Overview Salaries

Salaries in Monterey, CA

Updated on May 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Monterey, CA?

The average salary in Monterey, CA is $75,642 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Monterey, CA, showing an average salary of $75,642 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Monterey, CA, showing an average salary of $6,304 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Monterey, CA, showing an average salary of $1,455 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Monterey, CA, showing an average salary of $36 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Monterey, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. Job seekers can find competitive wages that reflect the local cost of living. The average yearly salary in Monterey is $75,642. This average takes into account the diverse job market in the area.


Different industries have varying salary ranges. Some top-paying industries include:

  • Healthcare: $90,189
  • Education: $75,892
  • Information Technology: $104,486
Monterey also supports well-paying jobs in fields like finance, engineering, and management. These opportunities provide solid earnings for those seeking stable employment.

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What are the best paying jobs in Monterey, CA?

The best-paying jobs in Monterey, CA, often require specific skills and education. Nurse practitioners top the list with a high salary of $172,880. These professionals provide advanced nursing care and often work in clinics or hospitals. Next, registered nurses earn a solid $133,840, managing patient care and coordinating with other healthcare providers. Technical roles also offer strong pay. Technical project leads earn about $122,524, guiding teams through project planning and execution. These positions require strong leadership and technical skills. Other high-paying jobs include occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, and behavior analysts, all contributing valuable care and support to patients.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Monterey, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $172,880 and Delivery Driver with the lowest at $61,665.

  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $172,880
    Provide care to patients in various healthcare settings. Work with doctors and nurses to ensure patients receive the best treatment. Opportunities exist at healthcare facilities in the area.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Monterey, CA


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $133,840
    Deliver essential patient care in hospitals and clinics. Monitor and record patient conditions. Work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Many local hospitals and care centers hire RNs.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Monterey, CA


  3. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $130,661
    Help patients regain independence through therapy. Work with individuals who have suffered injuries or illnesses. Develop personalized treatment plans. Opportunities exist in rehabilitation centers and clinics.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Monterey, CA


  4. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $122,524
    Manage tech projects from start to finish. Lead teams to ensure projects meet deadlines and budgets. Work for tech firms in the area. Manage projects for innovative companies.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Monterey, CA


  5. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $120,259
    Diagnose and treat communication disorders. Work with patients of all ages. Develop treatment plans to improve speech and language skills. Opportunities are available in clinics and schools.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Monterey, CA


  6. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $114,379
    Study and understand patient behavior. Develop plans to improve social and life skills. Work with children and adults with developmental disorders. Employment options include schools and therapy centers.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Monterey, CA


  7. Physical Therapist Assistant
    Average Salary: $88,580
    Help patients recover from injuries and illnesses. Assist physical therapists in treatments. Work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Enhance patients’ mobility and function.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Monterey, CA


  8. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $82,179
    Provide basic patient care in various settings. Monitor patient health and report to doctors. Opportunities exist in hospitals and outpatient care facilities. Essential for patient well-being.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Monterey, CA


  9. Sous Chef
    Average Salary: $70,394
    Manage kitchen operations and staff. Develop new recipes and menus. Work in high-end restaurants. Ensure food quality and service. Create a fun and efficient kitchen environment.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Monterey, CA


  10. Delivery Driver
    Average Salary: $61,665
    Deliver food, packages, and groceries to customers. Ensure timely and accurate deliveries. Work for local businesses and online services. Must have a clean driving record and be reliable.
    Find Delivery Driver jobs in Monterey, CA

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

Looking for a well-paying job in Monterey, California, without a college degree? Several options offer good salaries and opportunities for growth. Housekeeping, line cook, and server assistant roles lead the pack. Housekeeping can earn up to $42,475 a year, line cooks around $41,489, and server assistants about $41,412 annually. These jobs provide a steady income and can be a solid foundation for future career moves. Other roles like barista, recreation assistant, and server also offer competitive pay. Bartenders can make up to $40,880, recreation assistants around $40,074, and servers about $37,129. Each of these positions provides the chance to work in a vibrant environment and gain valuable experience. Starting in any of these roles can help job seekers build a strong resume and enhance their job marketability.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Monterey, CA without a degree, highlighting Housekeeping with the highest at $42,475 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $36,239.

