Overview Salaries

Salaries in Palm Desert, CA

Updated on Jun 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Palm Desert, CA?

The average salary in Palm Desert, CA is $56,442 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $56,442 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $4,704 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $1,085 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $27 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Palm Desert, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across different industries. With an average yearly salary of $56,442, job seekers can find competitive wages. The distribution of salaries in the area is diverse, with many roles falling between $33,000 and $95,273 annually.


Industries with the highest percentage of job opportunities include those in service, sales, and office administrative support. These sectors offer salaries that range from around $33,000 to over $120,000 per year. Palm Desert's job market provides a mix of lower and higher-paying positions, making it a suitable area for various skill levels and career stages.

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

Palm Desert, CA, offers a range of well-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Among the top-paying jobs are roles like Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, and Registered Nurse. These positions attract candidates who value both financial stability and the chance to make a meaningful difference in their community. Beyond healthcare, other high-paying jobs in Palm Desert include Outside Sales Representative, Clinician, and Licensed Vocational Nurse. These careers combine good compensation with opportunities for professional growth. Whether one prefers working directly with patients or engaging in sales, Palm Desert offers diverse options for those seeking rewarding and lucrative employment.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palm Desert, CA, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $117,124 and Sous Chef with the lowest at $66,319.

  1. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $117,124
    Work with patients to improve speech and language skills. Common employers include local healthcare facilities and schools. Develop personalized treatment plans.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  2. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $111,962
    Help patients regain skills for daily activities. Often work in rehabilitation centers and hospitals. Focus on patient progress and well-being.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $111,910
    Provide care for patients in hospitals and clinics. Work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Ensure patients receive proper medical attention.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  4. Physical Therapist Assistant
    Average Salary: $91,124
    Help patients recover from injuries or disabilities. Work in physical therapy clinics. Assist physical therapists with patient care.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  5. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $78,779
    Sell products or services directly to customers. Represent companies like tech firms or retail stores. Focus on building strong customer relationships.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  6. Clinician
    Average Salary: $73,280
    Provide healthcare services in a clinical setting. Common workplaces include medical offices and clinics. Focus on patient diagnosis and treatment.
    Find Clinician jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  7. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $71,690
    Provide basic medical care to patients. Work in hospitals or outpatient care centers. Assist registered nurses and doctors in patient care.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  8. General Manager
    Average Salary: $69,361
    Oversee daily operations of a business. Common employers include restaurants and retail stores. Focus on staff management and customer service.
    Find General Manager jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  9. Personal Trainer
    Average Salary: $68,282
    Help clients achieve their fitness goals. Work in gyms or fitness studios. Design workout plans and provide fitness advice.
    Find Personal Trainer jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  10. Sous Chef
    Average Salary: $66,319
    Assist the head chef in kitchen operations. Work in restaurants and hotels. Ensure food quality and kitchen efficiency.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Palm Desert, CA

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

Job seekers in Palm Desert, CA, can find good-paying roles without needing a college degree. Roles such as groundskeeper, kitchen team member, and line cook offer competitive salaries. These positions provide the opportunity to earn well while gaining valuable experience. Groundskeepers, kitchen team members, and line cooks lead the list with average salaries over $40,000 per year. Other roles like housekeeping, service team member, and barista also provide strong earning potential. These jobs demand hard work and dedication, allowing individuals to support themselves well while exploring career options.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palm Desert, CA without a degree, highlighting Groundskeeper with the highest at $41,782 and Server Assistant with the lowest at $33,349.

  1. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $41,782
    This job involves maintaining outdoor spaces. Tasks include lawn care, pruning, and landscaping. Companies may include local golf courses and resorts.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  2. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,643
    Work in the kitchen preparing ingredients. Tasks range from chopping vegetables to cooking small plates. Local restaurants and hotels need these team members.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,537
    Cook food in a fast-paced environment. These professionals work quickly and accurately. Opportunities exist in local cafes and diners.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $41,513
    Clean rooms and common areas. Tasks include changing linens and tidying up. Companies hiring include hotels and resorts.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,661
    Serve food and drinks to guests. Engage with customers and ensure their needs are met. Opportunities are at restaurants and cafes.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $40,207
    Prepare coffee and other beverages. Serve drinks to customers and maintain cleanliness. Work in local cafes and restaurants.
    Find Barista jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  7. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $37,426
    Assist with recreational activities. Tasks include leading games and organizing events. Opportunities at resorts and community centers.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $36,774
    Clean dishes and utensils. Tasks include operating dishwashing machines and maintaining cleanliness. Needed in restaurants and cafes.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  9. Server
    Average Salary: $36,446
    Serve food and drinks to guests. Take orders and ensure customers have everything they need. Opportunities at restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  10. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $33,349
    Help servers with tasks. Duties include setting up tables and restocking supplies. Work in local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Palm Desert, CA

