Overview Salaries

Salaries in Palo Alto, CA

Updated on Sep 11, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Palo Alto, CA?

The average salary in Palo Alto, CA is $109,698 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Palo Alto, CA, showing an average salary of $109,698 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Palo Alto, CA, showing an average salary of $9,142 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Palo Alto, CA, showing an average salary of $2,110 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Palo Alto, CA, showing an average salary of $53 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Palo Alto, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in the area is $109,698. This figure reflects the diverse job market and the high demand for skilled professionals. Salaries vary based on the industry and the specific role.


Here are some common salary ranges in Palo Alto:

  • 25.83% of jobs pay around $37,000 annually.
  • 14.56% of jobs pay around $57,818 annually.
  • 9.24% of jobs pay around $78,636 annually.
  • 7.90% of jobs pay around $99,455 annually.
  • 7.63% of jobs pay around $120,273 annually.
  • 6.98% of jobs pay around $141,091 annually.
  • 7.43% of jobs pay around $161,909 annually.
  • 7.74% of jobs pay around $182,727 annually.
  • 4.13% of jobs pay around $203,545 annually.
  • 2.54% of jobs pay around $224,364 annually.
  • 1.03% of jobs pay around $245,182 annually.
  • A small percentage of jobs pay around $266,000 annually.
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What are the best paying jobs in Palo Alto, CA?

Palo Alto, CA, offers some of the highest-paying jobs in the tech and healthcare sectors. Machine Learning Engineers lead the pack with an average salary of $206,311. Following closely are Site Reliability Engineers and Nurse Practitioners, earning around $195,395 and $195,390 respectively. These roles demand specialized skills and often come with excellent benefits. Other top-paying positions include Staff Engineers, Product Managers, and Software Engineers, all earning over $175,000 annually. Pharmacists, Validation Engineers, Firmware Engineers, and Data Scientists also enjoy competitive salaries, ranging from $163,558 to $177,333. These jobs require a mix of technical expertise and professional qualifications, making them highly valued in the local job market.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palo Alto, CA, highlighting Machine Learning Engineer with the highest at $206,311 and Data Scientist with the lowest at $163,558.

  1. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $206,311
    This role involves creating models that can learn from data. Companies like Google and Tesla are hiring for this role. They focus on developing algorithms that improve over time.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  2. Site Reliability Engineer
    Average Salary: $195,395
    These engineers ensure systems run smoothly and efficiently. Firms like Google and LinkedIn need these professionals. They work to prevent system downtime and improve performance.
    Find Site Reliability Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  3. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $195,390
    This position involves providing primary and specialty care. Clinics and hospitals in the area are hiring. They work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to deliver patient care.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  4. Staff Engineer
    Average Salary: $188,764
    Staff engineers lead projects and teams. Companies like Google and Apple are looking for these experts. They design systems and solve complex technical problems.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  5. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $180,251
    This role involves guiding products from concept to market. Tech companies like Google and Tesla are hiring. They work with cross-functional teams to define product strategy.
    Find Product Manager jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  6. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $177,333
    Software engineers develop applications and systems. Firms like Google and Apple are hiring. They write code, test software, and fix bugs.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  7. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $175,366
    Pharmacists dispense medications and provide advice on their use. Local pharmacies and hospitals are hiring. They ensure patients understand how to take their medications.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  8. Validation Engineer
    Average Salary: $166,553
    These engineers ensure that products meet design specifications. Companies like Tesla and Apple are hiring. They conduct tests and document results to ensure quality.
    Find Validation Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  9. Firmware Engineer
    Average Salary: $165,093
    Firmware engineers develop software that controls hardware. Tech firms like Tesla and Apple are hiring. They write code that runs on embedded systems.
    Find Firmware Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  10. Data Scientist
    Average Salary: $163,558
    Data scientists analyze data to help companies make decisions. Firms like Google and LinkedIn are hiring. They use statistical methods to interpret complex data sets.
    Find Data Scientist jobs in Palo Alto, CA

What are the best paying jobs in Palo Alto, CA without a degree?

