaries reaching up to $132,636 per year. Other well-paying jobs include those in healthcare and computer-related fields, with average earnings of around $116,164 and $99,691, respectively. These industries highlight the potential for higher incomes, offering a variety of opportunities for those seeking well-compensated positions.

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What are the best paying jobs in Merced, CA?

Merced, California offers various high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Among these, Nurse Practitioners lead the pack with an average salary of $159,272. Skilled healthcare professionals, such as Traveling Nurses and Occupational Therapists, also enjoy competitive earnings in this area. Job seekers will find that roles like Registered Nurse, Speech Language Pathologist, and Behavior Analyst provide attractive compensation packages. Clinical Supervisors and Registered Dietitians also secure substantial salaries in Merced. Opportunities for CDL Drivers and Surgical Technicians offer good earning potential as well, ensuring a range of career choices for those seeking rewarding work in this region.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Merced, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $159,272 and Surgical Technician with the lowest at $77,426.
  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $159,272
    These professionals care for patients, diagnose illnesses, and work in clinics and hospitals. They collaborate with doctors to provide quality care. Merced Regional Medical Center is one of the main employers in the area.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Merced, CA


  2. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $129,690
    Travel nurses move from one location to another to help care for patients. They fill gaps where there are not enough nurses. Kaiser Permanente often needs these nurses to meet patient care needs.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Merced, CA


  3. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $121,474
    These therapists help people recover from injuries and improve their ability to perform daily tasks. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools. The Center for Therapeutic Development employs many of these specialists.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Merced, CA


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $119,766
    Registered nurses provide patient care and help doctors. They work in various settings like hospitals and clinics. Mercy Medical Center frequently hires nurses to meet local healthcare needs.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Merced, CA


  5. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $119,522
    These professionals work with patients who have communication and swallowing disorders. They provide therapy and create treatment plans. Local schools and hospitals often hire these specialists.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Merced, CA


  6. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $94,435
    Behavior analysts study and improve patients' behaviors. They work with children and adults who have developmental disorders. Local clinics and educational institutions are common employers.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Merced, CA


  7. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $91,682
    Clinical supervisors manage healthcare staff. They ensure patient care is of high quality. Hospitals and clinics rely on their leadership to maintain smooth operations.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Merced, CA


  8. Registered Dietitian
    Average Salary: $90,612
    Dietitians create meal plans for patients with specific health needs. They work in hospitals and private practices. Local healthcare facilities often need their expertise.
    Find Registered Dietitian jobs in Merced, CA


  9. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $79,647
    CDL drivers transport goods and materials. They must follow safety regulations. Local logistics and transportation companies frequently hire these drivers.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Merced, CA


  10. Surgical Technician
    Average Salary: $77,426
    These technicians assist surgeons during operations. They prepare the operating room and instruments. Hospitals and surgical centers in the area regularly need their skills.
    Find Surgical Technician jobs in Merced, CA

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

High-paying jobs in Merced, CA, offer excellent opportunities for those without a degree. Housekeeping leads the list with an average salary of $45,666. This role requires attention to detail and the ability to maintain clean environments. Barista and line cook positions also provide good pay. A Barista can earn around $42,000, focusing on making coffee and customer service. A Line Cook, earning about $36,500, works in fast-paced kitchen settings to prepare meals. These jobs value skills over formal education, allowing for a stable income and career growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Merced, CA without a degree, highlighting Housekeeping with the highest at $45,666 and Server with the lowest at $33,807.
  1. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $45,666
    Cleaning and maintaining spaces. Working in hotels or large facilities. Attention to detail is key. Housekeeping staff ensure a pleasant environment.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Merced, CA


  2. Barista
    Average Salary: $42,056
    Preparing coffee drinks. Serving customers in coffee shops. Requires skill in beverage preparation. Interaction with customers enhances service quality.
    Find Barista jobs in Merced, CA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $36,548
    Prepping food for customers. Working fast in a busy kitchen. Requires basic cooking skills. Line cooks ensure food is ready in a timely manner.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Merced, CA


  4. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $34,547
    Cleaning dishes and utensils. Working in restaurants and hotels. Requires attention to cleanliness. Dishwashes help keep dining areas sanitized.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Merced, CA


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $33,807
    Taking orders and serving food. Working in busy environments. Requires good customer service skills. Servers interact with customers to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
    Find Server jobs in Merced, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Merced, CA?

