Overview Salaries

Salaries in Palm Desert, CA

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Palm Desert, CA?

The average salary in Palm Desert, CA is $54,588 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $54,588 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $4,549 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Palm Desert, CA, showing an average salary of $1,050 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 for a worker in this area is $54,588. This figure can help job seekers understand the earning potential in the region. Different job sectors have different pay scales, so it’s important to look at specific industries.


The distribution of salaries shows that the majority of jobs pay between $33,000 and $110,636 annually. About 50.84% of workers earn this amount. Higher-paying jobs in the range of $121,727 to $155,000 are available but make up a smaller portion of the job market. This range of salaries makes Palm Desert an attractive place for many professionals looking to advance their careers.

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

If you're looking to land a top-paying job in Palm Desert, CA, you're in luck. Several well-compensated positions are available in the area. Speech Language Pathologists earn the highest average salary at nearly $115,000 a year. Registered Nurses follow closely behind, with an average salary of just over $112,000 annually. Other high-paying jobs in Palm Desert include Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, and Clinicians, all with average salaries well above $70,000. Additionally, roles like Licensed Vocational Nurses, Outside Sales Representatives, and General Managers offer competitive pay. Personal Trainers and Sous Chefs also provide solid earnings, with average salaries ranging from $64,000 to $70,000. These jobs provide great opportunities for professionals seeking rewarding and financially rewarding careers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palm Desert, CA, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $114,940 and Sous Chef with the lowest at $64,796.

  1. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $114,940
    Work with individuals to improve their speech and language abilities. Common workplaces include local clinics and healthcare facilities. Companies like Palm Desert Healthcare District offer such opportunities.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $112,941
    Provide essential care to patients in various settings. Work in hospitals, private practices, or clinics. Desert Regional Medical Center is a notable employer in the area.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  3. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $108,362
    Help people regain their ability to perform daily tasks. Job opportunities exist in rehabilitation centers and private practices. Employers in Palm Desert include skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  4. Physical Therapist Assistant
    Average Salary: $87,991
    Assist physical therapists in helping patients recover from injuries or improve mobility. Work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Look for job openings at Desert Regional Medical Center or local rehabilitation facilities.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  5. Clinician
    Average Salary: $72,603
    Provide mental health services and therapy to patients. Opportunities exist in private practices and community health centers. Employers in this field often include behavioral health clinics and integrated care facilities.
    Find Clinician jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  6. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $71,172
    Deliver basic medical care to patients. Common workplaces include nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and private practices. Notable employers include Palm Desert Healthcare District and local family care centers.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  7. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $69,634
    Sell products or services to businesses and organizations. Work in various sectors, including healthcare, retail, and technology. Companies hiring in Palm Desert include local distributors and tech firms.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  8. General Manager
    Average Salary: $64,880
    Oversee daily operations of businesses, ensuring they run smoothly. Work in hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. Opportunities exist with well-known brands and local establishments.
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  9. Personal Trainer
    Average Salary: $64,851
    Help clients achieve their fitness goals through personalized training programs. Work in gyms, health clubs, and fitness centers. Notable employers include local fitness chains and independent studios.
    Find Personal Trainer jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  10. Sous Chef
    Average Salary: $64,796
    Assist the head chef in managing kitchen operations and menu development. Job opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, and catering companies. Employers in Palm Desert include upscale dining establishments and hotel kitchens.
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What are the best paying jobs in Palm Desert, CA without a degree?

