Overview Salaries

Salaries in Palm Desert, CA

Updated on Oct 11, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Palm Desert, CA?

The average salary in Palm Desert, CA is $54,645 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $54,645 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $4,554 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $1,051 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 variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $54,645. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape, providing a good baseline for job seekers.


The salary distribution shows a range of earnings across different sectors. The most common salary range is around $33,000 to $44,091, which makes up 50.98% of the workforce. Other notable ranges include $55,182 to $66,273, which accounts for 15.61% of the jobs. These figures highlight the opportunities available for those seeking employment in Palm Desert.

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

Palm Desert offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Among the top-paying jobs are Speech Language Pathologists, who earn an average of $114,005 per year. Registered Nurses also enjoy a strong salary, averaging $112,075 annually. Other well-compensated positions include Dental Hygienists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapist Assistants, all offering competitive salaries. In addition to healthcare roles, Palm Desert provides lucrative opportunities in sales and management. Outside Sales Representatives can expect to earn around $69,526 per year, while Sous Chefs and General Managers can make about $64,000 annually. These jobs cater to a range of skills and interests, making Palm Desert a great place for job seekers looking for rewarding career options.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palm Desert, CA, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $114,005 and General Manager with the lowest at $64,101.

  1. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $114,005
    This role involves working with patients to improve their communication skills. It requires a degree and a license. Many healthcare facilities in Palm Desert offer this opportunity.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $112,075
    RNs provide care to patients and work in various settings. They need a nursing degree and a license. Hospitals and clinics in Palm Desert need skilled RNs.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  3. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $109,724
    This job involves cleaning teeth and educating patients. It requires a degree and a license. Dental offices in Palm Desert offer many positions.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  4. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $105,063
    Occupational therapists help patients regain skills. They need a degree and a license. Many healthcare facilities in Palm Desert need OTs.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  5. Physical Therapist Assistant
    Average Salary: $84,770
    PTAs assist physical therapists with patient care. They need an associate degree and a license. Clinics and hospitals in Palm Desert offer many positions.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  6. Clinician
    Average Salary: $72,131
    Clinicians provide mental health services. They need a degree and a license. Many clinics in Palm Desert offer this opportunity.
    Find Clinician jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  7. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $70,633
    LVNs provide basic patient care. They need a diploma and a license. Hospitals and clinics in Palm Desert need LVNs.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  8. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $69,526
    This role involves selling products to businesses. It requires strong communication skills. Many companies in Palm Desert need sales reps.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  9. Sous Chef
    Average Salary: $64,112
    Sous chefs assist head chefs in kitchen operations. They need experience and culinary skills. Many restaurants in Palm Desert offer this position.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  10. General Manager
    Average Salary: $64,101
    General managers oversee restaurant operations. They need experience and management skills. Many restaurants in Palm Desert need GMs.
    Find General Manager jobs in Palm Desert, CA

