Salaries in Santa Ana, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Santa Ana, CA?

The average salary in Santa Ana, CA is $69,113 per year.

Santa Ana, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in Santa Ana is around $69,113. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers. The city's economy supports a diverse job market, with many positions offering competitive pay.


Here are some salary ranges for different job sectors in Santa Ana:

  • Retail: $33,000
  • Healthcare: $53,636
  • Education: $74,273
  • Information Technology: $94,909
  • Finance: $115,545
  • Engineering: $136,182
  • Management: $156,818
  • Sales: $177,455
  • Marketing: $198,091
  • Legal: $218,727
  • Architecture: $239,364
Job seekers can explore these sectors to find roles that match their skills and career goals.

View jobs in Santa Ana, CA

What are the best paying jobs in Santa Ana, CA?

Santa Ana offers a range of high-paying jobs for skilled professionals. The top-paying roles include Nurse Practitioner, Software Engineer, and Controller. These positions provide competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth. Nurse Practitioners can earn over $145,000 annually, while Software Engineers and Controllers also see salaries above $120,000. These jobs attract professionals looking for stability and financial rewards. Other high-paying roles include Loan Specialist, Director of Nursing, and Civil Engineer. Each position requires specific skills and qualifications, making them attractive to experienced candidates.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Ana, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $145,763 and Dental Hygienist with the lowest at $113,867.
  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $145,763
    Nurse Practitioners work in hospitals and clinics, providing primary and specialty care. They often work with large healthcare providers. This role is crucial for patient care and health management.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  2. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $132,218
    Software Engineers design and develop software applications. They work for tech companies and startups. This job involves coding, testing, and maintaining software systems.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  3. Controller
    Average Salary: $129,314
    Controllers manage financial reporting and budgeting. They work in corporate settings and government agencies. This role ensures financial accuracy and compliance.
    Find Controller jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  4. Loan Specialist
    Average Salary: $124,413
    Loan Specialists help clients with loan applications. They work in banks and financial institutions. This job involves assessing credit and providing financial advice.
    Find Loan Specialist jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  5. Director of Nursing
    Average Salary: $124,388
    Directors of Nursing oversee nursing staff and patient care. They work in hospitals and long-term care facilities. This role is vital for managing healthcare services.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  6. Civil Engineer
    Average Salary: $121,545
    Civil Engineers design and oversee construction projects. They work for construction firms and government agencies. This job involves planning and managing infrastructure projects.
    Find Civil Engineer jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  7. Systems Analyst
    Average Salary: $117,396
    Systems Analysts evaluate and improve computer systems. They work for IT companies and large organizations. This role is key for enhancing system efficiency and security.
    Find Systems Analyst jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  8. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $115,960
    Technical Project Leads manage IT projects. They work in tech companies and consulting firms. This role involves coordinating teams and ensuring project success.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  9. Attorney
    Average Salary: $115,541
    Attorneys provide legal advice and represent clients. They work in law firms and corporate legal departments. This job involves research, negotiation, and litigation.
    Find Attorney jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  10. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $113,867
    Dental Hygienists clean teeth and provide oral care. They work in dental offices and clinics. This role is essential for maintaining patients' oral health.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Santa Ana, CA

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

Santa Ana offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Restaurant managers can earn around $50,000 annually, while irrigation technicians make about $47,000. These roles provide good income and opportunities for career growth. Loaders, line cooks, and baristas also offer competitive salaries, ranging from $40,000 to $45,000. These positions are ideal for those seeking steady employment with the potential for advancement. Santa Ana's diverse job market supports various career paths without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Ana, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $50,053 and Groundskeeper with the lowest at $37,739.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $50,053
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, ensure customer satisfaction, and handle finances. Work in popular dining spots like The Habit Burger Grill or In-N-Out Burger.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  2. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $47,104
    Install and maintain irrigation systems. Ensure proper water flow and system efficiency. Companies like Sprinkler Pros and Aquatrols offer opportunities in this field.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  3. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $45,759
    Help servers with tasks like setting tables and clearing dishes. Provide excellent customer service. Work in busy restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory or P.F. Chang's.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  4. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $41,578
    Cut and package meat for sale. Ensure quality and safety standards. Opportunities exist at local grocery stores like Vons and Ralphs.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  5. Loader
    Average Salary: $41,129
    Load and unload goods from trucks. Ensure items are handled safely. Work in warehouses for companies like Amazon and FedEx.
    Find Loader jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  6. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $40,611
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in teams to meet orders. Opportunities exist at restaurants like Chipotle and Panera Bread.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  7. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,870
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Ensure a welcoming atmosphere. Work in coffee shops like Starbucks and Peet's Coffee.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  8. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $39,396
    Maintain and beautify outdoor spaces. Plant flowers, trim trees, and mow lawns. Companies like TruGreen and Lawn Doctor offer job opportunities.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  9. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $39,323
    Clean and maintain floors in various settings. Use specialized equipment to ensure cleanliness. Work in offices, hotels, and retail stores.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  10. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $37,739
    Maintain the grounds of properties. Mow lawns, prune trees, and ensure the area is safe. Opportunities exist at schools, parks, and private properties.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Ana, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Santa Ana, CA?