Palm Desert offers a range of well-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Restaurant managers earn around $69,471 a year. Positions like groundskeepers and housekeepers also provide good pay, with average salaries around $41,500 and $41,000 respectively. Other high-paying roles in Palm Desert include line cooks, kitchen team members, and service team members. These positions often pay about $40,000 a year. Bartenders, recreation assistants, and servers earn slightly less but still offer solid pay. Dishwashers can expect to earn around $36,000 annually. These jobs provide excellent opportunities for those seeking steady, well-paid work without needing a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palm Desert, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $69,471 and Server with the lowest at $35,937.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $69,471
    Manage daily restaurant operations and staff. Oversee food preparation, service, and cleanliness. Work for top hotels and fine dining restaurants.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  2. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $41,547
    Maintain and beautify landscapes. Mow lawns, trim hedges, and plant flowers. Work for parks, golf courses, and resorts.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $41,092
    Clean guest rooms, meeting spaces, and public areas. Ensure a tidy environment. Work for hotels, resorts, and event venues.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $40,446
    Prepare ingredients and cook food quickly. Work in a fast-paced kitchen. Employment available at restaurants and cafes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  5. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,128
    Assist cooks and kitchen managers. Prepare ingredients, clean, and maintain equipment. Work in any eatery, from diners to upscale restaurants.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  6. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,077
    Serve food and drinks to guests. Take orders and ensure a great dining experience. Job opportunities at family-friendly and casual dining spots.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  7. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,565
    Prepare coffee and non-coffee drinks. Serve beverages quickly and accurately. Work in coffee shops and cafes.
    Find Barista jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  8. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $39,344
    Plan and lead activities for guests. Organize games, events, and tours. Employment at resorts and community centers.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $36,067
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Ensure a clean and efficient kitchen. Work in restaurants and hotels.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  10. Server
    Average Salary: $35,937
    Take guest orders, serve food, and handle payments. Ensure a pleasant dining experience. Opportunities at casual and fine 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 expect competitive salaries at various companies. The College of the Desert offers one of the highest average salaries at approximately $98,404. Following closely, Kaiser Permanente provides an average salary of around $93,512. Both these companies offer attractive compensation packages for their employees. Other notable companies include Ensemble Therapy and ChildNet Youth and Family Services, which also provide salaries above $75,000 annually. Companies like Willow Springs Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, Oak View Group, and Truly Nolen offer salaries in the mid-$60,000 range. For those considering hospitality and retail options, Starbucks and Marriott International offer salaries around $53,000 and $50,000, respectively, while Aimbridge Hospitality provides an average salary of approximately $48,000. These figures highlight the range of opportunities available in Palm Desert for those seeking well-compensated positions.
Graph displaying company salaries in Palm Desert, CA, highlighting College of the Desert with the highest at $98,404 and Aimbridge Hospitality with the lowest at $48,106.

  1. College of the Desert
    Average Salary: $98,404
    College of the Desert is a top-rated educational institution in Palm Desert, CA, known for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success.


  2. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $93,512
    Kaiser Permanente is a well-known healthcare organization. They offer a range of medical services and are known for their high-quality care and benefits.


  3. Ensemble Therapy
    Average Salary: $76,500
    Ensemble Therapy provides innovative therapy services. They focus on helping individuals achieve their health goals through personalized care.


  4. ChildNet Youth and Family Services
    Average Salary: $63,612
    ChildNet Youth and Family Services is dedicated to supporting families and children. They offer various programs aimed at improving the well-being of their clients.


  5. Willow Springs Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
    Average Salary: $61,591
    Willow Springs Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. They focus on helping patients recover and improve their quality of life.


  6. Oak View Group
    Average Salary: $59,505
    Oak View Group offers event management and venue services. They specialize in creating memorable events for clients and guests.


  7. Truly Nolen
    Average Salary: $54,595
    Truly Nolen is a pest control company. They provide reliable pest management services to residential and commercial clients.


  8. Starbucks
    Average Salary: $52,905
    Starbucks is a global coffeehouse chain. They offer a wide range of coffee beverages and are known for their welcoming environment.


  9. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $50,458
    Marriott International is a leading hotel chain. They provide lodging and hospitality services to travelers around the world.


  10. Aimbridge Hospitality
    Average Salary: $48,106
    Aimbridge Hospitality manages various hotels and resorts. They focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences through their properties.

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

Palm Desert, CA, shows a higher cost of living than the nationwide average. Specifically, housing costs are 60% higher, while groceries, utilities, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also exceed the national average. Transportation costs, however, remain 5% below the average. Individuals planning to relocate should consider these percentages when budgeting for life in Palm Desert. The elevated housing and utility costs may notably impact overall living expenses.
Cost of living comparison graph for Palm Desert, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 60% higher, groceries 14% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

Palm Desert, California, stands out with a cost of living index that exceeds the nationwide average in several key areas. The housing index, for instance, is significantly higher, with Palm Desert at 160 compared to the national average of 100. This means that housing costs in Palm Desert are 60% higher than the average costs across the country. Job seekers should anticipate that housing, one of the largest expenses, will take up a more substantial portion of their budget here.


Other costs, while still above the average, vary in their degree. For example, groceries cost 14% more in Palm Desert, with an index of 114. Utilities are close to the national average, standing at 105, which is 5% higher. Transportation costs in Palm Desert are slightly lower, with an index of 95, which is 5% below the average. Healthcare costs, while necessary, are also slightly higher at an index of 110, marking an 10% increase over the average. Miscellaneous expenses, which include things like entertainment and personal care, also average at 120, indicating a 20% higher cost compared to the nationwide average. Overall, Palm Desert presents a cost of living that is notably above the national norm, with specific areas like housing and miscellaneous expenses seeing the most significant increases.

There are 526 job openings in Palm Desert, CA, today!

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Palm Desert, CA
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