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 $71,986. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape of the area. Many job seekers find attractive compensation packages in Merced.
The salary distribution in Merced shows a broad spectrum of earnings. Some of the highest-paying jobs include:
- Information Technology: $180,273
- Healthcare: $165,545
- Finance: $150,818
- Engineering: $136,091
- Management: $121,364
These figures highlight the potential for higher earnings in certain sectors. Job seekers can explore these fields for better salary opportunities.
What are the best paying jobs in Merced, CA?

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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $154,689
Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They diagnose and treat illnesses, manage patient care, and educate patients on health issues.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $129,654
Traveling Nurses work in various locations, often on temporary assignments. They provide care in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They adapt quickly to new environments and patient needs.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $116,412
Registered Nurses care for patients and help them recover from illnesses. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They monitor patients, administer medications, and coordinate care with other healthcare providers.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $111,461
Speech Language Pathologists help patients with communication and swallowing disorders. They work in schools, hospitals, and private practices. They assess, diagnose, and treat speech and language issues.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $108,206
Occupational Therapists help patients regain skills needed for daily activities. They work in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. They design treatment plans and help patients improve their independence.
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Clinical Supervisor
Average Salary: $100,238
Clinical Supervisors oversee healthcare teams and ensure quality care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They manage staff, coordinate patient care, and ensure compliance with regulations.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $95,818
Behavior Analysts study and improve patient behaviors. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. They develop treatment plans and work with patients and their families to achieve positive outcomes.
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Registered Dietitian
Average Salary: $89,444
Registered Dietitians create nutrition plans for patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They assess patients' dietary needs and provide education on healthy eating habits.
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Surgical Technician
Average Salary: $77,847
Surgical Technicians assist surgeons during operations. They work in hospitals and surgical centers. They prepare the operating room, handle instruments, and help with patient care before, during, and after surgery.
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Social Worker
Average Salary: $69,812
Social Workers help patients and families cope with challenges. They work in hospitals, schools, and community agencies. They provide counseling, connect patients 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
Help servers with tasks like setting up tables and clearing dishes. Work in local restaurants and cafes. Gain experience in a fast-paced environment.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $42,240
Clean rooms and common areas in hotels and motels. Ensure a comfortable stay for guests. Work with local hospitality businesses.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $41,260
Maintain the grounds of parks, schools, and other properties. Perform tasks like mowing lawns and trimming shrubs. Work outdoors in various settings.
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Barista
Average Salary: $41,201
Prepare coffee and other beverages in cafes. Serve customers with a friendly smile. Gain experience in a bustling environment.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $36,667
Prepare ingredients and cook meals in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in local restaurants and cafes. Gain experience in a high-pressure environment.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $35,918
Design and maintain outdoor spaces for homes and businesses. Perform tasks like planting flowers and trimming trees. Work outdoors in various settings.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $33,367
Clean dishes and kitchen equipment in restaurants and cafes. Work in a fast-paced environment. Gain experience in a busy kitchen.
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Server
Average Salary: $33,150
Take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. Work in local restaurants and cafes. Gain experience in a customer-focused environment.
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To Go Specialist
Average Salary: $32,672
Prepare and package food for customers to take away. Work in local restaurants and cafes. Gain experience in a fast-paced environment.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Merced, CA?

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CommonSpirit Health
Average Salary: $118,606
CommonSpirit Health is a large healthcare organization. They offer a range of medical services. Employees often enjoy competitive benefits and opportunities for career growth.
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Merced College
Average Salary: $101,313
Merced College is a higher education institution. It provides a variety of academic programs. Faculty and staff benefit from a supportive work environment.
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Golden Valley Health Centers
Average Salary: $77,905
Golden Valley Health Centers is a community health organization. They focus on providing quality healthcare services. Employees work in a collaborative and caring setting.
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University of California Merced
Average Salary: $73,531
The University of California Merced offers a range of academic programs. It is a research-focused institution. Faculty and staff enjoy a dynamic and innovative work environment.
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Avalon Health Care Group
Average Salary: $68,883
Avalon Health Care Group provides healthcare services. They focus on patient care and support. Employees benefit from a team-oriented approach.
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Merced Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Average Salary: $68,502
Merced Nursing and Rehabilitation Center offers skilled nursing care. They focus on patient recovery and well-being. Employees work in a caring and supportive environment.
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City of Merced
Average Salary: $67,473
The City of Merced provides various municipal services. Employees work in different departments to support the community. The city offers a range of benefits and opportunities for growth.
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La Sierra Care Center
Average Salary: $63,461
La Sierra Care Center offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. They focus on patient care and recovery. Employees work in a supportive and caring environment.
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Healthcare Services Group
Average Salary: $57,481
Healthcare Services Group provides healthcare staffing and support services. They focus on meeting the needs of healthcare facilities. Employees benefit from a dynamic and supportive work environment.
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STARS Behavioral Health Group
Average Salary: $53,216
STARS Behavioral Health Group offers behavioral health services. They focus on patient care and support. Employees work in a caring and collaborative environment.
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, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Merced stand at 120, indicating that expenses for housing are 20% higher than the national average. This higher index suggests that job seekers might need to budget more for finding a place to live in Merced.
Other categories also reflect some differences. For instance, groceries in Merced have a cost of living index of 105, which is 5% higher than the national average. Transportation costs are also slightly elevated, with an index of 110, meaning they are 10% higher. Utilities, however, are slightly below the national average at 95, which represents a 5% decrease. Healthcare costs remain at par with the national average, with an index of 100. Miscellaneous expenses are also slightly above average, with an index of 102, indicating a 2% increase. Overall, while some areas show higher costs, others present savings, making Merced a mixed-cost location for potential residents.