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What is the average salary in Merced, CA?

The average salary in Merced, CA is $70,638 per year.

Merced, CA, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in Merced is $70,638. This figure represents a strong earning potential across many industries. Here’s a look at some common jobs and their average salaries:


Different sectors see different pay scales. For example, in Merced, roles in education, health care, and public administration tend to have higher salaries. A teacher can earn around $81,273 per year, while a public administrator can expect to make about $97,364 annually. On the other hand, roles in retail and farming often come with lower salaries, averaging around $33,000 and $49,091, respectively. Despite these variations, the overall job market in Merced provides numerous options for those seeking to balance salary with their career interests.

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What are the best paying jobs in Merced, CA?

Merced, CA offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. The top-paying positions include roles like Nurse Practitioner and Traveling Nurse, both with annual salaries exceeding $150,000. Other well-compensated jobs include Registered Nurse and Occupational Therapist, with earnings around $117,000 and $116,000 respectively. These jobs provide good compensation and can be fulfilling career choices for those looking to enter the workforce in Merced. With the demand for healthcare professionals rising, these roles remain stable and lucrative. Job seekers can find rewarding positions in roles such as Speech Language Pathologist and Behavior Analyst, where salaries are also competitive. Besides healthcare, jobs like Clinical Supervisor and Registered Dietitian also offer good pay. Other promising options include surgical technician, with salaries around $76,000. These diverse opportunities ensure that job seekers in Merced can find rewarding and well-paid positions.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Merced, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $159,705 and Surgical Technician with the lowest at $76,082.
  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $159,705
    Provides primary and specialized care to patients. Works in local clinics and hospitals. Opportunities exist with Mercy Medical Center.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Merced, CA


  2. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $128,899
    Travels to different locations to provide nursing care. Assignments are often with local healthcare facilities. Offers flexibility and varied experiences.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Merced, CA


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $117,920
    Delivers patient care and coordinates with doctors and other healthcare staff. Works in Mercy Medical Center and other local hospitals. Ensures patient well-being and recovery.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Merced, CA


  4. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $116,422
    Helps patients improve their daily living skills. Works in rehabilitation centers and schools. Supports patients in regaining independence.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Merced, CA


  5. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $116,064
    Evaluates and treats communication and swallowing disorders. Works in hospitals and clinics. Helps patients improve their language and communication skills.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Merced, CA


  6. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $94,155
    Assess and improve the behaviors of clients. Works in schools and clinics. Uses data-driven methods to help clients achieve their goals.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Merced, CA


  7. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $93,043
    Manages and oversees clinical staff. Works in healthcare facilities. Ensures staff provides high-quality patient care.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Merced, CA


  8. Registered Dietitian
    Average Salary: $90,446
    Develops nutrition plans for patients. Works in hospitals and private practices. Helps patients achieve their health goals through diet.
    Find Registered Dietitian jobs in Merced, CA


  9. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $76,874
    Transports goods and materials. Works for logistics and transportation companies. Requires a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Merced, CA


  10. Surgical Technician
    Average Salary: $76,082
    Assists surgeons during operations. Works in hospitals. Ensures the operating room is prepared and instruments are sterile.
    Find Surgical Technician jobs in Merced, CA

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

Merced, CA offers various jobs that provide a good salary without needing a college degree. Among these, server assistant roles lead with an average salary of $47,744 per year. Other top-paying roles include housekeeping, which pays $44,947, and barista, with an average salary of $41,806. Job seekers will find these positions offer competitive salaries and opportunities to gain valuable experience. Housekeeping roles also offer the chance to work in different environments, from hotels to private homes. Baristas, on the other hand, can develop skills in customer service and coffee preparation, which are in demand in many settings. These jobs provide a solid starting point for those looking to enter the workforce without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Merced, CA without a degree, highlighting Server Assistant with the highest at $47,744 and Server with the lowest at $33,170.
  1. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $47,744
    Working in local dining establishments, you support servers by setting up tables and clearing dishes. Companies like local restaurants and cafes offer these roles. The work is steady, with opportunities for tips.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Merced, CA


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $44,947
    Cleaning hotel rooms or private homes, you ensure a tidy environment. Companies such as hotel chains and residential cleaning services need your help. The job is crucial, as it keeps spaces comfortable and inviting.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Merced, CA


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $41,806
    Brewing coffee and other beverages, you provide a welcoming atmosphere in cafes. Employers include local coffee shops and fast-food chains. The role is interactive, as you serve customers and create their drinks.
    Find Barista jobs in Merced, CA


  4. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $36,964
    Maintaining outdoor areas, you work in parks or private gardens. Landscaping firms and municipal parks hire for these roles. The job involves physical work, but it also allows you to enjoy the outdoors.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Merced, CA


