Overview Salaries

Salaries in Modesto, CA

Updated on Aug 21, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Modesto, CA?

The average salary in Modesto, CA is $73,932 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Modesto, CA, showing an average salary of $73,932 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Modesto, CA, showing an average salary of $6,161 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Modesto, CA, showing an average salary of $1,422 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Modesto, CA, showing an average salary of $36 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Modesto, CA, offers a range of salaries across different job sectors. The average yearly salary in the area is approximately $73,932. This average reflects the diverse industries present, providing opportunities for various skill sets and career goals.


The distribution of salaries varies, with some sectors offering higher wages. For instance, the top-paying jobs in Modesto include roles in management, business, and financial operations, with some positions reaching over $160,000 annually. Other notable sectors include computer and mathematical occupations and architecture and engineering, both offering competitive salaries. This variety makes Modesto an attractive location for job seekers looking for good earning potential.

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What are the best paying jobs in Modesto, CA?

Modesto, CA offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities for professionals. Physicians lead the list with average salaries around $311,598 annually. Other top jobs include primary care physicians, general dentists, and staff nurses, all earning substantial incomes. These roles require specialized skills and education, but they provide excellent compensation. Primary care physicians earn about $270,070 each year, while general dentists make around $222,813. Staff nurses and nurse practitioners also find good pay, with figures close to $200,000 annually. These jobs not only promise high earnings but also contribute significantly to the community's health and well-being.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Modesto, CA, highlighting Physician with the highest at $311,598 and Clinical Supervisor with the lowest at $142,031.

  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $311,598
    Offer exceptional care to patients in Modesto. Work in state-of-the-art facilities. Opportunities available with local hospitals and private practices.
    Find Physician jobs in Modesto, CA


  2. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $270,070
    Serve as a first point of contact for patients. Manage overall health and well-being. Join leading health organizations in Modesto for comprehensive care.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in Modesto, CA


  3. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $222,813
    Perform routine dental check-ups. Provide treatments and oral health education. Join reputable dental clinics in Modesto for a fulfilling career.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Modesto, CA


  4. Staff Nurse
    Average Salary: $201,775
    Provide critical patient care and support. Work alongside doctors and other healthcare professionals. Find opportunities in local hospitals and healthcare facilities.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Modesto, CA


  5. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $173,801
    Deliver advanced nursing care. Diagnose and treat patients. Work in various settings such as clinics and hospitals in Modesto.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Modesto, CA


  6. Physician Assistant
    Average Salary: $172,194
    Assist in surgeries and provide medical care. Work with doctors to deliver patient care. Opportunities exist in private practices and healthcare centers.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Modesto, CA


  7. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $168,062
    Distribute medications and provide health advice. Ensure safety and efficacy of drugs. Work in community and chain pharmacies in Modesto.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Modesto, CA


  8. Labor and Delivery Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $157,964
    Support women during childbirth. Provide critical care to new mothers and babies. Find positions in local hospitals with birthing centers.
    Find Labor and Delivery Registered Nurse jobs in Modesto, CA


  9. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
    Average Salary: $147,004
    Provide counseling and therapy to individuals and families. Help resolve conflicts and improve relationships. Join community health centers and private practices.
    Find Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist jobs in Modesto, CA


  10. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $142,031
    Supervise healthcare staff and ensure quality care. Implement policies and procedures. Opportunities available in hospitals and specialized care facilities.
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What are the best paying jobs in Modesto, CA without a degree?

Modesto offers several top-paying jobs that do not require a degree, providing excellent opportunities for job seekers. One of these roles is the canvasser, which pays an average of $54,273 annually. Other high-paying positions include restaurant manager, housekeeping, and barista, all with competitive salaries that make them attractive options in the Modesto job market. For those looking to earn a good income without needing a degree, roles such as meat cutter, kitchen team member, and service team member also offer solid wages. Other positions like groundskeeper, landscaper, and server assistant provide decent pay. These jobs demonstrate that a higher salary is achievable in Modesto even without a formal degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Modesto, CA without a degree, highlighting Canvasser with the highest at $54,273 and Server Assistant with the lowest at $38,499.

  1. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $54,273
    Engage with local businesses and residents to promote products or services. Work with local companies and organizations. Gain experience in communication and sales skills.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Modesto, CA


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $51,458
    Oversee daily operations at dining establishments. Manage staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work with local eateries to improve customer experience.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Modesto, CA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $44,471
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels and other lodging facilities. Work with hotels to ensure a clean environment. Develop skills in attention to detail and time management.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Modesto, CA


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $42,468
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages in cafes. Work with local coffee shops to understand customer preferences. Learn about coffee preparation and customer service.
    Find Barista jobs in Modesto, CA


  5. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $41,165
    Cut and prepare meat for sale in grocery stores and butcher shops. Work with local food markets to meet customer needs. Develop skills in knife work and attention to detail.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Modesto, CA


  6. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,124
    Assist in food preparation and cooking in restaurants. Work with local dining establishments to support kitchen operations. Learn about kitchen safety and teamwork.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Modesto, CA


  7. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,381
    Provide excellent service to customers in various settings. Work with local businesses to enhance customer satisfaction. Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Modesto, CA


  8. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $39,800
    Maintain and beautify the grounds of properties and parks. Work with local landscaping companies and municipalities. Gain skills in horticulture and property maintenance.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Modesto, CA


  9. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $39,576
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces for residential and commercial properties. Work with local landscaping firms. Learn about plant care and design principles.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Modesto, CA


  10. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $38,499
    Support servers in restaurants by setting up tables and helping with service. Work with local dining establishments. Develop skills in customer service and teamwork.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Modesto, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Modesto, CA?