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 lead teams and oversee daily operations, earning an average of $61,939. Other well-paid positions include groundskeepers, who maintain outdoor spaces, and housekeeping staff, who keep facilities clean. These roles provide good pay and valuable experience. Line cooks prepare meals in fast-paced kitchens, earning around $40,147. Service and kitchen team members support restaurant operations, with average salaries of $39,987 and $39,356. Recreation assistants, baristas, and food service aides also offer competitive pay. These jobs allow individuals to start earning quickly and build a career in Palm Desert.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palm Desert, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $61,939 and Server with the lowest at $35,846.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $61,939
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure a smooth dining experience. Work in upscale dining establishments or family-friendly eateries.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  2. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $41,185
    Maintain the grounds of parks, golf courses, or residential areas. Perform tasks like mowing, trimming, and planting. Work for local government or private landscaping companies.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,705
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels, resorts, or private homes. Ensure a tidy and welcoming environment. Work for hospitality companies or as a freelance housekeeper.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $40,147
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in restaurants, cafes, or catering companies. Follow recipes and ensure food quality and safety.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,987
    Serve food and drinks to customers in a restaurant setting. Provide excellent customer service and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work for various dining establishments.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  6. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,356
    Assist in food preparation and cooking in a restaurant. Work under the supervision of kitchen staff. Ensure food quality and safety. Work in various dining establishments.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  7. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $39,010
    Plan and lead recreational activities for children and adults. Work in community centers, parks, or recreational facilities. Ensure a fun and safe environment for participants.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  8. Barista
    Average Salary: $38,933
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages in a café. Interact with customers and ensure a welcoming atmosphere. Work for local coffee shops or chain cafés.
    Find Barista jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  9. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $36,677
    Assist in food preparation and service in a restaurant or café. Work under the supervision of kitchen staff. Ensure food quality and safety. Work in various dining establishments.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  10. Server
    Average Salary: $35,846
    Serve food and drinks to customers in a restaurant. Take orders, provide food recommendations, and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work for various dining establishments.
    Find Server 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 at several companies. The College of the Desert offers the highest average salary at $96,412. This makes it a top choice for those seeking well-paying opportunities. Other notable companies include ChildNet Youth and Family Services, Willow Springs Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, and Oak View Group, all offering salaries above $60,000. These companies provide a range of job opportunities with attractive compensation packages. For instance, ChildNet Youth and Family Services pays an average of $62,670, while Willow Springs Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center and Oak View Group offer around $62,000 and $60,000, respectively. Exploring these companies can lead to rewarding career options with good financial benefits.
Graph displaying company salaries in Palm Desert, CA, highlighting College of the Desert with the highest at $96,412 and Aimbridge Hospitality with the lowest at $47,008.

  1. College of the Desert
    Average Salary: $96,412
    College of the Desert offers a range of academic programs and is known for its supportive learning environment. It provides competitive salaries to its employees.


  2. ChildNet Youth and Family Services
    Average Salary: $62,670
    ChildNet Youth and Family Services focuses on helping children and families. They offer a good salary for those committed to social work.


  3. Willow Springs Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
    Average Salary: $62,183
    Willow Springs Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center provides care for seniors. They value their staff and offer a fair salary.


  4. Oak View Group
    Average Salary: $60,288
    Oak View Group is involved in the hospitality industry. They offer a good salary for those in the service sector.


  5. Truly Nolen
    Average Salary: $55,056
    Truly Nolen is a pest control company. They offer a decent salary for their employees.


  6. Sullivan's Steakhouse
    Average Salary: $50,838
    Sullivan's Steakhouse is a popular dining spot. They offer a good salary for those in the restaurant industry.


  7. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $49,477
    Marriott International is a global hospitality company. They offer competitive salaries for their staff.


  8. Del Taco
    Average Salary: $47,933
    Del Taco is a fast-food chain. They offer a fair salary for those working in the food service industry.


  9. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $47,806
    Sam's Club is a membership warehouse club. They offer a good salary for their employees.


  10. Aimbridge Hospitality
    Average Salary: $47,008
    Aimbridge Hospitality manages hotels and resorts. They offer a fair salary for those working in the hospitality 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 125, which is 25% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is driven by higher expenses in housing, groceries, and miscellaneous items. Housing costs, for example, are 50% higher, while groceries and miscellaneous expenses are 20% and 25% higher, respectively.
Cost of living comparison graph for Palm Desert, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 50% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 25% higher.

Palm Desert, California, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in Palm Desert are 50% higher than the average, with an index of 150. This means that expenses related to renting or buying a home are significantly greater here. Groceries also cost more, with an index of 120, indicating a 20% increase over the national average.


Transportation costs in Palm Desert are 15% higher than the national average, with an index of 115. This includes expenses related to car ownership, fuel, and public transportation. Utilities, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs also exceed the national average, with indices of 105, 110, and 125, respectively. These figures show that living in Palm Desert involves higher expenses across various categories compared to the rest of the country.

There are 643 job openings in Palm Desert, CA, today!

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Palm Desert, CA
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