Overview Salaries

Salaries in Palm Desert, CA

Updated on Apr 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Palm Desert, CA?

The average salary in Palm Desert, CA is $55,744 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $55,744 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $4,645 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $1,072 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.

In Palm Desert, CA, professionals enjoy a range of salary options across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at $55,744. This figure reflects the diverse opportunities available to job seekers. Key industries contributing to these earnings include healthcare, retail, and education.


The salary distribution provides insight into potential earnings. Approximately 52.52% of workers earn around $33,000 annually. For those in the higher brackets, around 6.64% earn up to $166,694 each year. The diverse salary range highlights opportunities for both entry-level positions and advanced roles. This makes Palm Desert a promising location for job seekers looking to advance their careers.

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

Palm Desert, CA, offers several high-paying job opportunities that cater to various skill sets. Speech Language Pathologists lead the way with an average salary of $115,829. Nurses and therapists also find attractive salaries, with Registered Nurses earning $112,983, Occupational Therapists at $110,356, and Physical Therapist Assistants making $90,896. These roles demand specific qualifications, making them rewarding choices for job seekers. For those with a knack for sales or management, Palm Desert provides solid opportunities. Outside Sales Representatives can earn $74,463, while General Managers make around $67,200. Clinicians and Personal Trainers also offer competitive wages, with Clinicians at $72,796 and Personal Trainers at $68,339. These positions provide a balance of good pay and job satisfaction for dedicated professionals.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palm Desert, CA, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $115,829 and Sous Chef with the lowest at $65,645.

  1. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $115,829
    Work in healthcare settings, assisting patients with speech and language difficulties. Collaborate with doctors and therapists. Local healthcare facilities and schools offer opportunities.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $112,983
    Provide essential patient care in hospitals and clinics. Work with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Job openings are available in local medical facilities.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  3. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $110,356
    Help patients regain skills needed for daily life. Work in rehabilitation centers and schools. Assist those recovering from injuries or illnesses.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  4. Physical Therapist Assistant
    Average Salary: $90,896
    Support physical therapists in helping patients recover movement and manage pain. Work in clinics and hospitals. Assist with exercises and therapy plans.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  5. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $74,463
    Promote and sell products to businesses. Meet with clients and understand their needs. Local companies in various industries offer job opportunities.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  6. Clinician
    Average Salary: $72,796
    Provide care in medical settings. Assess and treat patients. Work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
    Find Clinician jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  7. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $71,819
    Provide basic medical care. Work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Assist registered nurses and doctors.
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  8. Personal Trainer
    Average Salary: $68,339
    Help clients achieve fitness goals. Create and guide workout plans. Work in gyms, fitness centers, and personal training studios.
    Find Personal Trainer jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  9. General Manager
    Average Salary: $67,200
    Oversee operations in businesses. Manage staff and ensure smooth daily operations. Various industries, including hospitality and retail, offer opportunities.
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  10. Sous Chef
    Average Salary: $65,645
    Assist the head chef in kitchen operations. Manage kitchen staff and ensure food quality. Work in restaurants and catering companies.
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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. Among these, Restaurant Manager stands out with an average salary of $71,800 per year. Other well-paid roles include Groundskeeper, Line Cook, and Housekeeping, all offering competitive earnings. These positions provide stable and rewarding career opportunities for those without a degree. Working as a Kitchen Team Member or Service Team Member can also offer good salaries. Bartenders, Recreation Assistants, Dishwashers, and Servers provide good income as well. These jobs allow individuals to earn a decent living while gaining valuable experience in the local job market.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palm Desert, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $71,800 and Server with the lowest at $36,136.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $71,800
    Manage the day-to-day operations of local restaurants. Oversee staff and ensure smooth service. Work with hotel management and kitchen staff to maintain high standards.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  2. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $41,732
    Maintain the grounds of parks and other outdoor areas. Perform landscaping tasks, including mowing, trimming, and planting. Ensure the area looks neat and inviting for visitors.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,258
    Prepare meals in fast-paced environments. Work quickly to meet orders. Collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $41,135
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or resorts. Ensure a high level of cleanliness and comfort for guests. Follow established procedures to keep areas spotless.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  5. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,830
    Assist in food preparation and cooking. Work closely with chefs to ensure meal quality. Keep the kitchen area clean and organized during service hours.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  6. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,661
    Provide excellent customer service in hospitality settings. Take orders and serve food and beverages. Ensure guests have a pleasant dining experience.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  7. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,875
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Create specialty drinks and ensure high-quality service. Engage with customers to provide a welcoming atmosphere.
    Find Barista jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  8. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $36,819
    Organize and lead recreational activities for guests. Plan events and ensure they run smoothly. Work in parks or community centers to keep participants engaged.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $36,503
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen area. Work in restaurants and cafes to support the kitchen staff.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  10. Server
    Average Salary: $36,136
    Take orders, serve food, and interact with customers. Ensure a positive dining experience. Work in restaurants to support the kitchen staff and management.
    Find Server jobs in Palm Desert, CA