Job seekers in Modesto can find some of the highest paying opportunities at companies like Kaiser Permanente and AMN Healthcare. Kaiser Permanente leads with an average salary of $164,446, followed closely by AMN Healthcare at $131,157 per year. These top-paying employers offer competitive compensation, which can make your career search more rewarding. Other notable companies in Modesto include Tenet Healthcare, YOSEMITE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT, and Sutter Health, which provide average salaries between $110,000 and $129,000. These companies join the ranks of well-paying employers in the area, showing a strong job market for those willing to pursue higher-paying roles. Securing a position at one of these employers could significantly benefit your financial future.
Graph displaying company salaries in Modesto, CA, highlighting Kaiser Permanente with the highest at $164,446 and Soliant with the lowest at $95,199.

  1. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $164,446
    Kaiser Permanente is a large healthcare organization. They offer a wide range of medical services and health insurance. Their employees enjoy competitive benefits and career growth opportunities.


  2. AMN Healthcare
    Average Salary: $131,157
    AMN Healthcare is a staffing and workforce solutions company. They focus on helping healthcare facilities find qualified professionals. Their dynamic work environment allows for professional development.


  3. Tenet Healthcare
    Average Salary: $129,087
    Tenet Healthcare operates hospitals and outpatient centers across the country. They are committed to providing high-quality patient care. Their employees benefit from comprehensive health benefits and training programs.


  4. YOSEMITE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
    Average Salary: $120,841
    YOSEMITE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT runs educational institutions. They focus on providing quality education to students. Employees enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for growth.


  5. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $115,138
    Sutter Health is a network of healthcare providers. They focus on delivering personalized care to their patients. Their employees benefit from extensive training and career advancement opportunities.


  6. Encompass Health
    Average Salary: $110,086
    Encompass Health is a provider of rehabilitation services. They are dedicated to helping patients recover from serious illnesses and injuries. They offer competitive salaries and a collaborative work environment.


  7. WelbeHealth
    Average Salary: $107,432
    WelbeHealth focuses on senior care. They provide comprehensive healthcare services to elderly patients. Employees benefit from a supportive culture and growth opportunities.


  8. ProCare Therapy
    Average Salary: $101,676
    ProCare Therapy is a staffing agency. They place therapists and nurses in various healthcare facilities. They value their staff and offer professional development programs.


  9. Wellpath
    Average Salary: $98,117
    Wellpath provides healthcare services in correctional facilities. They aim to improve the health of incarcerated individuals. Their employees benefit from meaningful work and a supportive team environment.


  10. Soliant
    Average Salary: $95,199
    Soliant specializes in staffing for healthcare, technology, and education. They connect professionals with jobs that match their skills. They offer flexible work opportunities and competitive salaries.

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

Modesto, CA, presents a cost of living index that largely matches the nationwide average in several key areas, though a few categories stand out. Housing, at 120, indicates a 20% increase over the national average. This suggests that potential residents should budget accordingly for housing expenses. On the other hand, groceries at 105 and utilities at 110 also see minor increases, while transportation at 115 suggests a slightly higher cost compared to the national average. Miscellaneous costs remain aligned with the nationwide average at 100, presenting a balanced picture. Healthcare at 95, however, shows a 5% decrease from the national average, which could be a favorable factor for individuals planning their budgets. Overall, Modesto's cost of living shows a mixed picture, with some areas above the national average and others below, providing job seekers with a nuanced view of what to expect.
Cost of living comparison graph for Modesto, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 20% higher, groceries 5% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 0% lower.

Modesto, CA, presents a unique cost of living scenario when compared to the nationwide average, which is indexed at 100. Housing costs in Modesto are notably higher, with an index of 120, meaning expenses for rent or mortgage are 20% more than the average. This increased housing cost can significantly affect a family's budget and savings.


In other areas, Modesto still offers some competitive pricing. For example, groceries have an index of 105, indicating a modest 5% increase over the average cost. Utilities are at 110, suggesting a 10% rise in expenses for essentials like electricity and water. Transportation costs are slightly elevated with an index of 115, showing an additional 15% compared to the national average. Healthcare, however, is slightly cheaper, with an index of 95, meaning healthcare costs in Modesto are 5% lower than the average. Miscellaneous costs remain on par with the national average at an index of 100.

There are 1,064 job openings in Modesto, CA, today!

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Modesto, CA
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