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $36,634
    Prepping ingredients and cooking dishes, you play a key role in the kitchen. Restaurants and food trucks need your skills. The job requires teamwork, as you work closely with other kitchen staff to meet orders.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Merced, CA


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $34,027
    Cleaning dishes and kitchen equipment, you ensure the workspace is spotless. Employers include restaurants and food service companies. The work is routine, but it’s essential for a clean and efficient kitchen.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Merced, CA


  7. Server
    Average Salary: $33,170
    Taking orders and serving food to customers, you ensure they have a pleasant dining experience. Local restaurants and cafes hire for these positions. The job involves interacting with customers, requiring good communication skills.
    Find Server jobs in Merced, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Merced, CA?

Job seekers in Merced, CA, can find high-paying opportunities at CommonSpirit Health and Merced College. CommonSpirit Health leads with an average salary of $146,102, followed by Merced College at $109,261. These salaries make both employers attractive to those seeking rewarding careers. Other notable companies in Merced include Bristol Hospice and Golden Valley Health Centers, which offer average salaries of $86,543 and $77,096, respectively. The University of California Merced and Avalon Health Care Group also provide competitive wages. These figures show that several top companies in Merced offer strong compensation packages to attract skilled professionals.
Graph displaying company salaries in Merced, CA, highlighting CommonSpirit Health with the highest at $146,102 and Starbucks with the lowest at $50,277.
  1. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $146,102
    CommonSpirit Health is a large healthcare provider. They offer a range of services, from hospitals to outpatient clinics. Their team values quality care and innovation.


  2. Merced College
    Average Salary: $109,261
    Merced College is a well-known higher education institution. It provides a variety of academic programs. The college focuses on student success and community engagement.


  3. Bristol Hospice
    Average Salary: $86,543
    Bristol Hospice offers compassionate end-of-life care. Their team supports patients and families during challenging times. They are dedicated to providing comfort and dignity.


  4. Golden Valley Health Centers
    Average Salary: $77,096
    Golden Valley Health Centers provide comprehensive medical services. They serve communities with a focus on accessibility and quality care. The centers aim to improve health outcomes in the region.


  5. University of California Merced
    Average Salary: $72,325
    The University of California Merced is a public university. It offers diverse academic programs. The university fosters research and student development.


  6. Avalon Health Care Group
    Average Salary: $69,832
    Avalon Health Care Group provides senior living and post-acute care services. They focus on patient care and quality of life. The group's facilities are known for their comfort and care.


  7. City of Merced
    Average Salary: $67,343
    The City of Merced offers various municipal services. They focus on community development and public safety. The city aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents.


  8. La Sierra Care Center
    Average Salary: $60,189
    La Sierra Care Center provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. They focus on patient recovery and well-being. The center offers personalized care plans.


  9. STARS Behavioral Health Group
    Average Salary: $50,840
    STARS Behavioral Health Group offers mental health services. They provide counseling and support to individuals and families. The group is committed to improving mental health outcomes.


  10. Starbucks
    Average Salary: $50,277
    Starbucks is a global coffeehouse chain. They offer a wide range of coffee and food products. Starbucks values customer service and community engagement.

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

Merced, CA, exhibits a cost of living index that is generally higher than the nationwide average. Specifically, housing costs in Merced are 10% above the national average, with an index value of 110. However, groceries in Merced are slightly lower, priced at 95, which is 5% below the national average. Utilities and healthcare also show slight variations, standing at 105 and 90, respectively. Overall, Merced offers a mixed cost of living scenario compared to the national average of 100.
Cost of living comparison graph for Merced, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 10% higher, groceries 5% lower, utilities 5% higher, transportation 0% lower, healthcare 10% lower, miscellaneous 0% lower.

Merced, California, presents a unique cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Notably, housing costs in Merced stand at 110, indicating that job seekers might face 10% higher expenses for housing than the national average. This rise could be significant for those looking to relocate and should consider their budget and potential salary increases when planning a move.


Merced's grocery costs also reflect a slight difference, sitting at 95 on the cost of living index. This means that groceries are 5% less expensive compared to the nationwide average. Utilities cost 105, reflecting a 5% increase. Transportation costs are on par with the national average at 100. Health care costs, at 90, are 10% below the average, potentially offering some relief for those concerned about medical expenses. Miscellaneous costs match the national average at 100, providing no change from what one might expect elsewhere in the country. This mix of higher and lower costs offers a varied landscape for potential residents.

There are 477 job openings in Merced, CA, today!

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

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Merced, CA
477 Job Openings