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

Job seekers in Palm Desert, CA, have several companies to consider for the best pay. Companies such as the College of the Desert and Kaiser Permanente lead the pack with average salaries above $90,000. These organizations offer competitive compensation packages, making them attractive to skilled professionals. Palm Desert boasts several top-tier employers offering attractive salaries. The College of the Desert pays an average of $99,130, while Kaiser Permanente offers around $92,218. These figures highlight the significant financial opportunities available in the area. For those seeking rewarding and well-paying positions, these companies present excellent options.
Graph displaying company salaries in Palm Desert, CA, highlighting College of the Desert with the highest at $99,130 and Del Taco with the lowest at $48,503.

  1. College of the Desert
    Average Salary: $99,130
    College of the Desert offers a range of programs and services. They focus on providing quality education to students. Their commitment to excellence extends to their employees, offering competitive salaries.


  2. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $92,218
    Kaiser Permanente is a well-known healthcare organization. They provide quality healthcare services to members. Their employees benefit from attractive salaries and comprehensive benefits.


  3. ChildNet Youth and Family Services
    Average Salary: $64,609
    ChildNet Youth and Family Services works to support children and families in the community. They provide essential services that help improve lives. Their commitment to their mission is reflected in their employee compensation.


  4. Willow Springs Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
    Average Salary: $63,002
    Willow Springs focuses on healthcare services for the elderly. They offer rehabilitation and long-term care. Their staff receives competitive pay for their vital work.


  5. Oak View Group
    Average Salary: $58,814
    Oak View Group operates in the events industry. They manage large venues and events. They provide good salaries to their employees for their hard work.


  6. Truly Nolen
    Average Salary: $52,784
    Truly Nolen is a pest control company. They offer services to keep homes and businesses safe. They value their employees, providing them with decent pay.


  7. Starbucks
    Average Salary: $52,416
    Starbucks is a well-known coffee chain. They serve high-quality coffee and food. Their staff enjoys fair compensation for their role in customer service.


  8. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $50,561
    Marriott International is a global hotel company. They operate many hotels worldwide. Their employees receive competitive salaries for their hospitality services.


  9. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $48,866
    Sam's Club is a membership-based warehouse club. They offer a variety of products at discounted prices. Their staff members benefit from reasonable pay.


  10. Del Taco
    Average Salary: $48,503
    Del Taco is a fast-food restaurant chain. They serve Mexican-inspired dishes. Their employees receive fair compensation for their work 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 than the nationwide average across multiple key areas. Housing costs in Palm Desert stand at 45% above the national average, making it significantly more expensive. Additionally, groceries and utilities are also 16% and 10% higher, respectively. Transportation costs are just 5% above the average, while healthcare is slightly below, at 3% less. Miscellaneous expenses, meanwhile, are 20% higher than the national average. Overall, the cost of living in Palm Desert is notably elevated compared to the rest of the country.
Cost of living comparison graph for Palm Desert, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 45% higher, groceries 16% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 5% higher, healthcare 3% lower, miscellaneous 20% higher.

The cost of living in Palm Desert, California, stands higher than the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs are particularly notable, with an index of 145, meaning they are 45% above the national average. This significant increase suggests that potential residents can expect to spend much more on housing compared to other regions in the country.


Other expenses in Palm Desert also reflect the elevated cost of living. Groceries have an index of 116, which is 16% higher than the national average. Utilities and miscellaneous costs are also above average, with indices of 110 and 120, respectively. These percentages highlight that while certain areas like healthcare, with an index of 97, are close to the national average, residents should prepare for higher costs in most aspects of daily living.

There are 580 job openings in Palm Desert, CA, today!

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Palm Desert, CA
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