What is the average salary in Palm Desert, CA?
Palm Desert, California, offers a variety of salary opportunities across different industries. The average yearly salary stands at $56,575. This figure highlights the potential earnings for job seekers in the area. The distribution of salaries shows that a large percentage of jobs pay around $33,000, while the highest-paying jobs reach up to $170,000.
To give you a better idea, here are some common salary brackets in Palm Desert:
- $33,000: 51.56% of jobs
- $45,455: 14.64% of jobs
- $57,909: 8.05% of jobs
- $70,364: 4.99% of jobs
- $82,818: 4.81% of jobs
- $95,273: 3.04% of jobs
- $107,727: 3.73% of jobs
- $120,182: 1.75% of jobs
- $132,636: 1.22% of jobs
- $145,091: 0.59% of jobs
- $157,545: 0.61% of jobs
- $170,000: Top earners
What are the best paying jobs in Palm Desert, CA?

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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $117,530
These professionals work in healthcare settings, helping patients with speech and communication. They often collaborate with doctors and families to develop treatment plans. Opportunities exist with various healthcare providers in the area.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $111,906
RNs provide essential care in hospitals and clinics. They monitor patients, administer treatments, and educate them on health. Local hospitals and private practices often hire experienced RNs.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $111,548
They help people of all ages regain independence after injuries or illnesses. Working in rehabilitation centers, therapists design exercises to improve daily living skills. Local healthcare facilities actively seek skilled OTs.
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Physical Therapist Assistant
Average Salary: $90,911
These assistants support physical therapists in helping patients recover. They work with individuals to improve mobility and reduce pain. Local clinics and rehabilitation centers hire PTAs to assist in patient care.
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Outside Sales Representative
Average Salary: $80,073
Representatives in this field visit businesses to sell products. They build relationships with clients and understand their needs. Companies in Palm Desert value sales reps who can drive business growth.
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Clinician
Average Salary: $73,481
Clinicians provide medical evaluations and treatments. They work in various settings, offering healthcare services to patients. Local clinics and private practices look for skilled clinicians.
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Licensed Vocational Nurse
Average Salary: $71,156
LVNs provide basic patient care in hospitals and clinics. They work under the supervision of doctors and RNs, ensuring patients receive proper care. Opportunities exist in various healthcare facilities.
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Personal Trainer
Average Salary: $70,020
Trainers help clients achieve fitness goals through exercise routines. They work in gyms, fitness centers, and sometimes provide in-home sessions. Many local fitness centers value experienced trainers.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $69,441
Managers oversee daily operations in businesses and restaurants. They ensure everything runs smoothly and manage staff. Local businesses look for managers who can lead effectively.
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Sous Chef
Average Salary: $66,833
Sous chefs assist head chefs in preparing meals. They manage kitchen staff and ensure food quality. Local restaurants hire experienced sous chefs to help run their kitchens.
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What are the best paying jobs in Palm Desert, CA without a degree?

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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $41,697
This job involves taking care of outdoor spaces. Duties include lawn maintenance, landscaping, and general upkeep. Companies in Palm Desert, like resorts and golf clubs, offer this role.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $41,675
A kitchen team member works behind the scenes. They prepare ingredients, assist in food preparation, and ensure the kitchen runs smoothly. Local restaurants and cafes often hire for this position.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $41,583
Housekeeping staff cleans and maintains rooms and common areas. They are essential in hotels and resorts. This role ensures guests have a comfortable and clean environment.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $41,488
Line cooks work in a fast-paced kitchen. They prepare and cook food quickly. Restaurants and food service companies need skilled line cooks to meet high demand.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $40,661
Service team members interact with customers. They take orders, serve food, and ensure a pleasant dining experience. This role is common in cafes, restaurants, and bars.
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Barista
Average Salary: $40,189
Baristas make coffee and other beverages. They work in coffee shops, preparing drinks and interacting with customers. Skill in coffee preparation is key for this role.
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Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $37,768
Recreation assistants organize activities. They work in community centers, parks, and resorts. This role involves planning and leading recreational activities for all ages.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $36,843
Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They work in busy kitchens, ensuring cleanliness and efficiency. Restaurants and cafes hire dishwashers to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
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Server
Average Salary: $36,598
Servers provide table service. They take orders, serve food, and ensure guests have a good dining experience. This role is essential in the food service industry, with many opportunities in cafes and restaurants.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $33,594
Server assistants support servers. They help set up tables, deliver food, and ensure the dining area is clean. This role is important in busy restaurants and food service establishments.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Palm Desert, CA?

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College of the Desert
Average Salary: $98,609
College of the Desert offers a range of academic programs and is known for its strong community focus.
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ChildNet Youth and Family Services
Average Salary: $63,801
ChildNet Youth and Family Services provides critical support to children and families in need.
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Oak View Group
Average Salary: $58,823
Oak View Group specializes in hospitality and event management services.
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Starbucks
Average Salary: $52,076
Starbucks is a world-famous coffee company with locations all over the globe.
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Truly Nolen
Average Salary: $51,559
Truly Nolen offers pest control and extermination services.
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Associa
Average Salary: $50,697
Associa provides management services to residential and commercial properties.
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Del Taco
Average Salary: $50,190
Del Taco is a fast-food chain known for its Mexican-inspired menu.
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Sam's Club
Average Salary: $50,170
Sam's Club offers membership-based wholesale shopping with a variety of products.
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Marriott International
Average Salary: $49,986
Marriott International is a global hospitality company with a wide range of hotel brands.
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Aimbridge Hospitality
Average Salary: $48,113
Aimbridge Hospitality manages hotels and provides hospitality services.
How does the cost of living in Palm Desert, CA compare to the national average?

Palm Desert, California, shows a cost of living above the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs are notably higher, with an index of 130. This means housing prices in Palm Desert are 30% more than the national average. Groceries also cost more, with an index of 115, indicating a 15% increase above the average.
Transportation and utilities follow closely with an index of 120 and 105, respectively. This translates to a 20% rise in transportation costs and a 5% increase for utilities compared to the national average. Healthcare and miscellaneous costs also exceed the average, each at 110 and 125. Healthcare prices are 10% higher, while miscellaneous expenses are 25% higher than the national average. This data highlights that several aspects of living in Palm Desert are more expensive than the average in the U.S.



