What is the average salary in Monterey, CA?
Monterey, CA offers a range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in Monterey stands at $77,702. This average takes into account various industries and positions. Some of the highest-paying jobs include software developers, financial managers, and healthcare administrators. Each of these roles offers a robust income, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in the area.
Here are some of the top-paying jobs in Monterey, along with their average yearly salaries:
- Software Developers: $123,658
- Financial Managers: $138,635
- Healthcare Administrators: $153,611
- Marketing Managers: $108,682
- Civil Engineers: $93,705
What are the best paying jobs in Monterey, CA?

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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $185,172
Nurse Practitioners work in clinics and hospitals, providing high-level care. They often treat patients and manage their conditions. Local healthcare facilities like Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula hire these professionals.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $138,215
Registered Nurses care for patients and work with doctors. They administer medications and help with patient care. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System and other local hospitals need these nurses.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $132,452
Occupational Therapists help people with injuries or disabilities. They work in hospitals and clinics. They design treatment plans and help patients regain skills. Monterey Bay Area Regional Occupational Program offers these roles.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $124,509
Technical Project Leads manage tech projects for companies. They oversee teams and ensure projects meet deadlines. Tech firms in Monterey look for these leaders to guide their projects.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $120,121
Speech Language Pathologists work with patients who have speech or language issues. They provide therapy and create treatment plans. Local healthcare centers and schools hire these specialists.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $112,452
Behavior Analysts study and improve behavior. They work with individuals to develop better habits. They often work in schools and clinics. Local institutions seek these analysts for their expertise.
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Physical Therapist Assistant
Average Salary: $87,834
Physical Therapist Assistants help patients recover from injuries. They work under physical therapists and assist with exercises. Monterey Peninsula College offers training for these roles.
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Licensed Vocational Nurse
Average Salary: $81,965
Licensed Vocational Nurses provide basic care to patients. They work in hospitals and clinics, assisting doctors and RNs. Local healthcare facilities often hire these nurses.
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Sous Chef
Average Salary: $71,877
Sous Chefs help head chefs manage kitchens. They oversee food preparation and staff. Top restaurants in Monterey hire these chefs to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
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Delivery Driver
Average Salary: $64,595
Delivery Drivers transport goods for various companies. They deliver items to customers. Local businesses and food delivery services need these drivers to get products to people.
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What are the best paying jobs in Monterey, CA without a degree?

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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $43,534
Support the server team in busy restaurants. Assist in taking orders and serving food and drinks. Work at popular spots like The Fish Shop and 29 Palms. Good customer service skills can help boost tips.
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Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $41,483
Help organize and run recreational programs. Work with local parks and community centers. Offer activities for all ages. Locations like Monterey State Beach provide a fun setting for this role.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $41,478
Prepare ingredients and cook meals in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in top restaurants like The Boat House and Tony's Pizza Napoletana. Fast feet and a steady hand are key. Follow recipes and keep the kitchen clean.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Monterey, CA?

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Deloitte
Average Salary: $143,700
Deloitte is a global leader in professional services. They offer audit, consulting, financial advisory, and tax services. Known for their innovative approach, Deloitte provides a competitive salary to attract top talent.
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Montage Health
Average Salary: $123,404
Montage Health is a renowned healthcare provider. They focus on delivering exceptional patient care. With a commitment to excellence, Montage Health offers a generous salary package to their employees.
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Monterey Peninsula College
Average Salary: $100,875
Monterey Peninsula College is a leading educational institution. They offer a variety of programs and courses. The college values its staff, providing a competitive salary to ensure quality education.
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Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center
Average Salary: $94,138
This institute specializes in language training for national security. They train professionals in various foreign languages. The institute values language expertise and offers a solid salary for their staff.
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CHOICE HOME HEALTH
Average Salary: $94,130
CHOICE HOME HEALTH provides home healthcare services. They focus on patient care and well-being. With a strong commitment to quality care, they offer a fair salary to their employees.
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U.S. Army
Average Salary: $76,541
The U.S. Army is a key part of the nation’s defense. They recruit talented individuals for various roles. The Army provides a stable salary and benefits to those who serve.
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Cypress Ridge Care Center
Average Salary: $76,389
This care center focuses on providing exceptional care for the elderly. They offer a nurturing environment for both patients and staff. Cypress Ridge Care Center provides a good salary to attract skilled professionals.
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Marriott International
Average Salary: $57,871
Marriott International is a global hospitality leader. They operate various hotels and resorts. Marriott values hospitality and offers a competitive salary to their employees.
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Davidson Hospitality Group
Average Salary: $55,861
Davidson Hospitality Group manages several hotels and resorts. They focus on providing excellent service. The group offers a good salary to attract and retain skilled hospitality professionals.
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Whole Foods Market
Average Salary: $48,314
Whole Foods Market is a premium grocery chain. They offer high-quality, natural products. The company values its staff and provides a fair salary to maintain their standards.
How does the cost of living in Monterey, CA compare to the national average?

The cost of living index in Monterey, CA, shows that the area stands significantly higher than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. For housing, Monterey's index is 254, nearly 154% higher than the national average. This means renters and homeowners in Monterey can expect housing costs to be over two and a half times higher than what people pay on average across the country. The high housing index is one of the primary factors contributing to Monterey's overall elevated cost of living.
Other expenses in Monterey also exceed the national average, though not to the same extent as housing. Groceries cost 19% more, with an index of 119, while utilities are 7% higher at 107. Transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs follow closely behind the national average, with indices of 128, 116, and 129 respectively. These costs are 28%, 16%, and 29% above the national average. Overall, job seekers considering Monterey should prepare for significantly higher living expenses, particularly in housing.



