What is the average salary in Santa Ana, CA?
In Santa Ana, CA, job seekers can expect a range of salaries across different industries. The average yearly salary stands at approximately $65,359, offering a decent baseline for those exploring opportunities in this vibrant city. Salaries tend to vary based on the industry, with certain sectors providing higher earnings compared to others.
The distribution of salaries shows a mix, with some industries offering more lucrative positions. For instance, professionals in the top-paying sectors can earn up to $180,000 per year. This range provides various opportunities for individuals to find roles that match their skill set and career goals. Santa Ana's diverse economy supports a wide array of jobs, ensuring there are options for different levels of expertise and experience.
What are the best paying jobs in Santa Ana, CA?

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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $155,682
Working with various healthcare providers, nurse practitioners assess patients, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe treatments. They often collaborate with physicians and specialists. In Santa Ana, this role is vital in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals and clinics.
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Physician Assistant
Average Salary: $147,914
Physician assistants (PAs) provide healthcare services, diagnose and treat illnesses, and prescribe medication. They work closely with doctors and surgeons. In Santa Ana, PAs play a key role in primary care and specialized medical practices, improving access to healthcare.
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Controller
Average Salary: $128,959
Controllers oversee financial operations, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with regulations. They prepare financial reports and analyze financial data. In Santa Ana, controllers work in various industries, ensuring financial stability and growth for their organizations.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $127,589
Software engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They work with programming languages and collaborate with teams. In Santa Ana, software engineers contribute to tech companies and startups, creating innovative software solutions.
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Attorney
Average Salary: $121,561
Attorneys provide legal advice, represent clients in court, and draft legal documents. They specialize in various areas of law. In Santa Ana, attorneys serve a range of clients, from individuals to businesses, ensuring their legal rights are protected.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $119,183
Occupational therapists help patients develop, recover, and improve daily living skills. They work with individuals of all ages. In Santa Ana, occupational therapists work in rehabilitation centers, schools, and healthcare facilities, enhancing patient quality of life.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $115,136
Technical project leads manage and oversee technical projects, coordinating teams and ensuring timely completion. They need strong leadership and technical skills. In Santa Ana, these professionals work in tech companies, guiding projects from start to finish.
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Average Salary: $114,223
These therapists help individuals, couples, and families improve relationships and mental health. They provide counseling and therapy. In Santa Ana, licensed therapists work in private practices and clinics, supporting community well-being.
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Superintendent
Average Salary: $112,942
Superintendents manage public school districts, overseeing staff, budgets, and educational programs. They ensure compliance with educational standards. In Santa Ana, superintendents work closely with schools and the community to enhance education.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $112,775
Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders. They work with patients of all ages. In Santa Ana, these professionals serve in schools, hospitals, and private practices, helping patients improve their communication skills.
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What are the best paying jobs in Santa Ana, CA without a degree?

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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $52,113
Manage daily operations and staff in top local restaurants. Oversee food quality and customer service. Work with renowned establishments, ensuring smooth service and high standards.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $50,451
Help servers with table settings and serving guests. Provide excellent customer service. Work in upscale dining spots, gaining valuable experience in the hospitality industry.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $48,432
Install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems. Ensure proper water flow for landscapes. Collaborate with landscaping companies to keep properties green and beautiful.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $43,296
Prepare ingredients and cook food quickly and efficiently. Work in busy kitchens, handling multiple tasks. Gain skills in fast-paced environments, ideal for culinary careers.
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Beauty Consultant
Average Salary: $42,932
Advise customers on beauty products and services. Suggest personalized beauty solutions. Work with popular beauty brands, helping clients enhance their appearance.
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Loader
Average Salary: $42,211
Load and unload materials at warehouses and shipping facilities. Ensure items are handled safely. Work with logistics companies, contributing to efficient supply chains.
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Floor Tech
Average Salary: $42,022
Maintain cleanliness and safety of floors in various settings. Use cleaning equipment to remove dirt and stains. Work in retail stores, offices, and public spaces.
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Barista
Average Salary: $41,168
Prepare and serve coffee drinks to customers. Create specialty beverages and ensure high-quality service. Work in local cafes, building skills in customer service.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $41,089
Clean and maintain guest rooms in hotels. Ensure a comfortable and welcoming environment. Work with hospitality companies, providing essential services to guests.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $40,769
Maintain outdoor spaces by mowing, trimming, and planting. Ensure landscapes are well-kept and safe. Work with residential and commercial properties, keeping them in prime condition.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Santa Ana, CA?

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HNTB Corporation
Average Salary: $161,759
HNTB Corporation offers jobs in civil engineering, architecture, and more. They work on projects like highways, bridges, and airports.
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Profit Recovery Partners LLC
Average Salary: $125,107
Profit Recovery Partners LLC helps businesses get money owed to them. They focus on collections and financial recovery.
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CyberCoders
Average Salary: $122,382
CyberCoders helps tech companies find talent. They focus on IT, software development, and cybersecurity jobs.
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Sargent & Lundy
Average Salary: $119,889
Sargent & Lundy works in engineering and construction. They handle projects for energy, infrastructure, and buildings.
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Providence
Average Salary: $119,485
Providence is a healthcare provider. They offer many jobs in hospitals, clinics, and health services.
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First American
Average Salary: $115,950
First American provides services related to real estate, title insurance, and financial services.
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Foundation Building Materials
Average Salary: $107,578
Foundation Building Materials sells building supplies. They serve contractors, builders, and remodelers.
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T-Mobile
Average Salary: $106,523
T-Mobile offers wireless phone and internet services. They have many jobs in customer service, sales, and tech support.
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Banc of California
Average Salary: $104,091
Banc of California is a bank. They offer jobs in banking, finance, and financial services.
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Rancho Santiago Community College District
Average Salary: $100,395
Rancho Santiago Community College District provides education. They offer many teaching and administrative jobs.
How does the cost of living in Santa Ana, CA compare to the national average?

Santa Ana, California, shows a cost of living that stands significantly above the nationwide average. The housing index in Santa Ana is 172, which means it costs almost twice as much as the national average. This high cost is a major factor for many job seekers considering a move to the area. Groceries in Santa Ana also cost more, with an index of 106, reflecting a 6% increase compared to the average.
Utilities in Santa Ana have an index of 105, which is only 5% above the national average, making them relatively affordable. Transportation costs are also higher, with an index of 116, meaning expenses are 16% more than the average. Healthcare costs are 14% higher, with an index of 114, adding another consideration for potential residents. Miscellaneous expenses, with an index of 109, are slightly above the national average by 9%. These factors combined show that while Santa Ana offers many benefits, it requires a higher budget to maintain a similar lifestyle as in other parts of the country.



