What is the average salary in Palm Desert, CA?
Job seekers in Palm Desert, CA, can expect competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $55,372. This figure represents the combined earnings of people working in various sectors, with many finding rewarding positions across the market.
The salary distribution in Palm Desert is quite diverse. Most people, about 51.65%, earn between $33,000 and $45,000 annually. The largest percentage of workers, 15.53%, earn between $45,000 and $57,000. Many professionals also find roles that offer more, with smaller percentages earning $129,000 and $141,000 or more each year. This spread offers opportunities for a wide range of job seekers.
What are the best paying jobs in Palm Desert, CA?

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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $115,400
This role involves working with patients of all ages. It requires collaboration with doctors and educators. Experience with software like TigerText can be beneficial.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $113,330
RNs provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. They work long shifts and must handle stressful situations. Companies like Desert Regional Medical Center hire RNs.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $109,618
Occupational therapists help patients recover from injuries. They work in hospitals and clinics. Companies like ATI Physical Therapy look for skilled therapists.
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Physical Therapist Assistant
Average Salary: $90,207
PTAs work under physical therapists to help patients regain mobility. They use exercises and therapies. Many work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
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Clinician
Average Salary: $72,807
Clinicians provide mental health services. They work with individuals, families, or groups. Experience in social work or psychology is often required.
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Outside Sales Representative
Average Salary: $72,163
Sales reps sell products or services to businesses. They need to build relationships and understand customer needs. Companies like Oracle hire outside sales reps.
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Licensed Vocational Nurse
Average Salary: $71,202
LVNs provide basic medical care. They work in clinics and hospitals. Experience with electronic health records is useful.
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Personal Trainer
Average Salary: $66,008
Personal trainers create fitness plans for clients. They work in gyms and fitness centers. Knowledge of exercise science is important.
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Sous Chef
Average Salary: $65,314
Sous chefs help head chefs manage the kitchen. They prepare meals and manage kitchen staff. Experience in fine dining restaurants is helpful.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $65,074
General managers oversee daily operations in businesses. They manage staff and ensure customer satisfaction. Experience in retail or hospitality is often required.
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What are the best paying jobs in Palm Desert, CA without a degree?

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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $71,277
Oversee day-to-day operations of a busy restaurant. Coordinate staff and manage inventory. Ensure customers have a great experience. Companies like The Palms and Coyote Grill offer these opportunities.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $41,662
Maintain the grounds of commercial properties. This includes mowing, planting, and landscaping. Work with local businesses to keep their spaces attractive. Landscapers and golf course maintenance teams are looking for skilled workers.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $41,019
Prepare ingredients and cook meals. Work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen. Contribute to the smooth operation of a restaurant. Local eateries need dedicated line cooks to join their team.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $40,687
Serve customers in a friendly manner. Ensure tables are cleared and restocked. Provide excellent service to enhance the dining experience. Positions are available at popular cafes and diners.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $40,633
Assist in the kitchen with various tasks. Help prepare ingredients and clean up. Work closely with chefs to ensure the kitchen runs smoothly. Many restaurants seek hardworking kitchen team members.
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Barista
Average Salary: $39,711
Make and serve coffee and other beverages. Manage the front counter and take orders. Ensure a welcoming atmosphere for customers. Coffee shops and cafes need skilled baristas to join their team.
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Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $36,531
Plan and lead recreational activities for all ages. Organize events and maintain equipment. Ensure a fun and safe environment for participants. Community centers and parks are always looking for enthusiastic assistants.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $36,395
Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Ensure a spotless kitchen area. Work efficiently to keep up with orders. Many restaurants need reliable dishwashers to join their staff.
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Server
Average Salary: $36,000
Take orders and serve food to customers. Ensure they have a pleasant dining experience. Communicate effectively with the kitchen staff. Local restaurants are always looking for friendly servers to join their team.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Palm Desert, CA?

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College of the Desert
Average Salary: $98,478
College of the Desert offers a range of academic programs and is a leader in higher education. Their commitment to student success is reflected in their staff salaries.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $93,041
Kaiser Permanente provides comprehensive healthcare services. They prioritize employee well-being, which is evident in their competitive salaries.
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Ensemble Therapy
Average Salary: $76,500
Ensemble Therapy focuses on providing high-quality therapeutic services. Their investment in skilled staff is reflected in the average salaries.
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ChildNet Youth and Family Services
Average Salary: $64,694
ChildNet Youth and Family Services offers support for children and families. Their staff receives fair compensation for their vital work.
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Willow Springs Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
Average Salary: $61,486
Willow Springs Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center provides care for the elderly. They value their staff, which is reflected in their salary offerings.
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Oak View Group
Average Salary: $58,258
Oak View Group is involved in event management and hospitality. They offer competitive salaries to attract top talent in the industry.
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Starbucks
Average Salary: $53,059
Starbucks is a global coffeehouse chain. They offer a welcoming work environment and competitive pay for their employees.
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Truly Nolen
Average Salary: $52,692
Truly Nolen specializes in pest control services. They provide good compensation for their hardworking staff.
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Marriott International
Average Salary: $49,844
Marriott International is a leading hospitality company. They offer decent salaries and benefits to their employees.
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Sam's Club
Average Salary: $48,733
Sam's Club is a membership warehouse club. They provide fair wages for their retail and service staff.
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. Housing costs stand at 180, which is 80% higher than the average. This means housing in Palm Desert costs nearly double what it does in many other places across the country. People moving to Palm Desert should expect to spend significantly more on their homes or rents.
Other expenses in Palm Desert also exceed the national average. Groceries cost 20% more at 120, while transportation costs are 10% higher at 110. Utilities are slightly below average at 98, but healthcare and miscellaneous costs are above average at 105 and 130, respectively. Overall, Palm Desert's cost of living is higher in nearly every category compared to the national average of 100. Those considering a move should be aware of these differences and budget accordingly.



