What is the average salary in Pasadena, CA?
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.
What are the best paying jobs in Pasadena, CA?

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Pasadena, CA?

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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.
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Kennedy Jenks
Average Salary: $134,523
Kennedy Jenks specializes in civil and environmental engineering. They have rewarding careers.
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Parsons Corporation
Average Salary: $127,178
Parsons works in infrastructure and defense. They offer great benefits along with good pay.
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NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Average Salary: $122,544
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab offers high salaries for science and engineering jobs.
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GEI Consultants, Inc.
Average Salary: $121,578
GEI focuses on environmental consulting. They pay well for their expertise.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $120,485
Kaiser Permanente provides health care services. They offer competitive pay for medical professionals.
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Dine Brands Global
Average Salary: $113,426
Dine Brands owns Hardees and Carl’s Jr. They offer good salaries for restaurant management.
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UCLA Health
Average Salary: $110,824
UCLA Health is a leading medical center. They pay well for their health care staff.
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Tetra Tech
Average Salary: $110,511
Tetra Tech provides consulting and engineering services. They offer solid pay for their work.
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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?

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.



