What is the average salary in Santa Ana, CA?
Santa Ana, California, offers a range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary for jobs in Santa Ana is around $65,523. This makes it a great place for job seekers to find a good balance between cost of living and income. The distribution of salaries shows that most people earn between $33,800 and $180,000.
The most common salary range falls between $33,800 and $47,091, which covers about 39.11% of the workforce. This suggests many people work in entry-level or mid-level positions. Higher-paying jobs are also available, with about 19.20% of workers earning between $47,091 and $60,382. For those seeking the top jobs, salaries over $140,000 make up around 1.49% of the workforce, indicating a smaller but significant number of high earners.
What are the best paying jobs in Santa Ana, CA?

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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $157,203
The role involves working in healthcare settings, providing primary and specialty care. It's crucial for patient health and often works in hospitals and clinics. Many opportunities exist with large healthcare providers in the area.
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Physician Assistant
Average Salary: $151,198
Working alongside doctors, this position handles patient care and medical procedures. These roles are vital in various medical facilities. They are needed in busy medical centers, ensuring efficient patient care.
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Controller
Average Salary: $128,974
This role manages financial operations and ensures company compliance. Controllers work in corporate offices and need to be detail-oriented. They play a key part in financial management for many businesses.
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Regional Manager
Average Salary: $126,457
Regional managers oversee business operations in a specific area. They coordinate with local teams to meet company goals. This position is crucial for companies with a strong local presence.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $126,452
Creating and maintaining software applications is a key task. Engineers often work in tech companies and on development teams. This role is vital for companies needing new or improved software solutions.
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Attorney
Average Salary: $120,259
Attorneys provide legal advice and represent clients in court. They work in law firms or corporate legal departments. This role is essential for providing legal support and representation.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $119,462
Helping patients regain skills for daily tasks is a core duty. Therapists work in rehabilitation centers and clinics. They help individuals recover and improve their quality of life.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $116,983
Leading technical projects and managing teams is crucial. This role involves coordinating efforts to meet project goals. Many tech companies need these leaders to drive innovation and development.
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Average Salary: $116,353
Therapists provide counseling for individuals and families. They work in private practices and mental health clinics. Their role is essential for supporting family dynamics and personal growth.
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Superintendent
Average Salary: $115,219
Overseeing construction projects and managing teams is key. Superintendents work on construction sites and ensure projects run smoothly. This role is vital for large-scale building and infrastructure projects.
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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: $56,781
Manage day-to-day operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, ensure high customer service, and keep the kitchen running smoothly. Work in top establishments like The Orange County Register building and local eateries.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $52,264
Support servers in busy dining areas. Take orders, serve food, and ensure customers have a great experience. Gain valuable experience in places like high-end cafes and family restaurants.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $49,350
Install, repair, and maintain irrigation systems. Work on landscaping projects for businesses and homes. Collaborate with companies specializing in water conservation.
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Beauty Consultant
Average Salary: $42,932
Help clients choose the right beauty products. Provide skincare and makeup advice in retail settings. Work with brands available at department stores and specialty shops.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $42,838
Prepare ingredients and cook meals quickly and efficiently. Work in a fast-paced environment. Gain experience in various types of restaurants, including local diners and cafes.
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Loader
Average Salary: $42,225
Load and unload materials from vehicles. Work in warehouses and shipping areas. Support logistics operations in a busy environment.
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Floor Tech
Average Salary: $42,042
Maintain cleanliness and order in retail stores. Stock shelves, clean floors, and assist customers. Work with stores like department stores and grocery chains.
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Barista
Average Salary: $41,029
Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Gain customer service skills. Work in local coffee shops and cafes, learning the art of coffee making.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $40,721
Cut and package meat products. Work in grocery stores and butcher shops. Ensure quality and freshness in all cuts.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $40,568
Assist in kitchen duties. Prepare food, wash dishes, and support chefs. Work in busy environments, learning various cooking techniques and kitchen management.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Santa Ana, CA?

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HNTB Corporation
Average Salary: $160,616
HNTB Corporation provides engineering and architecture services. They work on many large projects and offer competitive salaries.
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Profit Recovery Partners LLC
Average Salary: $125,007
Profit Recovery Partners LLC offers financial services. They specialize in recovering lost profits for businesses.
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Sargent & Lundy
Average Salary: $121,608
Sargent & Lundy is an engineering and architecture firm. They work on power plants and other large projects.
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Providence
Average Salary: $120,836
Providence is a healthcare company. They offer many job opportunities in hospitals and clinics.
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First American
Average Salary: $117,694
First American is a title insurance and financial services company. They help people with real estate transactions.
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T-Mobile
Average Salary: $107,495
T-Mobile is a telecommunications company. They offer wireless services and have many job opportunities.
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Foundation Building Materials
Average Salary: $106,244
Foundation Building Materials sells construction materials. They have many jobs in sales and distribution.
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Rancho Santiago Community College District
Average Salary: $104,387
Rancho Santiago Community College District is an educational institution. They offer many jobs in teaching and administration.
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Banc of California
Average Salary: $102,729
Banc of California is a bank. They offer jobs in finance, banking, and customer service.
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Superior Court of Orange County
Average Salary: $101,088
Superior Court of Orange County is a judicial organization. They offer jobs in law and administration.
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, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Santa Ana are notably higher, standing at 95% more than the national average. This makes finding affordable housing a significant challenge for many residents. Groceries in Santa Ana cost 7% more than the average, and utilities are 15% higher. Transportation costs are also 20% above the national average, reflecting the expenses related to commuting in the area.
Healthcare costs in Santa Ana are about 10% higher than the national average, while miscellaneous expenses are 25% more expensive. The overall higher costs of living in Santa Ana make it important for job seekers to consider these factors when planning to relocate or working within the area. Understanding these differences helps individuals make informed decisions about their finances and lifestyle choices.