Palo Alto offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Restaurant managers can earn an average of $66,365 annually. Floor techs and meat cutters also earn over $50,000 a year. Other well-paying positions include housekeeping, landscaping, and server assistant roles. These jobs provide good pay and opportunities to work in a dynamic environment. Landscapers and lawn care technicians can earn around $52,000, while server assistants make about $51,000. Housekeeping staff earn around $52,000, offering a stable income with potential for growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palo Alto, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $66,365 and Server with the lowest at $41,348.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $66,365
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in high-end restaurants and cafes.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  2. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $53,816
    Maintain cleanliness and safety of floors. Use cleaning equipment and chemicals. Work in offices, hotels, and commercial buildings.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  3. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $52,715
    Cut meat into portions. Follow safety guidelines and ensure quality. Work in grocery stores and butcher shops.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $52,243
    Clean rooms and common areas. Change linens and restock supplies. Work in hotels, motels, and residential buildings.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  5. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $51,823
    Maintain lawns and gardens. Plant flowers, trim trees, and mow lawns. Work in residential and commercial properties.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  6. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $51,785
    Help servers with table setup and clearing. Take orders and serve food. Work in restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  7. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $50,000
    Maintain lawns and gardens. Mow, edge, and blow leaves. Work in residential and commercial properties.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  8. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $44,671
    Prepare food in a fast-paced kitchen. Follow recipes and ensure quality. Work in restaurants and fast-food chains.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  9. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $44,380
    Assist customers with their needs. Provide excellent service and handle inquiries. Work in retail stores and service-oriented businesses.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  10. Server
    Average Salary: $41,348
    Take orders and serve food and drinks. Ensure customer satisfaction. Work in restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server jobs in Palo Alto, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Palo Alto, CA?

Palo Alto, CA, is home to some of the highest-paying companies in the tech and pharmaceutical industries. Snap Inc. leads the way with an average salary of $242,095. Salesforce and SAP follow closely, offering average salaries of $207,937 and $202,799, respectively. These companies provide competitive compensation packages, making Palo Alto an attractive location for job seekers looking for top-tier salaries. Other notable companies in Palo Alto include Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Match Group, and Amazon.com, all offering salaries above $170,000 on average. One Medical, HP, Wealthfront, and Tencent also provide attractive compensation packages. These companies reflect the high demand for skilled professionals in the area, offering rewarding career opportunities for those who qualify.
Graph displaying company salaries in Palo Alto, CA, highlighting Snap Inc. with the highest at $242,095 and Tencent with the lowest at $156,078.

  1. Snap Inc.
    Average Salary: $242,095
    Snap Inc. is a camera company. They make Snapchat, a popular social media app. They offer exciting opportunities for tech and creative minds.


  2. Salesforce
    Average Salary: $207,937
    Salesforce is a cloud-based software company. They help businesses connect with their customers. They offer a dynamic work environment with great benefits.


  3. SAP
    Average Salary: $202,799
    SAP is a software company. They help businesses manage their operations. They offer a stable career with opportunities for growth.


  4. Jazz Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $198,525
    Jazz Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company. They develop medicines for illnesses. They offer a chance to make a difference in people's lives.


  5. Match Group
    Average Salary: $188,779
    Match Group owns several dating sites. They help people find relationships. They offer a fun and innovative work environment.


  6. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $170,222
    Amazon is a global e-commerce company. They sell a wide range of products. They offer a chance to work in a fast-paced and exciting industry.


  7. One Medical
    Average Salary: $164,880
    One Medical is a healthcare provider. They offer personalized care to patients. They provide a supportive work environment with a focus on work-life balance.


  8. HP
    Average Salary: $163,294
    HP is a technology company. They make computers and printers. They offer a chance to work with cutting-edge technology.


  9. Wealthfront
    Average Salary: $160,173
    Wealthfront is a financial services company. They offer automated investing services. They provide a chance to work in the growing fintech industry.


  10. Tencent
    Average Salary: $156,078
    Tencent is a technology company. They offer a variety of services, including social media and gaming. They provide a chance to work in a leading global company.

How does the cost of living in Palo Alto, CA compare to the national average?

The cost of living index in Palo Alto, CA, significantly exceeds the nationwide average. Housing costs alone are 300% higher, while groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses are also notably elevated. For instance, housing costs are 400% of the national average, making Palo Alto one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S.
Cost of living comparison graph for Palo Alto, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 300% higher, groceries 30% higher, utilities 20% higher, transportation 50% higher, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 40% higher.

The cost of living in Palo Alto, California, significantly exceeds the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Palo Alto are notably higher, with an index of 400. This means housing expenses are four times the national average. For job seekers, this implies that a substantial portion of their budget will go towards housing.


Other expenses in Palo Alto also surpass the national average. Groceries have an index of 130, meaning they cost 30% more than the average. Utilities are 20% higher, with an index of 120. Transportation costs are 50% above the average, at 150. Healthcare costs are slightly above average, with an index of 110. Miscellaneous expenses also stand at 140, indicating a 40% increase. Overall, Palo Alto's cost of living is significantly higher, impacting various aspects of daily expenses.

There are 1,546 job openings in Palo Alto, CA, today!

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Palo Alto, CA
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