Overview Salaries

Salaries in Pasadena, CA

Updated on Aug 21, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Pasadena, CA?

The average salary in Pasadena, CA is $73,895 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Pasadena, CA, showing an average salary of $73,895 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Pasadena, CA, showing an average salary of $6,158 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Pasadena, CA, showing an average salary of $1,421 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Pasadena, CA, showing an average salary of $36 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Pasadena, CA, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is around $73,895. This range includes several key industries, each with its own salary expectations.

In Pasadena, key industries and their average salaries include:

  • Construction: $36,080
  • Healthcare: $50,568
  • Education: $65,056
  • Information Technology: $79,545
  • Finance: $94,033
  • Professional Services: $108,521
  • Manufacturing: $123,009
  • Retail: $137,497
  • Real Estate: $151,985
  • Entertainment: $166,474
  • Science and Engineering: $180,962
  • Other: $195,450
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What are the best paying jobs in Pasadena, CA?

Pasadena, CA, offers several top-paying job opportunities for professional job seekers. The city's health care sector provides high-paying roles such as Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse. Additionally, careers in technology, law, and finance also promise attractive salaries. For example, Nurse Practitioners in Pasadena earn an average of $161,985 annually. Software Engineers enjoy a competitive salary of $150,024 per year. Attorneys and Technical Project Leads also see strong compensation. Pasadena's diverse job market makes it an excellent place for those seeking higher-paying positions.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Pasadena, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $161,985 and Occupational Therapist with the lowest at $114,160.

  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $161,985
    Nurse Practitioners work in clinics and hospitals, offering primary and specialty care. They work with patients of all ages. Companies like Kaiser Permanente offer opportunities for practitioners in the area.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Pasadena, CA


  2. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $150,024
    Software Engineers design and develop applications and software systems. They work in tech companies like Microsoft and Google. In Pasadena, they create innovative solutions for various industries.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA


  3. Attorney
    Average Salary: $144,549
    Attorneys provide legal advice and represent clients in court. They work for law firms, government agencies, and corporations. Pasadena has several legal firms offering varied practice areas.
    Find Attorney jobs in Pasadena, CA


  4. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $121,166
    Technical Project Leads manage tech projects from start to finish. They coordinate teams and ensure projects meet deadlines. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Aerojet Rocketdyne offer exciting opportunities.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Pasadena, CA


  5. Controller
    Average Salary: $118,180
    Controllers oversee financial reporting and compliance. They work in manufacturing, retail, and tech. In Pasadena, they ensure company finances are transparent and accurate.
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  6. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $116,433
    Registered Nurses provide patient care in hospitals and clinics. They work with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Companies like Providence and Cedars-Sinai offer rewarding nursing positions.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Pasadena, CA


  7. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $116,314
    Clinical Supervisors manage healthcare teams and ensure high-quality care. They work in hospitals and clinics. In Pasadena, they help improve patient outcomes and staff performance.
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  8. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $116,027
    Program Managers plan and oversee programs for organizations. They coordinate resources and ensure objectives are met. In Pasadena, they work in tech, healthcare, and government sectors.
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  9. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $115,671
    Speech Language Pathologists help patients with communication and swallowing disorders. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics. Pasadena offers opportunities to make a difference in people's lives.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Pasadena, CA


  10. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $114,160
    Occupational Therapists assist patients in regaining skills needed for daily life. They work in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. In Pasadena, they help patients recover and improve their quality of life.
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What are the best paying jobs in Pasadena, CA without a degree?

Pasadena, CA offers several high-paying jobs that do not need a degree. Restaurant managers can earn up to $54,938 annually. This role involves overseeing restaurant staff and managing daily operations. Other well-paying positions include housekeeping and recreation assistants, both with salaries close to $42,000. These roles allow for steady income and the chance to work in a dynamic environment. Roles like line cook, kitchen team member, and barista also provide good earning potential, with average salaries around $40,000. These jobs require strong teamwork and a passion for food service.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Pasadena, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $54,938 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $38,558.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $54,938
    Manage the daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and maintain cleanliness. Working for top local restaurants, such as The Griddle Cafe.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Pasadena, CA


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $43,537
    Clean and maintain rooms and common areas in hotels and motels. Ensure a comfortable and safe environment for guests. Many opportunities with major hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Pasadena, CA


  3. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $41,646
    Help organize and lead recreational activities for community members. Work with children and adults in various settings. Positions available in parks and recreation departments.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Pasadena, CA


