Overview Salaries

Salaries in Palm Desert, CA

Updated on Aug 21, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Palm Desert, CA?

The average salary in Palm Desert, CA is $56,898 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $56,898 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $4,742 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $1,094 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, job opportunities span a wide range of salary levels. The average yearly salary stands at $56,898. This average reflects the diverse economic landscape of the area. Many people find jobs in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and retail. These jobs offer competitive pay, with salaries ranging from $33,000 to $170,000 annually.


Palm Desert provides various job options. The top-paying jobs include senior management, healthcare professionals, and skilled trades. The percentage distribution shows a large segment of people earning between $33,000 and $107,727 annually. This range indicates a healthy job market with opportunities for growth and advancement. Job seekers can find roles that match their skills and career goals.

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

Job seekers in Palm Desert, CA, have plenty of opportunities in high-paying positions. Positions like Speech Language Pathologist and Occupational Therapist top the list with average salaries above $100,000. These roles require specialized skills and training but offer excellent compensation. Other well-paying jobs in the area include Registered Nurse and Physical Therapist Assistant, both averaging over $100,000 annually. Outside Sales Representatives, Clinicians, and Licensed Vocational Nurses also earn above-average wages. Positions such as Personal Trainer, General Manager, and Sous Chef provide solid incomes as well. Each of these careers plays a vital role in the community and offers strong earning potential.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palm Desert, CA, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $118,306 and Sous Chef with the lowest at $67,556.

  1. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $118,306
    Work in healthcare settings to help individuals improve their communication skills. Collaborate with physicians and families. Opportunities exist with local health care providers and rehabilitation centers.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  2. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $110,862
    Help patients regain independence in daily activities. Provide therapy in hospitals, schools, and private practices. Work with both children and adults to improve their quality of life.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $109,599
    Provide essential care to patients in hospitals and clinics. Administer medications and treatments. Work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure patient well-being.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  4. Physical Therapist Assistant
    Average Salary: $90,879
    Support physical therapists in treating patients. Help patients regain movement and manage pain. Work in clinics and rehabilitation centers, aiding in recovery.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  5. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $79,103
    Sell products or services to businesses. Build relationships with clients and meet sales targets. Opportunities exist in various industries, including tech and retail.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  6. Clinician
    Average Salary: $73,455
    Provide direct patient care in various settings. Focus on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Work in hospitals, private practices, and community health centers.
    Find Clinician jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  7. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $70,807
    Assist doctors and nurses in providing patient care. Perform basic medical procedures and monitor patients. Work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  8. Personal Trainer
    Average Salary: $70,567
    Help clients achieve their fitness goals. Create exercise plans and provide guidance. Opportunities exist in gyms, fitness centers, and private training sessions.
    Find Personal Trainer jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  9. General Manager
    Average Salary: $69,936
    Oversee daily operations of businesses. Manage staff and ensure customer satisfaction. Work in retail, hospitality, and service industries to drive business success.
    Find General Manager jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  10. Sous Chef
    Average Salary: $67,556
    Assist the head chef in managing the kitchen. Oversee food preparation and staff. Work in restaurants and hotels to ensure high-quality meals.
    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, have plenty of opportunities to find high-paying roles that do not require a college degree. The top jobs include Restaurant Manager, Groundskeeper, and Housekeeping roles, which offer above-average salaries. These positions not only provide a competitive income but also allow individuals to build their skills and experience in various fields. Restaurant Managers in Palm Desert earn an average of $68,759 annually. They oversee restaurant operations, manage staff, and ensure customer satisfaction. Groundskeepers and Housekeeping staff also make decent salaries, with averages around $41,775 and $41,747, respectively. These jobs involve maintaining the property's cleanliness and appearance, requiring minimal formal education but offering a stable income.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palm Desert, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $68,759 and Server with the lowest at $36,293.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $68,759
    Manage daily operations at local eateries. Oversee staff, ensure customer satisfaction, and handle finances. Companies like Smith's Diner and Greenleaf Bistro offer growth opportunities.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  2. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $41,775
    Maintain the beauty of golf courses and parks. Duties include mowing, pruning, and cleaning. Employers such as Palm Desert Country Club and Palm Springs Aerial Tramway provide a steady workload.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $41,747
    Clean and tidy hotel rooms and public areas. Ensure a welcoming environment for guests. Work with well-known hotels in the area for competitive pay and benefits.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  4. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,715
    Help prepare meals in fast-paced kitchens. Assist chefs and cooks in food preparation and cooking. Companies like The River Restaurant and Café Gratitude offer diverse culinary experiences.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,432
    Cook meals under pressure. Prepare large batches of food quickly and accurately. Opportunities exist at places like The Ranch and the Palm Desert Resort.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  6. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,687
    Take orders, serve food, and ensure customer satisfaction. Work in a friendly and fast-paced environment. Companies like The Palms and The Saguaro offer good tips and a welcoming atmosphere.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  7. Barista
    Average Salary: $40,315
    Prepare coffee drinks and serve customers. Gain skills in customer service and beverage preparation. Work at local coffee shops like Blue Bottle Coffee and Peet’s Coffee.
    Find Barista jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  8. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $37,867
    Organize and lead activities for various age groups. Ensure a fun and safe environment. Opportunities exist at community centers and recreational facilities.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $36,943
    Clean dishes and maintain kitchen hygiene. Work in busy kitchens at restaurants and hotels. Local eateries provide steady employment.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  10. Server
    Average Salary: $36,293
    Serve food and beverages to customers. Take orders and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work at places like The Bistro and The Olive Tree Restaurant.
    Find Server jobs in Palm Desert, CA

