Overview Salaries

Salaries in Palm Desert, CA

Updated on Aug 12, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Palm Desert, CA?

The average salary in Palm Desert, CA is $53,728 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $53,728 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $4,477 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $1,033 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $26 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Palm Desert, CA, offers a range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $53,728. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape of the city, which includes sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and retail.


The salary distribution shows a broad spectrum of earnings. The majority of jobs, about 49.40%, pay around $32,000 annually. Other significant portions of the workforce earn between $43,160 and $154,760 per year. This variety suggests that Palm Desert can be a good place for job seekers looking for different levels of compensation.

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What are the best paying jobs in Palm Desert, CA?

Palm Desert, CA, offers a variety of high-paying jobs for professionals. Among these, Speech Language Pathologists earn the highest average salary, with professionals making around $113,601 annually. Other well-compensated positions include Registered Nurses, who earn about $110,875 per year, and Dental Hygienists, with an average salary of $108,426. These roles provide excellent opportunities for those seeking both financial stability and professional growth. Additionally, careers such as Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants offer competitive salaries, with averages of $104,023 and $84,447, respectively. Other notable positions include Clinicians, Outside Sales Representatives, and Licensed Vocational Nurses, all of which provide solid earning potential. These jobs cater to a range of skills and interests, making Palm Desert an attractive location for job seekers looking to advance their careers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palm Desert, CA, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $113,601 and General Manager with the lowest at $63,058.

  1. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $113,601
    This role involves helping patients with speech and language disorders. It requires working with individuals of all ages. Companies like local clinics and rehabilitation centers offer these positions.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $110,875
    RNs provide essential care to patients in various settings. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This job demands strong communication and problem-solving skills.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  3. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $108,426
    Dental hygienists clean patients' teeth and educate them on oral health. They work in dental offices and clinics. This role requires attention to detail and a caring attitude.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  4. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $104,023
    Occupational therapists help patients regain skills needed for daily activities. They work in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. This job involves creativity and empathy.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  5. Physical Therapist Assistant
    Average Salary: $84,447
    PTAs assist physical therapists in helping patients recover from injuries. They work in clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. This role requires physical stamina and a helping spirit.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  6. Clinician
    Average Salary: $71,617
    Clinicians provide mental health services to patients. They work in private practices, clinics, and hospitals. This job involves strong listening and counseling skills.
    Find Clinician jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  7. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $71,542
    Sales reps sell products or services to businesses. They work for companies in various industries. This role requires strong communication and negotiation skills.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  8. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $70,108
    LVNs provide basic medical care to patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This job demands attention to detail and a caring nature.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  9. Sous Chef
    Average Salary: $63,344
    Sous chefs assist in managing kitchen operations. They work in restaurants and hotels. This role requires strong leadership and culinary skills.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  10. General Manager
    Average Salary: $63,058
    General managers oversee daily operations of businesses. They work in retail, hospitality, and other industries. This job involves strong leadership and organizational skills.
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What are the best paying jobs in Palm Desert, CA without a degree?

Palm Desert offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Restaurant managers can earn an average of $62,968 annually. This role involves overseeing the daily operations of a restaurant, ensuring customer satisfaction, and managing staff. Other well-paying jobs include groundskeepers, who maintain the outdoor areas of properties, earning around $41,044 per year. Housekeeping staff, line cooks, and service team members also provide good income opportunities, with salaries ranging from $35,000 to $40,000 annually. These positions offer stable employment and the chance to work in a vibrant community.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palm Desert, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $62,968 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $35,527.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $62,968
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in upscale dining or casual eateries.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  2. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $41,044
    Maintain the grounds of properties. Perform tasks like mowing, trimming, and planting. Work in parks, golf courses, or residential areas.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,526
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or residential properties. Ensure a tidy and safe environment. Work in hotels, resorts, or private homes.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $40,071
    Prepare food in a fast-paced kitchen. Follow recipes and ensure quality. Work in restaurants, cafes, or catering services.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,921
    Serve guests in a restaurant or cafe. Take orders, deliver food, and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work in various dining establishments.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  6. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,053
    Assist in kitchen duties. Prepare ingredients, cook food, and maintain cleanliness. Work in restaurants, cafes, or catering services.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  7. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $38,892
    Plan and lead recreational activities. Organize events and ensure participant safety. Work in community centers, parks, or recreational facilities.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  8. Barista
    Average Salary: $38,467
    Prepare and serve coffee drinks. Interact with customers and ensure a welcoming atmosphere. Work in cafes, coffee shops, or restaurants.
    Find Barista jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  9. Server
    Average Salary: $35,914
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Take orders and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work in restaurants, cafes, or bars.
    Find Server jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  10. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $35,527
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Ensure a clean and organized workspace. Work in restaurants, cafes, or catering services.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Palm Desert, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Palm Desert, CA?

