Salaries in Palo Alto, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Palo Alto, CA?

The average salary in Palo Alto, CA is $106,409 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Palo Alto, CA, showing an average salary of $106,409 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Palo Alto, CA, showing an average salary of $8,867 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Palo Alto, CA, showing an average salary of $2,046 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Palo Alto, CA, showing an average salary of $51 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Palo Alto, CA, offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average salary in Palo Alto is around $106,409. This figure highlights the city's strong job market and the potential for higher earnings. Salaries in Palo Alto vary significantly by industry, with some sectors offering much higher pay than others. For example, tech companies often provide salaries that are well above the average.


Here are some average salaries for different roles in Palo Alto:

  • Software Engineer: $133,718
  • Data Scientist: $153,182
  • Marketing Manager: $114,255
  • Accountant: $75,327
  • Teacher: $55,864
These figures show the range of opportunities available and the potential for higher earnings in certain fields.

View jobs in Palo Alto, CA
View all jobs in Palo Alto, CA

What are the best paying jobs in Palo Alto, CA?

Palo Alto, CA, offers some of the best-paying jobs in the tech and healthcare sectors. Machine Learning Engineers, Site Reliability Engineers, and Staff Engineers lead the list with high salaries. These positions demand specialized skills and experience, making them highly valued in the area. Palo Alto's strong tech industry drives demand for skilled professionals. Nurses and Pharmacists also enjoy competitive pay. These roles require dedication and expertise, ensuring they remain well-compensated. Job seekers in Palo Alto can find rewarding opportunities with attractive salaries.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palo Alto, CA, highlighting Machine Learning Engineer with the highest at $196,823 and DevOps Engineer with the lowest at $164,676.

  1. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $196,823
    This role involves creating and improving algorithms for data analysis. Companies like Google and Palantir are hiring. They focus on developing models for various applications.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  2. Site Reliability Engineer
    Average Salary: $191,860
    These professionals ensure systems run smoothly and efficiently. They work for companies like Google and LinkedIn. They focus on maintaining high availability and performance.
    Find Site Reliability Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  3. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $189,621
    This role involves providing primary and specialty care. They work in clinics and hospitals. They focus on patient care and health education.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  4. Staff Engineer
    Average Salary: $186,906
    Staff engineers lead projects and teams. They work for companies like Google and Tesla. They focus on designing and implementing software solutions.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  5. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $176,149
    This role involves overseeing product development. They work for companies like Uber and Slack. They focus on defining product vision and strategy.
    Find Product Manager jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  6. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $172,292
    Software engineers design and develop applications. They work for companies like Google and Tesla. They focus on coding and testing software.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  7. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $171,986
    Pharmacists dispense medications and advise patients. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. They focus on ensuring safe medication use.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  8. Firmware Engineer
    Average Salary: $169,252
    These engineers develop software for hardware. They work for companies like Intel and Apple. They focus on creating reliable firmware solutions.
    Find Firmware Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  9. Validation Engineer
    Average Salary: $168,067
    Validation engineers test systems to ensure they meet standards. They work for companies like Intel and Tesla. They focus on quality assurance and compliance.
    Find Validation Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  10. DevOps Engineer
    Average Salary: $164,676
    DevOps engineers bridge development and operations. They work for companies like Google and Uber. They focus on automating and improving workflows.
    Find DevOps Engineer 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. These roles provide good earning potential and valuable work experience. For instance, a Restaurant Manager can earn around $68,208 annually. Other top-paying jobs include Server Assistant, Floor Tech, and Meat Cutter, with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $55,000 per year. These positions often require skills and experience rather than formal education. They offer a chance to start or advance in a career with good pay. Job seekers can explore these opportunities to find a role that matches their skills and interests.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Palo Alto, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $68,208 and Service Team Member with the lowest at $42,727.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $68,208
    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. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $55,787
    Help servers with tasks like taking orders and clearing tables. Provide excellent customer service. Work in busy dining establishments.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  3. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $55,384
    Maintain cleanliness and safety of the floor. Sweep, mop, and vacuum. Work in commercial and office buildings.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  4. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $52,165
    Cut and package meat for sale. Follow safety guidelines. Work in grocery stores and butcher shops.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $50,484
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or residential buildings. Ensure a tidy environment. Work in hospitality and residential settings.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  6. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $50,000
    Maintain lawns and gardens. Mow, trim, and water plants. Work for landscaping companies or homeowners.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  7. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $49,546
    Design and install landscaping features. Plant trees and flowers. Work with residential and commercial clients.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  8. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $45,422
    Help plan and run recreational activities. Work with children and adults. Work in community centers or parks.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  9. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $44,642
    Prepare food in a fast-paced kitchen. Follow recipes and cooking techniques. Work in restaurants and cafes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  10. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,727
    Provide customer service and support. Handle inquiries and complaints. Work in retail and service industries.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Palo Alto, CA