Job seekers in Merced, CA, have many options when it comes to companies that offer competitive salaries. CommonSpirit Health stands out as the highest-paying employer in the area, with an average salary of $136,611. Merced College also provides a generous average salary of $111,710, making it another excellent choice for those seeking well-paid opportunities. Other notable companies include Bristol Hospice, Golden Valley Health Centers, and Avalon Health Care Group, which offer average salaries ranging from $86,892 to $68,989. These companies provide a range of career paths with attractive compensation packages. Cities like Merced offer job seekers the chance to work for some of the best-paying employers in the region.
Graph displaying company salaries in Merced, CA, highlighting CommonSpirit Health with the highest at $136,611 and Delaware North with the lowest at $37,950.
  1. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $136,611
    CommonSpirit Health is a health organization with a focus on providing care to those in need. They offer a variety of positions, from healthcare to administrative roles.


  2. Merced College
    Average Salary: $111,710
    Merced College offers education and training. It's a place where people can learn new skills or advance their careers.


  3. Bristol Hospice
    Average Salary: $86,892
    Bristol Hospice focuses on providing care for people at the end of their lives. They offer compassionate support and professional services.


  4. Golden Valley Health Centers
    Average Salary: $77,107
    Golden Valley Health Centers provides medical, dental, and mental health services. They aim to deliver quality care to the community.


  5. Avalon Health Care Group
    Average Salary: $68,989
    Avalon Health Care Group is a provider of home health and hospice care. They strive to offer compassionate and high-quality care.


  6. City of Merced
    Average Salary: $67,695
    The City of Merced offers many job opportunities in government, public safety, and community services. It's a great place for those interested in public service.


  7. University of California Merced
    Average Salary: $67,342
    UC Merced is a public university offering a range of academic and research opportunities. It's known for its commitment to student success.


  8. Starbucks
    Average Salary: $51,379
    Starbucks is a global coffee company and coffeehouse chain. They offer jobs in various roles, from baristas to store managers.


  9. STARS Behavioral Health Group
    Average Salary: $51,277
    STARS Behavioral Health Group provides behavioral health services. They focus on helping people with mental health and substance abuse issues.


  10. Delaware North
    Average Salary: $37,950
    Delaware North is a global hospitality company. They offer a variety of jobs in entertainment, sports, and travel.

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

Merced, CA, has a cost of living slightly above the nationwide average. The overall index stands at 99, indicating a minimal 1% increase compared to the national average of 100. Notably, housing costs are 5% higher in Merced, while groceries and healthcare costs are slightly lower. Despite the overall cost of living being only marginally higher, job seekers should consider specific expenses. For instance, housing is notably more expensive, while groceries and healthcare costs are somewhat lower. This mix can impact overall affordability and lifestyle choices in Merced.
Cost of living comparison graph for Merced, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 5% higher, groceries 2% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 2% higher, healthcare 8% lower, miscellaneous 0% lower.

Merced, CA, has a cost of living index that provides an insightful comparison to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Merced stand at 105, indicating that it is 5% more expensive than the national average. This slight increase in housing costs reflects the demand for residential properties in the area. Additionally, groceries in Merced are slightly lower, with an index of 98, showing a 2% decrease. This means that buying groceries in Merced is more affordable compared to the nationwide average.


Utilities in Merced, with an index of 95, show a 5% savings when compared to the national average, making it a more budget-friendly option for residents. Transportation costs slightly exceed the national average at 102, indicating a 2% increase. Healthcare costs are more favorable, as Merced’s index of 92 suggests an 8% decrease, providing potential savings in this essential area. Overall, Merced offers a competitive cost of living with certain categories providing more affordable options compared to the national average.

There are 328 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
328 Job Openings