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

Job seekers in Palm Desert, CA, have good options for earning competitive salaries. The College of the Desert offers the highest average salary at nearly $100,000. Following closely, Kaiser Permanente pays over $92,000 on average. These figures highlight some of the best-paying employers in the area. Aside from these top earners, other companies like ChildNet Youth and Family Services and Willow Springs Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center also provide strong compensation packages. Oak View Group, Starbucks, and Truly Nolen offer salaries above $50,000, providing good financial opportunities. Associa, Sam's Club, and Marriott International also present solid career options with their competitive pay.
Graph displaying company salaries in Palm Desert, CA, highlighting College of the Desert with the highest at $98,593 and Marriott International with the lowest at $49,531.

  1. College of the Desert
    Average Salary: $98,593
    College of the Desert is a higher education institution offering a range of academic programs. Employees enjoy a competitive salary and the opportunity to work in an educational setting.


  2. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $92,499
    Kaiser Permanente is a leading healthcare organization. They provide comprehensive health services and offer excellent benefits to their employees, along with a high average salary.


  3. ChildNet Youth and Family Services
    Average Salary: $64,237
    ChildNet Youth and Family Services is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families. They offer a supportive work environment and competitive compensation.


  4. Willow Springs Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
    Average Salary: $62,916
    Willow Springs is a healthcare facility focused on rehabilitation and long-term care. Employees benefit from a caring work environment and a fair average salary.


  5. Oak View Group
    Average Salary: $58,699
    Oak View Group specializes in venue management and event planning. They offer a dynamic work culture and a competitive salary package.


  6. Starbucks
    Average Salary: $52,076
    Starbucks is a well-known coffee chain. Employees enjoy a stable income and opportunities for career growth.


  7. Truly Nolen
    Average Salary: $51,559
    Truly Nolen offers pest control services. They provide a good salary and benefits for their staff.


  8. Associa
    Average Salary: $50,527
    Associa provides management services for residential communities. They offer a fair salary and opportunities for professional development.


  9. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $50,215
    Sam's Club is a membership warehouse club. They offer a competitive salary and a variety of employee benefits.


  10. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $49,531
    Marriott International is a global hospitality company. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment and the chance to grow within the company.

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

Palm Desert, California, stands out with a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing prices, for instance, are 50% higher, making it a significant consideration for potential residents. Additionally, groceries and utilities also exceed the national average, with costs at 18% and 5%, respectively. Job seekers should note these percentages to better understand living expenses in Palm Desert. The cost of living index shows that residents will likely need to budget more for essentials such as housing and groceries. This information helps prospective employees make informed decisions about relocating or considering job offers in this area.
Cost of living comparison graph for Palm Desert, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 50% higher, groceries 18% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 2% higher, healthcare 8% higher, miscellaneous 12% higher.

The cost of living in Palm Desert, CA, shows significant differences from the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs are notably higher, with an index of 150, meaning housing expenses are 50% greater than the average. This elevated cost makes finding affordable housing a key consideration for potential residents.


Other areas also reflect higher prices compared to the national average. Groceries have an index of 118, suggesting these costs are 18% higher. Utilities, at an index of 105, show a modest 5% increase. Transportation costs are closer to the average, with an index of 102, which means they are 2% higher. Healthcare costs are at 108, indicating an 8% increase. Miscellaneous expenses, with an index of 112, are 12% above the national average. Overall, the cost of living in Palm Desert, CA, is notably higher, particularly in housing and groceries, making it an essential factor for job seekers to consider.

There are 338 job openings in Palm Desert, CA, today!

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