What is the average salary in Pasadena, CA?
Pasadena, CA offers a range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary for a job in Pasadena is about $73,066. This figure helps job seekers understand the general earning potential in the area.
Here are some common job categories along with their average yearly salaries:
- Information technology: $64,991
- Healthcare: $79,486
- Business and financial operations: $93,982
- Education, training, and library: $108,477
- Management: $122,973
- Legal: $137,468
- Architecture and engineering: $151,964
- Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media: $166,459
What are the best paying jobs in Pasadena, CA?

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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $164,974
This role focuses on providing healthcare services, often in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare providers. You might find opportunities with Kaiser Permanente or local clinics. Patients rely on your expertise and care for their health needs.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $152,126
In this tech-focused position, you create and manage software applications. Companies like SpaceX and Amazon offer roles in Pasadena. You’ll work on designing, coding, and testing software solutions to solve problems.
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Attorney
Average Salary: $143,472
This role involves providing legal advice and representing clients in court. Pasadena hosts several law firms where you can build a career. You will draft legal documents and defend or prosecute cases on behalf of clients.
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Loan Specialist
Average Salary: $132,829
You will assist clients in obtaining loans, reviewing their financial information, and ensuring they meet criteria. Working with local banks and credit unions, you help clients achieve their financial goals. Strong communication skills are key.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $121,200
You oversee technical projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget. At companies such as Boeing or Raytheon, you’ll manage teams, allocate resources, and solve technical challenges. Attention to detail and leadership are essential.
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Program Manager
Average Salary: $119,943
You plan, organize, and manage projects to ensure they are completed successfully. Opportunities exist with companies like Northrop Grumman or Caltech. You’ll coordinate resources, track progress, and ensure projects meet goals and timelines.
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Controller
Average Salary: $117,694
In this role, you manage financial records and oversee accounting operations. You might work for a local business or government entity. Your duties include budgeting, auditing, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
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Clinical Supervisor
Average Salary: $116,713
You oversee clinical staff, ensuring quality care for patients. Opportunities are available at hospitals or healthcare facilities. You’ll provide training, manage staff performance, and ensure adherence to healthcare standards.
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Wealth Management Advisor
Average Salary: $115,681
You help clients manage their investments and financial plans. Working with firms such as Fidelity or Edward Jones, you provide personalized advice to help clients grow and protect their wealth. Strong analytical skills are needed.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $115,082
You provide care for patients and coordinate with doctors and other healthcare staff. Opportunities exist in hospitals and outpatient care centers. You’ll administer treatments, monitor patients, and provide emotional support.
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What are the best paying jobs in Pasadena, CA without a degree?

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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $53,354
Manage the day-to-day operations at a local eatery. Oversee staff, handle bookings, and ensure customers have a great experience. Popular employers include The Old Spaghetti Factory and California Pizza Kitchen.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $43,343
Ensure a clean and welcoming environment in hotels and resorts. Duties include tidying rooms, laundry, and maintaining cleanliness. Work with major chains like Hilton and Marriott.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $40,718
Prepare meals quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen. Work with various ingredients and follow recipes. Experience in busy restaurants like P.F. Chang’s and Chipotle is valuable.
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Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $40,485
Help organize and lead activities for community centers or recreational programs. Engage people in sports, games, and educational activities. Local parks and non-profits offer these positions.
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Barista
Average Salary: $40,267
Prepare coffee drinks and serve customers in cafes. Gain skills in latte art and customer service. Work in popular coffee shops like Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $40,090
Support kitchen staff in preparing and cooking food. Tasks include chopping vegetables, washing dishes, and keeping the kitchen clean. Look for roles at restaurants like In-N-Out Burger and Panda Express.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $39,944
Provide excellent service to customers in dining establishments. Duties include taking orders, serving food, and addressing customer needs. Positions available in chains like Chili’s and Red Robin.
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Server
Average Salary: $39,285
Serve food and drinks to customers in a restaurant setting. Take orders, process payments, and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work at eateries such as The Cheesecake Factory and The Original Pancake House.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $38,570
Help servers by setting up tables, refilling supplies, and assisting with orders. Ensure a smooth dining experience. Find jobs at places like Olive Garden and The Capital Grille.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $37,752
Clean dishes, pots, and utensils. Maintain a clean and organized kitchen. Opportunities exist at various restaurants and cafes in the area.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Pasadena, CA?

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Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $174,491
Amazon Web Services is a leader in cloud computing. It provides scalable and cost-effective cloud services.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $136,551
Amazon is a global e-commerce giant. It offers a wide range of products and services to customers worldwide.
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Kennedy/Jenks Consultants
Average Salary: $132,850
Kennedy/Jenks is an engineering and environmental consulting firm. It works on projects related to water resources, infrastructure, and sustainability.
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Stantec
Average Salary: $122,892
Stantec is a global design and consulting firm. It specializes in architecture, engineering, and project management.
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GEI Consultants
Average Salary: $120,669
GEI Consultants is a civil and structural engineering firm. It provides consulting services for infrastructure and environmental projects.
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Parsons
Average Salary: $119,568
Parsons is a technology company. It offers solutions in infrastructure, defense, and information technology.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $119,388
Kaiser Permanente is a healthcare organization. It provides medical services and health plans to millions of members.
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NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Average Salary: $117,578
NASA JPL is a federal research and development center. It explores space and conducts advanced scientific research.
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E-business International Inc
Average Salary: $109,376
E-business International provides technology solutions. It focuses on the needs of businesses and government agencies.
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Dine Brands Global
Average Salary: $108,171
Dine Brands Global operates IHOP and Applebee’s restaurants. It is one of the largest casual dining companies in the US.
How does the cost of living in Pasadena, CA compare to the national average?

Pasadena, CA, stands out with its cost of living index significantly above the nationwide average, which is set at 100. For housing, Pasadena has an index of 190, indicating that living costs are almost twice as high as the national average. This substantial increase makes housing one of the most expensive aspects of life in Pasadena, potentially influencing the decision of job seekers considering relocation.
Other living expenses in Pasadena also reflect this higher cost of living. For groceries, the index is 120, suggesting a 20% increase over the national average. Utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses follow closely behind, each with indices of 110, 115, and 130, respectively. Healthcare, however, remains slightly below the national average at 105, providing a bit of relief for residents. Overall, Pasadena’s cost of living paints a picture of a city with generally higher expenses across most categories, important for job seekers to consider.