  1. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $42,475
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels and motels. Duties may include changing linens, restocking supplies, and cleaning common areas. Key players in this field include local hotels like the Hyatt Regency.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Monterey, CA


  2. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,489
    Prepare ingredients and cook food items in a fast-paced kitchen setting. Requires skill in various cooking methods and the ability to work under pressure. Local restaurants and cafes are often hiring for these roles.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Monterey, CA


  3. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $41,412
    Support servers by setting up tables, taking orders, and clearing dishes. It's a great role for those who enjoy interacting with customers. Work in dining establishments such as bistros and cafes.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Monterey, CA


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $40,880
    Prepare and serve coffee drinks to customers. This role demands a friendly demeanor and a quick learning curve in coffee preparation. Many cafes and coffee shops are looking for skilled baristas.
    Find Barista jobs in Monterey, CA


  5. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $40,074
    Organize and lead recreational activities for community members. This role involves planning events, managing equipment, and ensuring safety. Local recreation centers often hire for these positions.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Monterey, CA


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $37,129
    Take orders, serve food and beverages, and handle payments. Requires good communication skills and the ability to work well in a team. Many restaurants and dining establishments seek dedicated servers.
    Find Server jobs in Monterey, CA


  7. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $36,737
    Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. This job demands attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently in a busy environment. Restaurants and food service businesses have openings for dishwashers.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Monterey, CA


  8. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $36,239
    Assist with various tasks in the food service area. Responsibilities include preparing ingredients, maintaining clean stations, and helping with food presentation. Ideal for those who enjoy a dynamic work environment.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Monterey, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Monterey, CA?

Job seekers in Monterey, CA, have the opportunity to explore high-paying companies in the area. Deloitte leads with an average salary of $142,938, offering top compensation to its employees. Other notable companies include Montage Health, with an average salary of $121,239, and Monterey Peninsula College, offering $98,192 on average. Monterey also features well-paid roles at CHOICE HOME HEALTH, Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, and U.S. Army, all offering competitive average salaries. For example, CHOICE HOME HEALTH provides $95,350, while the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center offers $94,138. These companies present attractive career opportunities with good pay in the Monterey area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Monterey, CA, highlighting Deloitte with the highest at $142,938 and Davidson Hospitality Group with the lowest at $54,717.

  1. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $142,938
    Deloitte is a top-tier consultancy firm. It offers jobs in areas such as accounting, consulting, financial advisory, and risk management.


  2. Montage Health
    Average Salary: $121,239
    Montage Health runs a luxury hotel and spa in Monterey. It offers healthcare jobs and wellness services.


  3. Monterey Peninsula College
    Average Salary: $98,192
    This is a community college. It provides a range of educational services and faculty positions.


  4. CHOICE HOME HEALTH
    Average Salary: $95,350
    CHOICE HOME HEALTH offers in-home care services. It employs nurses, therapists, and home health aides.


  5. Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center
    Average Salary: $94,138
    This institute teaches foreign languages to military and government personnel.


  6. U.S. Army
    Average Salary: $78,616
    The U.S. Army offers a variety of jobs in different fields, from logistics to healthcare.


  7. Cypress Ridge Care Center
    Average Salary: $76,028
    Cypress Ridge Care Center provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services.


  8. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $62,699
    CVS Health is a healthcare company. It runs pharmacies, health services, and insurance.


  9. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $57,294
    Marriott International operates hotels and resorts. It offers jobs in hospitality and management.


  10. Davidson Hospitality Group
    Average Salary: $54,717
    Davidson Hospitality Group manages hotels and resorts. It provides jobs in hospitality and service.

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

Monterey, CA, stands out with a cost of living index significantly higher than the nationwide average of 100. Housing costs in Monterey are 85% above the national average, making it one of the most expensive categories. Overall, the cost of living in Monterey is 128% of the national average, indicating that residents face higher expenses across multiple areas.
Cost of living comparison graph for Monterey, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 85% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 30% higher, miscellaneous 25% higher.

The cost of living in Monterey, CA, is noticeably higher than the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs are particularly striking, with an index of 185. This means housing prices in Monterey are 85% higher than the average cost across the nation. People looking for homes or rent in Monterey should prepare for significantly higher expenses compared to other places in the country.


In addition to housing, several other costs are above the national average. Groceries in Monterey have an index of 120, meaning they are 20% more expensive. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also show increases. Utilities are 10% higher, transportation costs are 15% higher, healthcare costs are 30% higher, and miscellaneous costs are 25% higher. Job seekers should consider these higher costs when evaluating job opportunities in Monterey.

There are 473 job openings in Monterey, CA, today!

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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
473 Job Openings

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