Salaries in Monterey, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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What is the average salary in Monterey, CA?

The average salary in Monterey, CA is $71,041 per year.

Monterey, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in Monterey is around $71,000. This figure can vary based on the job sector and experience level. For instance, those in the technology sector often earn higher salaries compared to other industries.


Here are some average salary ranges for different job sectors in Monterey:

  • Technology: $86,000 - $180,000
  • Healthcare: $59,000 - $126,000
  • Education: $46,000 - $99,000
  • Retail: $29,000 - $59,000
  • Hospitality: $22,000 - $46,000
These figures provide a good starting point for job seekers looking to understand the earning potential in Monterey.

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What are the best paying jobs in Monterey, CA?

Monterey, CA, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. Nurse Practitioners lead the list with an average salary of $158,737. This role involves providing primary and specialty care. Physician Assistants follow closely, earning an average of $153,486. They work alongside doctors, diagnosing and treating patients. Other top-paying jobs include Technical Project Leads, who earn $121,488, and Registered Nurses, with an average salary of $120,170. These roles require specialized skills and education. Monterey's job market offers good pay for those in healthcare and technology fields. Job seekers can find rewarding careers with competitive salaries.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Monterey, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $158,737 and Physical Therapist Assistant with the lowest at $81,080.
  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $158,737
    This role involves providing primary and specialty care. It requires collaboration with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Opportunities exist with local hospitals and clinics.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Monterey, CA


  2. Physician Assistant
    Average Salary: $153,486
    Physician Assistants work alongside doctors to diagnose and treat patients. They see patients, order tests, and prescribe medications. They work in hospitals and private practices.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Monterey, CA


  3. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $121,488
    This position involves managing tech projects and teams. It requires strong leadership and communication skills. Tech companies in the area offer many opportunities.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Monterey, CA


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $120,170
    Registered Nurses provide and coordinate patient care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They play a key role in patient recovery.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Monterey, CA


  5. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $117,532
    Occupational Therapists help patients improve their daily living skills. They work with people of all ages. They often work in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Monterey, CA


  6. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $110,137
    These professionals help patients with speech and language issues. They work in schools, hospitals, and private practices. They play a vital role in patient communication.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Monterey, CA


  7. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $108,455
    Behavior Analysts work with individuals to improve their behavior. They often work with children with autism. They provide therapy and support to patients and their families.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Monterey, CA


  8. Information Technology Specialist
    Average Salary: $87,165
    IT Specialists support and maintain computer systems. They troubleshoot issues and provide technical support. They work in various industries, including tech and healthcare.
    Find Information Technology Specialist jobs in Monterey, CA


  9. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $82,643
    LVNs provide basic patient care under the supervision of doctors and RNs. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They play a crucial role in patient care.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Monterey, CA


  10. Physical Therapist Assistant
    Average Salary: $81,080
    PTAs help patients recover from injuries and illnesses. They work under the supervision of physical therapists. They provide treatments and exercises to improve patient mobility.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Monterey, CA

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

Monterey, CA offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Positions such as Recreation Assistant and Server Assistant can provide good incomes. These roles often involve working in hospitality, food service, and recreation, offering opportunities for those who prefer not to pursue higher education. A Recreation Assistant can earn around $44,326 annually, while a Server Assistant can make about $41,650 per year. Other roles like Line Cook, Housekeeping, and Barista also provide competitive salaries. These jobs typically require skills in customer service, teamwork, and sometimes specific technical abilities. They offer a chance for job seekers to start earning well without needing a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Monterey, CA without a degree, highlighting Recreation Assistant with the highest at $44,326 and Laundry Aide with the lowest at $33,231.
  1. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $44,326
    Help people enjoy outdoor activities. Work at parks and recreation centers. Assist with programs for all ages. Companies like the city’s parks department offer these roles.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Monterey, CA


  2. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $41,650
    Support servers in restaurants. Take orders and serve food. Work in busy dining areas. Local eateries often need staff for these positions.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Monterey, CA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,330
    Prepare meals in a fast-paced kitchen. Follow recipes and cook in shifts. Work in hotels and restaurants. Companies like Marriott and Hilton offer these jobs.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Monterey, CA


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,924
    Clean rooms and common areas. Maintain a tidy environment. Work in hotels and motels. Companies such as Hilton and Marriott provide these positions.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Monterey, CA


  5. Barista
    Average Salary: $38,975
    Make coffee and other drinks. Serve customers with a smile. Work in cafes and coffee shops. Local chains like Starbucks offer these roles.
    Find Barista jobs in Monterey, CA