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

Palm Desert offers a variety of companies with competitive salaries. The College of the Desert leads the way, offering the highest average salary of $99,784. Following closely behind is ChildNet Youth and Family Services with an average salary of $63,525. These figures suggest that job seekers in Palm Desert have good opportunities for earning a solid income. Other notable companies include the Oak View Group, Truly Nolen, and Starbucks, which provide average salaries of $57,811, $51,765, and $51,526, respectively. While these salaries are not as high as those at the College of the Desert, they still offer good earning potential for employees. Companies like Del Taco, Sam’s Club, and Marriott International also provide competitive pay, making Palm Desert an attractive place for job seekers looking for good compensation.
Graph displaying company salaries in Palm Desert, CA, highlighting College of the Desert with the highest at $99,784 and Marriott Vacations Worldwide with the lowest at $47,972.

  1. College of the Desert
    Average Salary: $99,784
    College of the Desert is a great place to work. It offers a competitive salary and many benefits. Employees enjoy a positive work environment.


  2. ChildNet Youth and Family Services
    Average Salary: $63,525
    ChildNet Youth and Family Services is known for its caring work. The company helps children and families. It offers a fair salary and a supportive team.


  3. Oak View Group
    Average Salary: $57,811
    Oak View Group specializes in event management. It offers good pay and a chance to work with interesting events. Employees value their teamwork.


  4. Truly Nolen
    Average Salary: $51,765
    Truly Nolen provides pest control services. It pays well and offers good career growth. The company focuses on safety and customer service.


  5. Starbucks
    Average Salary: $51,526
    Starbucks is a well-known coffee company. It offers a good salary for its employees. Workers enjoy a friendly atmosphere and great coffee.


  6. Del Taco
    Average Salary: $50,468
    Del Taco serves fast food. It pays its employees fairly and offers flexible hours. The company values its team members.


  7. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $50,205
    Sam's Club is a membership warehouse club. It offers a competitive salary and many benefits. Employees enjoy a dynamic work environment.


  8. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $50,089
    Marriott International runs many hotels around the world. It offers a good salary and good benefits. Employees enjoy a collaborative work culture.


  9. Aimbridge Hospitality
    Average Salary: $48,224
    Aimbridge Hospitality manages hotels and resorts. It pays its employees well and offers good opportunities. Employees value teamwork and customer service.


  10. Marriott Vacations Worldwide
    Average Salary: $47,972
    Marriott Vacations Worldwide manages vacation ownership resorts. It offers a good salary and many perks. Employees enjoy a positive work environment.

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

Palm Desert, CA, shows a cost of living index above the national average in several key areas. Housing costs are notably higher at 150, which is 50% above the average. Other expenses like groceries and utilities also exceed the national average, with indexes at 120 and 110, respectively. These higher costs reflect the living situation for potential job seekers.
Cost of living comparison graph for Palm Desert, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 50% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 5% higher, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 15% higher.

Palm Desert, California, has a cost of living index that reflects higher expenses in several key areas when compared to the nationwide average of 100. For instance, the housing index in Palm Desert is at 150, which means housing costs are 50% higher than the national average. This significant increase suggests that finding affordable housing in Palm Desert can be more challenging and costly for residents.


Additionally, other living expenses in Palm Desert also exceed the national average. Groceries, for example, have a cost of living index of 120, indicating a 20% higher expense compared to the average. Utilities are slightly above the average at 110, while transportation costs at 105 remain just 5% higher than average. Healthcare, surprisingly, is a bit cheaper with an index of 95, meaning it is 5% less expensive than the national average. Miscellaneous costs also stand at 115, showing an 15% increase. Overall, Palm Desert presents a living environment with higher costs in many categories compared to the national average.

There are 433 job openings in Palm Desert, CA, today!

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Palm Desert, CA
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