City
Salary

What is the average salary in Pasadena, CA?

The average salary in Pasadena, CA is $75,443 per year.

Pasadena, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in Pasadena is $75,443. This means most people earn around this amount every year. Salaries can vary a lot depending on the job.


Some of the higher-paying jobs in Pasadena include software developers, who earn up to $124,264 a year, and engineers, who make up to $138,961 annually. Other well-paid jobs include sales managers, earning up to $109,566 per year, and healthcare professionals, who can earn up to $94,869. With many high-paying job opportunities available, Pasadena can be a good place for job seekers looking to boost their earnings.

View jobs in Pasadena, CA

What are the best paying jobs in Pasadena, CA?

Pasadena, CA, offers a range of high-paying career opportunities. Among the top jobs in the area are roles in healthcare, law, and engineering. Nurse Practitioners, for instance, enjoy an average salary of $162,674. Other well-paying positions include Attorneys, Software Engineers, and Technical Project Leads, all offering competitive pay. In Pasadena, professionals in specialized fields also find lucrative jobs. Clinical Supervisors, Speech Language Pathologists, and various types of Engineers, such as Mechanical and Civil, command strong salaries. Business roles like Program Managers and Controllers also pay well, making Pasadena a great place for career growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Pasadena, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $162,674 and Speech Language Pathologist with the lowest at $116,779.
  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $162,674
    These professionals offer top-notch patient care and treatment. They often work in busy healthcare environments like hospitals and clinics. Companies such as Kaiser Permanente and USC Health Sciences Campus provide good opportunities.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Pasadena, CA


  2. Attorney
    Average Salary: $146,870
    Legal experts handle complex cases in various fields. They work in law firms and corporate legal departments. Pasadena has notable firms like Girardi & Keese and law offices of Mark A. Pfau.
    Find Attorney jobs in Pasadena, CA


  3. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $145,943
    These tech experts design, develop, and test software applications. They work for companies like Electronic Arts and Amazon Web Services. They often collaborate in fast-paced, dynamic teams.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA


  4. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $132,877
    These leaders manage projects from conception to completion. They oversee teams and ensure project success. Companies like Boeing and Raytheon Technologies value their expertise.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Pasadena, CA


  5. Mechanical Engineer
    Average Salary: $125,847
    They design, analyze, and improve mechanical systems. They often work in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors. Opportunities abound in firms such as Aerojet Rocketdyne and Boeing.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA


  6. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $123,444
    They plan and oversee programs to meet organizational goals. They work in tech and healthcare companies like Intuitive Surgical and Optum. They ensure timely and budget-friendly completion of projects.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Pasadena, CA


  7. Civil Engineer
    Average Salary: $123,226
    These professionals design and oversee construction projects. They work on infrastructure, buildings, and public works. Firms like AECOM and WSP offer good career prospects.
    Find Civil Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA


  8. Controller
    Average Salary: $119,929
    They manage a company's accounting and financial reporting. They ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. Firms such as KPMG and EY provide solid opportunities.
    Find Controller jobs in Pasadena, CA


  9. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $118,790
    They oversee clinical staff and ensure high standards of care. They work in healthcare settings like hospitals and clinics. Pasadena's healthcare sector offers many options.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Pasadena, CA


  10. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $116,779
    They diagnose and treat speech and language disorders. They work in schools, hospitals, and private practices. Opportunities exist in places like Children's Hospital Los Angeles and The Saban Community Clinic.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Pasadena, CA

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

Pasadena, CA, offers a variety of high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Positions such as Housekeeping, Kitchen Team Member, and Service Team Member are among the top earners, providing excellent career opportunities in these fields. With salaries averaging around $43,819, $42,392, and $41,504 respectively, these roles are attractive for those seeking stable and rewarding careers without the need for higher education. Additionally, jobs like Line Cook, Barista, and Recreation Assistant also offer competitive pay, making them viable options for those looking to enter the workforce quickly. For example, Line Cooks and Baristas can expect to earn around $41,360 and $40,509 annually. These roles provide not only good income but also valuable experience in the hospitality industry, which is particularly strong in Pasadena.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Pasadena, CA without a degree, highlighting Housekeeping with the highest at $43,819 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $38,566.
  1. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $43,819
    Individuals in this role ensure cleanliness and order in various settings. They work in hotels, resorts, and apartment complexes. Attention to detail and the ability to work well under pressure are key.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Pasadena, CA


  2. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,392
    This position involves assisting in food preparation. Tasks range from chopping vegetables to cooking meals. It often involves working in fast-paced environments like restaurants and cafes.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Pasadena, CA


  3. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,504
    Service team members interact with customers, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. They take orders, serve food, and sometimes clean tables. This role demands good communication and customer service skills.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Pasadena, CA


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,360
    Line cooks prepare meals quickly and efficiently. They often work in restaurants and food service environments. They must be able to handle high pressure and multitask effectively.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Pasadena, CA