Job seekers in Palm Desert, CA, can find competitive salaries with several companies. The College of the Desert offers the highest average salary at $96,157. Ensemble Therapy follows closely with an average salary of $75,967. These figures highlight the potential for higher earnings in educational and healthcare sectors. Other notable companies include Willow Springs Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, ChildNet Youth and Family Services, and Oak View Group, all offering average salaries above $60,000. Companies like Truly Nolen, Sullivan's Steakhouse, and Renova Energy also provide solid compensation, though slightly lower. Retailers such as Sam's Club and Del Taco offer average salaries around $47,000, reflecting the range of opportunities available in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Palm Desert, CA, highlighting College of the Desert with the highest at $96,157 and Del Taco with the lowest at $47,686.

  1. College of the Desert
    Average Salary: $96,157
    College of the Desert offers a range of programs and is known for its strong academic support. It provides a competitive salary for its employees.


  2. Ensemble Therapy
    Average Salary: $75,967
    Ensemble Therapy focuses on providing mental health services. They offer a good salary and a supportive work environment.


  3. Willow Springs Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
    Average Salary: $63,216
    Willow Springs offers healthcare services and is known for its caring staff. They provide a fair salary for their employees.


  4. ChildNet Youth and Family Services
    Average Salary: $62,019
    ChildNet provides services to children and families. They offer a good salary and a chance to make a difference in people's lives.


  5. Oak View Group
    Average Salary: $61,542
    Oak View Group is involved in real estate and offers a competitive salary. They focus on providing quality services to their clients.


  6. Truly Nolen
    Average Salary: $55,926
    Truly Nolen is a pest control company. They offer a good salary and opportunities for career growth.


  7. Sullivan's Steakhouse
    Average Salary: $51,857
    Sullivan's Steakhouse is a popular dining spot. They offer a fair salary and a chance to work in a lively environment.


  8. Renova Energy
    Average Salary: $47,918
    Renova Energy focuses on renewable energy solutions. They offer a decent salary and a chance to work on sustainable projects.


  9. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $47,756
    Sam's Club is a membership warehouse club. They offer a fair salary and benefits for their employees.


  10. Del Taco
    Average Salary: $47,686
    Del Taco is a fast-food chain. They offer a good salary and opportunities for advancement in the food service industry.

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

Palm Desert, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index in Palm Desert stands at 111, which is 11% higher than the national average of 100. Housing costs are notably higher, with an index of 142, indicating a 42% increase over the national average. This suggests that job seekers should consider these elevated expenses when planning their relocation to Palm Desert.
Cost of living comparison graph for Palm Desert, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 42% higher, groceries 7% higher, utilities 16% higher, transportation 3% higher, healthcare 8% lower, miscellaneous 10% higher.

Palm Desert, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. The housing index in Palm Desert stands at 142, indicating that housing costs are 42% higher than the national average. This significant increase can impact potential residents' budgets, making it essential to consider these higher expenses when planning a move.


Other areas also show elevated costs in Palm Desert. For example, the utilities index is at 116, which is 16% higher than the average. Groceries and miscellaneous costs are also above the national average, with indices of 107 and 110, respectively. These figures suggest that while some costs are close to the national average, others are notably higher, influencing overall living expenses. Job seekers should weigh these factors when considering relocation to Palm Desert.

There are 488 job openings in Palm Desert, CA, today!

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Palm Desert, CA
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