Job seekers in Santa Ana, CA, can find competitive salaries at several top companies. HNTB Corporation leads with an average salary of $159,772, followed by Southern California Edison at $132,166. Psomas, Michael Baker International, and Profit Recovery Partners LLC also offer attractive compensation packages. These companies provide a range of opportunities across various industries. Sargent & Lundy, CyberCoders, and Banc of California offer salaries above $100,000. Foundation Building Materials and T-Mobile also provide good earning potential. Exploring these companies can lead to rewarding career opportunities in Santa Ana.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Ana, CA, highlighting HNTB Corporation with the highest at $159,772 and T-Mobile with the lowest at $98,726.
  1. HNTB Corporation
    Average Salary: $159,772
    HNTB Corporation is a leading design, architecture, engineering, and consulting firm. They work on projects that improve communities and infrastructure.


  2. Southern California Edison
    Average Salary: $132,166
    Southern California Edison is a major utility company. They provide electricity to millions of customers in Southern California.


  3. Psomas
    Average Salary: $129,408
    Psomas is a management consulting firm. They help organizations improve their operations and achieve their goals.


  4. Michael Baker International
    Average Salary: $124,285
    Michael Baker International is an engineering and consulting firm. They work on projects that improve infrastructure and public services.


  5. Profit Recovery Partners LLC
    Average Salary: $116,612
    Profit Recovery Partners LLC specializes in financial recovery services. They help businesses recover lost revenue and improve their financial performance.


  6. Sargent & Lundy
    Average Salary: $111,473
    Sargent & Lundy is an engineering and consulting firm. They focus on energy projects, including power plants and renewable energy.


  7. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $111,338
    CyberCoders is a technology staffing and recruiting firm. They connect tech companies with skilled professionals.


  8. Banc of California
    Average Salary: $107,828
    Banc of California is a commercial bank. They offer a range of financial services, including loans and wealth management.


  9. Foundation Building Materials
    Average Salary: $101,838
    Foundation Building Materials is a wholesale distributor of building products. They serve contractors and builders in the construction industry.


  10. T-Mobile
    Average Salary: $98,726
    T-Mobile is a leading wireless carrier. They provide mobile phone services and internet connectivity to millions of customers.

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

Santa Ana, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index in Santa Ana stands at 130, which is 30% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely driven by housing costs, which are 75% higher than the average. Other categories like groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also show a rise, though not as pronounced.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Ana, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 75% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

Santa Ana, California, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Santa Ana is 175, which is 75% higher than the national average. This means that the cost of renting or buying a home in Santa Ana is significantly higher than in many other parts of the country. People looking for jobs in Santa Ana should be aware that housing costs will take up a larger portion of their budget.


Other expenses in Santa Ana also exceed the national average. For example, groceries cost 15% more, with an index of 115. Utilities are 5% higher at 105, and transportation costs are 20% above average at 120. Healthcare costs are 10% higher, with an index of 110, and miscellaneous expenses are 30% higher at 130. These higher costs mean that job seekers need to consider the overall cost of living when deciding if Santa Ana is the right place for them.

There are 2,367 job openings in Santa Ana, CA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Santa Ana, CA

Discover what it's like to work in Santa Ana, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Santa Ana, CA
2,367 Job Openings