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

Palo Alto offers a range of high-paying job opportunities. Companies like Snap Inc., SAP, and Jazz Pharmaceuticals lead the way with competitive salaries. Snap Inc. tops the list with an average salary of $238,048, followed closely by SAP at $188,461 and Jazz Pharmaceuticals at $185,032. These companies provide attractive compensation packages, making Palo Alto a desirable location for job seekers. Other notable companies in Palo Alto include Match Group, One Medical, and Chase. Match Group offers an average salary of $183,816, while One Medical and Chase provide $174,602 and $172,573, respectively. These companies join the ranks of tech giants like Amazon.com, HP, Tencent, and Tesla, all of which offer competitive pay. Job seekers in Palo Alto can find rewarding career opportunities with these top-paying companies.
Graph displaying company salaries in Palo Alto, CA, highlighting Snap Inc. with the highest at $238,048 and Tesla with the lowest at $148,807.

  1. Snap Inc.
    Average Salary: $238,048
    Snap Inc. is a leading camera company. They create Snapchat, a popular social media app.


  2. SAP
    Average Salary: $188,461
    SAP is a software company. They create business software to help companies run better.


  3. Jazz Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $185,032
    Jazz Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company. They create medicines for people with illnesses.


  4. Match Group
    Average Salary: $183,816
    Match Group is a dating company. They own popular dating apps like Tinder and OkCupid.


  5. One Medical
    Average Salary: $174,602
    One Medical is a healthcare company. They provide healthcare services to people.


  6. Chase
    Average Salary: $172,573
    Chase is a financial services company. They offer banking services to people and businesses.


  7. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $160,411
    Amazon is a technology company. They sell products online and offer cloud computing services.


  8. HP
    Average Salary: $159,434
    HP is a technology company. They create computers, printers, and other tech products.


  9. Tencent
    Average Salary: $152,423
    Tencent is a technology company. They create social media, games, and other tech products.


  10. Tesla
    Average Salary: $148,807
    Tesla is an automotive and energy company. They create electric cars and renewable energy products.

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

The cost of living in Palo Alto, CA, significantly exceeds the nationwide average, with housing costs being the most pronounced. Housing in Palo Alto stands at 215% of the national average, making it the highest among all categories. Groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs also surpass the average, though to a lesser extent. For instance, groceries cost 35% more, while utilities are 5% higher than the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Palo Alto, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 215% higher, groceries 35% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 15% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

The cost of living in Palo Alto, California, significantly exceeds the nationwide average. Housing costs in Palo Alto are notably higher, with an index of 315 compared to the average of 100. This means housing expenses in Palo Alto are over three times the national average. This high cost can greatly impact potential residents' budgets, making it a critical factor for job seekers to consider.


Other expenses in Palo Alto also surpass the national average. Groceries have an index of 135, which is 35% higher than the average. Utilities, at 105, are 5% higher, while transportation costs, indexed at 120, are 20% above the average. Healthcare costs, with an index of 115, are 15% higher than the national average. These elevated costs in various categories highlight the financial challenges that come with living in Palo Alto. Job seekers should weigh these expenses carefully when considering opportunities in this area.

There are 1,548 job openings in Palo Alto, CA, today!

View Jobs in Palo Alto, CA

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Palo Alto, CA

Discover what it's like to work in Palo Alto, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Palo Alto, CA
1,548 Job Openings

Win at hiring.

Visit the help center for any questions.
Contact Support
ReadySetHire icon
©2025 • ReadySetHire