  6. Banquet Houseperson
    Average Salary: $38,789
    Set up and clean banquet areas. Assist with events and catering. Work in hotels and event spaces. Companies like Marriott and Hilton need these workers.
    Find Banquet Houseperson jobs in Monterey, CA


  7. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $36,963
    Help prepare and serve food. Assist in kitchen tasks. Work in schools and hospitals. Local institutions often have these openings.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Monterey, CA


  8. Server
    Average Salary: $36,357
    Take orders and serve food to customers. Work in a busy dining area. Serve in restaurants and cafes. Local eateries often need servers.
    Find Server jobs in Monterey, CA


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $35,422
    Clean dishes and kitchen tools. Work in a fast-paced kitchen. Serve in restaurants and cafes. Local eateries often need dishwashers.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Monterey, CA


  10. Laundry Aide
    Average Salary: $33,231
    Handle laundry tasks. Wash, dry, and fold clothes. Work in hotels and motels. Companies like Hilton and Marriott offer these positions.
    Find Laundry Aide jobs in Monterey, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Monterey, CA?

Job seekers in Monterey, CA, can find competitive salaries at several top companies. Deloitte leads the way with an average salary of $130,269. Montage Health and CHOICE HOME HEALTH also offer attractive compensation packages, with averages of $108,304 and $94,224, respectively. Other notable employers include the City of Monterey, CA, U.S. Army, and Windsor Care Centers, all providing salaries above $80,000. These companies present excellent opportunities for those seeking rewarding positions in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Monterey, CA, highlighting Deloitte with the highest at $130,269 and Maxim Healthcare Services with the lowest at $69,229.
  1. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $130,269
    Deloitte offers consulting services. They focus on technology, financial, and human resources.


  2. Montage Health
    Average Salary: $108,304
    Montage Health provides healthcare services. They run a hospital and a wellness center.


  3. CHOICE HOME HEALTH
    Average Salary: $94,224
    CHOICE HOME HEALTH offers home healthcare services. They provide nursing and therapy to patients in their homes.


  4. City of Monterey, CA
    Average Salary: $87,119
    The City of Monterey, CA offers various municipal services. They manage public services for the community.


  5. U.S. Army
    Average Salary: $83,780
    The U.S. Army provides national defense. They offer career opportunities in many fields.


  6. Windsor Care Centers
    Average Salary: $80,709
    Windsor Care Centers offer senior living services. They provide assisted living and memory care.


  7. Cypress Ridge Care Center
    Average Salary: $79,971
    Cypress Ridge Care Center offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. They focus on patient care and recovery.


  8. Monterey Peninsula College
    Average Salary: $78,239
    Monterey Peninsula College offers higher education. They provide associate degrees and vocational training.


  9. Monterey Spine & Joint
    Average Salary: $70,334
    Monterey Spine & Joint offers medical services. They specialize in spine and joint care.


  10. Maxim Healthcare Services
    Average Salary: $69,229
    Maxim Healthcare Services provides healthcare staffing. They offer nursing and therapy services.

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

The cost of living in Monterey, California, significantly exceeds the nationwide average. Housing costs are 98% higher, while groceries and utilities are 30% and 15% higher, respectively. Transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also surpass the national average by 22%, 20%, and 25%, respectively. Overall, Monterey's cost of living stands at 143% of the national average. This makes it crucial for job seekers to consider these factors when planning their relocation.
Cost of living comparison graph for Monterey, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 98% higher, groceries 30% higher, utilities 15% higher, transportation 22% higher, healthcare 20% higher, miscellaneous 25% higher.

The cost of living in Monterey, CA, significantly exceeds the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs are notably higher, with an index of 198. This means housing expenses in Monterey are almost double the national average. For job seekers considering Monterey, this high housing cost can be a major factor in their budget planning.


Other expenses also show a rise compared to the national average. Groceries, for instance, have an index of 130, indicating they are 30% more expensive than the average. Utilities cost 15% more, with an index of 115, while transportation costs are 22% higher at 122. Healthcare costs are 20% above average, with an index of 120. Miscellaneous expenses, including entertainment and personal care, are 25% higher than the national average, with an index of 125. These figures highlight the elevated cost of living in Monterey, which potential residents must consider.

There are 694 job openings in Monterey, CA, today!

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

Discover what it's like to work in Monterey, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
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Monterey, CA
694 Job Openings