  5. Barista
    Average Salary: $40,509
    Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. They work in coffee shops and cafes, often interacting with customers. They need to be skilled in coffee preparation and customer service.
    Find Barista jobs in Pasadena, CA


  6. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $40,366
    These professionals help organize and lead recreational activities. They work in community centers, parks, and resorts. The role involves planning events and ensuring participant safety and enjoyment.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Pasadena, CA


  7. Server
    Average Salary: $39,823
    Servers take orders and deliver food and drinks to customers. They work in restaurants, cafes, and bars. Strong communication and customer service skills are essential.
    Find Server jobs in Pasadena, CA


  8. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $39,661
    Server assistants support servers by setting up tables and clearing dishes. They work in busy dining environments. This role requires teamwork and the ability to work in a fast-paced setting.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Pasadena, CA


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $38,566
    Dishwashers clean dishes, glasses, and utensils. They work in restaurants and cafeterias. They need to work quickly and efficiently to keep up with kitchen demands.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Pasadena, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Pasadena, CA?

In Pasadena, several companies stand out for offering competitive salaries. Amazon Web Services (AWS) leads the pack with an average salary of $173,996. Other notable employers include Kennedy Jenks and Parsons Corporation, with average salaries of $134,523 and $127,178, respectively. These companies provide attractive compensation packages that can be very appealing to job seekers. Apart from AWS, companies like NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and GEI Consultants, Inc. offer solid average salaries of $122,544 and $121,578, respectively. These organizations value their employees and reflect this in their pay structures. Health care and finance sectors also feature prominently, with Kaiser Permanente and East West Bank providing average salaries of $120,485 and $109,495. These companies provide rewarding career opportunities with excellent compensation.
Graph displaying company salaries in Pasadena, CA, highlighting Amazon Web Services (AWS) with the highest at $173,996 and East West Bank with the lowest at $109,495.
  1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Average Salary: $173,996
    Amazon Web Services offers top-tier pay for tech roles. They work in cloud computing and AI.


  2. Kennedy Jenks
    Average Salary: $134,523
    Kennedy Jenks specializes in civil and environmental engineering. They have rewarding careers.


  3. Parsons Corporation
    Average Salary: $127,178
    Parsons works in infrastructure and defense. They offer great benefits along with good pay.


  4. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
    Average Salary: $122,544
    NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab offers high salaries for science and engineering jobs.


  5. GEI Consultants, Inc.
    Average Salary: $121,578
    GEI focuses on environmental consulting. They pay well for their expertise.


  6. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $120,485
    Kaiser Permanente provides health care services. They offer competitive pay for medical professionals.


  7. Dine Brands Global
    Average Salary: $113,426
    Dine Brands owns Hardees and Carl’s Jr. They offer good salaries for restaurant management.


  8. UCLA Health
    Average Salary: $110,824
    UCLA Health is a leading medical center. They pay well for their health care staff.


  9. Tetra Tech
    Average Salary: $110,511
    Tetra Tech provides consulting and engineering services. They offer solid pay for their work.


  10. East West Bank
    Average Salary: $109,495
    East West Bank offers banking and financial services. They pay well for finance and banking roles.

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

Pasadena, CA, shows a higher cost of living in several areas compared to the nationwide average, set at 100. Housing costs are notably higher at 173, indicating a 73% increase over the national average. Additionally, groceries in Pasadena cost 19% more than the national average, with an index of 119. Transportation costs in Pasadena also surpass the national average by 38%, with an index of 138. While healthcare costs remain relatively close to the national average at 97, Pasadena’s overall cost of living remains elevated due to these higher-than-average expenses.
Cost of living comparison graph for Pasadena, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 73% higher, groceries 19% higher, utilities 7% higher, transportation 38% higher, healthcare 3% lower, miscellaneous 15% higher.

The cost of living in Pasadena, California, significantly exceeds the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs in Pasadena stand at an index of 173, meaning they are 73% higher than the national average. This high figure reflects the competitive real estate market in the area, where demand often outpaces supply. For job seekers considering Pasadena, this increase in housing costs represents a substantial financial commitment.


In addition to housing, other major expenses also surpass the average. Pasadena’s groceries have a cost index of 119, which is 19% above the national average. Utilities, at 107, remain just 7% below the average, while transportation costs, indexed at 138, are 38% higher. These differences highlight the importance of careful budget planning for anyone relocating to Pasadena. While healthcare costs in Pasadena are relatively lower, at 97, miscellaneous expenses at 115 remain 15% above average. These factors collectively indicate that job seekers need to consider these costs when evaluating potential employment opportunities in Pasadena.

There are 1,178 job openings in Pasadena, CA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Pasadena, CA

Discover what it's like to work in Pasadena, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Pasadena, CA
1,178 Job Openings