  4. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,267
    Provide excellent customer service in various roles, including retail and food service. Ensure a positive experience for customers. Opportunities with stores like Target and grocery chains.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Pasadena, CA


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,039
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in restaurants. Work in fast-paced environments to meet orders quickly. Many jobs with local eateries and chains.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Pasadena, CA


  6. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,813
    Assist in food preparation and kitchen duties. Support cooks and chefs to maintain kitchen efficiency. Available in many cafes and fast-food restaurants.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Pasadena, CA


  7. Barista
    Average Salary: $40,506
    Make coffee and other beverages for customers in cafes and restaurants. Provide a welcoming experience for guests. Positions at local coffee shops like Starbucks and local favorites.
    Find Barista jobs in Pasadena, CA


  8. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $39,984
    Support servers by setting tables, clearing dishes, and assisting guests. Work in a busy dining environment. Available in restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Pasadena, CA


  9. Server
    Average Salary: $39,644
    Serve food and beverages to customers in restaurants. Ensure a pleasant dining experience. Many positions with local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server jobs in Pasadena, CA


  10. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $38,558
    Clean dishes and kitchen utensils after use. Ensure a clean and hygienic kitchen environment. Opportunities with many restaurants and hotels.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Pasadena, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Pasadena, CA?

Pasadena offers a variety of companies with competitive salaries. Amazon Web Services leads with the highest average salary at $174,079, making it a top choice for job seekers. Following closely, Kennedy/Jenks Consultants offers an average salary of $132,312, with Stantec at $123,445, Parsons at $122,171, and GEI Consultants at $120,646. Opportunities also exist at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory with an average salary of $120,106, along with Kaiser Permanente at $119,738, Dine Brands Global at $111,057, East West Bank at $109,578, and Tetra Tech at $104,448. These companies provide diverse industries with rewarding salaries for qualified candidates.
Graph displaying company salaries in Pasadena, CA, highlighting Amazon Web Services with the highest at $174,079 and Tetra Tech with the lowest at $104,448.

  1. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $174,079
    Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers cloud computing services to companies worldwide. AWS is known for its cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.


  2. Kennedy/Jenks Consultants
    Average Salary: $132,312
    Kennedy/Jenks Consultants provide engineering and architectural services. They are recognized for their quality work and client satisfaction.


  3. Stantec
    Average Salary: $123,445
    Stantec is a global design and consulting firm. They focus on architecture, engineering, and project management.


  4. Parsons
    Average Salary: $122,171
    Parsons offers professional services in infrastructure, engineering, and consulting. They work on projects around the world.


  5. GEI Consultants
    Average Salary: $120,646
    GEI Consultants provide engineering, environmental, and scientific services. They are known for their expertise and quality solutions.


  6. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
    Average Salary: $120,106
    NASA JPL is a leader in space exploration. They work on innovative projects and have a reputation for excellence in the industry.


  7. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $119,738
    Kaiser Permanente is a leading healthcare organization. They provide comprehensive health services and are committed to quality care.


  8. Dine Brands Global
    Average Salary: $111,057
    Dine Brands Global owns popular restaurant brands like IHOP and Applebee's. They focus on customer service and quality dining experiences.


  9. East West Bank
    Average Salary: $109,578
    East West Bank offers banking and financial services. They focus on customer needs and have a strong presence in the community.


  10. Tetra Tech
    Average Salary: $104,448
    Tetra Tech is a consulting and engineering firm. They provide services in environmental, infrastructure, and scientific fields.

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

Pasadena, CA, has a higher cost of living than the nationwide average, with a cost of living index at 134. This is 34% higher than the national average, where the index is set at 100. Specifically, housing costs in Pasadena are 95% above the national average, making it the most significant factor in the city’s elevated cost of living.
Cost of living comparison graph for Pasadena, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 95% higher, groceries 18% higher, utilities 7% higher, transportation 12% higher, healthcare 2% higher, miscellaneous 17% higher.

Pasadena, California, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in Pasadena stand at 95% higher, which is quite significant. People often find the housing market in Pasadena challenging due to this elevated cost.


Beyond housing, other expenses also exceed the national average. For groceries, Pasadena's cost is 18% higher. Utilities are 7% more expensive, while transportation costs are 12% higher. Even healthcare costs are 2% over the national average. Miscellaneous costs are also up by 17%. These factors contribute to Pasadena's overall higher cost of living.

There are 1,214 job openings in Pasadena, CA, today!

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Pasadena, CA
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