Salaries in Santa Ana, CA
What is the average salary in Santa Ana, CA?
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
What are the best paying jobs in Santa Ana, CA?

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

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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.
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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.
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Psomas
Average Salary: $129,408
Psomas is a management consulting firm. They help organizations improve their operations and achieve their goals.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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CyberCoders
Average Salary: $111,338
CyberCoders is a technology staffing and recruiting firm. They connect tech companies with skilled professionals.
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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.
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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.
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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, 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.