Salaries in Palm Desert, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Palm Desert, CA?

The average salary in Palm Desert, CA is $52,744 per year.

Palm Desert, CA offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in Palm Desert is around $52,744. This figure provides a good starting point for understanding the earning potential in the area. Salaries can vary based on the industry and the specific role.


Here are some average salaries for different job sectors in Palm Desert:

  • Retail: $32,000
  • Healthcare: $42,273
  • Education: $52,545
  • Hospitality: $62,818
  • Construction: $73,091
  • Information Technology: $83,364
  • Finance: $93,636
  • Management: $103,909
  • Engineering: $114,182
  • Sales: $124,455
  • Legal: $134,727
  • Executive: $145,000
View jobs in Palm Desert, CA

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

Palm Desert offers a range of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Among the top-paying roles are healthcare positions such as Registered Nurse, Speech Language Pathologist, and Dental Hygienist. These jobs provide not only competitive salaries but also the chance to make a meaningful impact on the community. In addition to healthcare, other lucrative careers in Palm Desert include roles like Outside Sales Representative and Account Manager. These positions require strong communication and business skills, offering excellent earning potential. Job seekers with the right qualifications can find rewarding and well-compensated opportunities in this vibrant city.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palm Desert, CA, highlighting Registered Nurse with the highest at $111,269 and Restaurant Manager with the lowest at $67,635.
  1. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $111,269
    Registered Nurses provide care in healthcare facilities. They work with doctors and other healthcare professionals. They ensure patients are comfortable and well cared for.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  2. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $109,776
    Speech Language Pathologists help people with communication and swallowing issues. They work with patients of all ages. They create personalized treatment plans.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  3. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $107,635
    Dental Hygienists clean teeth and educate patients on oral health. They work in dental offices and clinics. They help prevent dental diseases and promote good oral hygiene.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  4. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $102,152
    Occupational Therapists help people with injuries or disabilities. They work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. They create treatment plans to improve patients' daily living skills.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  5. Physical Therapist Assistant
    Average Salary: $80,136
    Physical Therapist Assistants help patients recover from injuries. They work under the supervision of physical therapists. They assist with exercises and treatments to improve mobility.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  6. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $71,354
    Outside Sales Representatives sell products to businesses. They travel to meet clients. They build relationships and close deals to meet sales targets.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  7. Clinician
    Average Salary: $71,151
    Clinicians provide medical care and treatment. They work in clinics and healthcare facilities. They diagnose and treat patients, offering personalized care.
    Find Clinician jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  8. Account Manager
    Average Salary: $70,531
    Account Managers handle client accounts. They work in various industries. They build and maintain relationships with clients to ensure satisfaction.
    Find Account Manager jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  9. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $69,209
    Licensed Vocational Nurses provide basic medical care. They work in hospitals and clinics. They assist doctors and registered nurses in patient care.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  10. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $67,635
    Restaurant Managers oversee daily operations. They ensure smooth service and customer satisfaction. They manage staff and handle finances to keep the business running well.
    Find Restaurant 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 can earn up to $58,851 annually. Other well-paying positions include line cook, housekeeping, and service team member, all offering salaries above $35,000 per year. These roles provide good opportunities for those seeking stable and rewarding employment without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palm Desert, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $58,851 and Housekeeping with the lowest at $40,001.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $58,851
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in upscale dining establishments and resorts.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  2. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $40,040
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Follow recipes and ensure food quality. Work in hotels and restaurants.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Palm Desert, CA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,001
    Clean and maintain guest rooms and public areas. Ensure a clean and welcoming environment. Work in hotels and resorts.
    Find Housekeeping 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 various companies. The College of the Desert offers the highest average salary at $95,189. Ensemble Therapy and ChildNet Youth and Family Services also provide attractive compensation packages, with average salaries of $73,727 and $61,993, respectively. Other notable employers include Oak View Group, Sullivan's Steakhouse, and Renova Energy, which offer average salaries ranging from $61,051 to $47,228. Companies like Del Taco, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Aimbridge Hospitality, and Marriott International provide solid compensation as well, with average salaries between $47,686 and $45,110. These figures highlight the diverse earning potential available across different sectors in Palm Desert.
Graph displaying company salaries in Palm Desert, CA, highlighting College of the Desert with the highest at $95,189 and Marriott International with the lowest at $45,110.
  1. College of the Desert
    Average Salary: $95,189
    College of the Desert offers a range of programs and is a key educational institution in the area. It provides a supportive environment for students and staff.


  2. Ensemble Therapy
    Average Salary: $73,727
    Ensemble Therapy focuses on providing mental health services. They aim to create a positive impact on the community through their work.


  3. ChildNet Youth and Family Services
    Average Salary: $61,993
    ChildNet Youth and Family Services works to support children and families in need. They offer various programs and services to help those in the community.


  4. Oak View Group
    Average Salary: $61,051
    Oak View Group is involved in real estate and property management. They provide a range of services to their clients and employees.


  5. Sullivan's Steakhouse
    Average Salary: $50,583
    Sullivan's Steakhouse is a popular dining spot known for its quality food and service. It offers a great work environment for those in the hospitality industry.


  6. Del Taco
    Average Salary: $47,686
    Del Taco is a fast-food chain that provides quick and tasty meals. It offers various job opportunities for those looking to work in the food service industry.


  7. Renova Energy
    Average Salary: $47,228
    Renova Energy focuses on renewable energy solutions. They work to provide sustainable energy options to the community.


  8. Marriott Vacations Worldwide
    Average Salary: $45,406
    Marriott Vacations Worldwide offers vacation ownership and exchange programs. They provide a range of services to their members and guests.


  9. Aimbridge Hospitality
    Average Salary: $45,355
    Aimbridge Hospitality manages hotels and resorts. They focus on providing excellent service to their guests and a good work environment for their staff.


  10. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $45,110
    Marriott International is a global hospitality company. They offer a variety of job opportunities in hotels and resorts around the world.

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 106, which is 6% higher than the national average of 100. Housing costs are notably higher, with an index of 128, indicating a 28% increase over the national average. This suggests that job seekers considering Palm Desert should be aware of the elevated expenses, particularly in housing.
Cost of living comparison graph for Palm Desert, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 28% higher, groceries 5% higher, utilities 8% lower, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 0% lower.

Palm Desert, California, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index stands at 128, which is 28% higher than the national average. This means that housing costs in Palm Desert are significantly more expensive than the average American city. For job seekers, this could mean higher rent or mortgage payments, which might impact their overall budget.


Other expenses in Palm Desert also show variations from the national average. Groceries, for instance, are 5% higher at 105. Utilities are slightly lower at 92, which is 8% below the national average. Transportation costs are 10% higher at 110, while healthcare costs are 5% lower at 95. Miscellaneous expenses match the national average at 100. These differences highlight the need for job seekers to consider the full range of living costs when evaluating job opportunities in Palm Desert.

There are 642 job openings in Palm Desert, CA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Palm Desert, CA

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City
Overview
Palm Desert, CA
642 Job Openings