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What is the average salary in Santa Ana, CA?

The average salary in Santa Ana, CA is $65,359 per year.

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.

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

In Santa Ana, CA, several top-paying jobs offer excellent opportunities for career growth and financial stability. Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants lead the pack, with average salaries exceeding $150,000. Other high-earning roles include Controller, Software Engineer, and Attorney, all offering competitive compensation packages. Controllers manage a company's finances, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Software Engineers design and develop software applications, which is a growing field in tech-focused areas like Santa Ana. Attorneys provide legal services and advocacy, with specialized fields often commanding even higher salaries. Additionally, roles such as Technical Project Lead, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Superintendent also provide good earning potential. These positions benefit from the city's diverse economy and job market.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Ana, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $155,682 and Speech Language Pathologist with the lowest at $112,775.
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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?

Santa Ana, CA offers many high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Restaurant managers earn over $52,000 a year, and server assistants make close to $50,500. These roles offer good income and opportunities to learn and grow in the hospitality sector. Other top-paying jobs include irrigation technician, with an average salary of $48,432, and line cooks, who earn about $43,296 annually. Beauty consultants, loaders, floor techs, baristas, housekeepers, and groundskeepers also provide solid incomes. These positions often require skills and experience rather than formal education.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Ana, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $52,113 and Groundskeeper with the lowest at $40,769.
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  4. 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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  5. 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.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  6. 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.
    Find Loader jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Santa Ana, CA


  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Ana, CA

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

Santa Ana, CA, hosts several companies that offer competitive salaries, making it an attractive place for job seekers. Leading the pack, HNTB Corporation stands out with an average salary of $161,759, providing top-tier remuneration. Close behind, Profit Recovery Partners LLC offers an average salary of $125,107, showcasing the high earning potential in the region. Additionally, CyberCoders and Sargent & Lundy also provide robust salaries, averaging $122,382 and $119,889, respectively. Other notable employers like Providence, First American, and Foundation Building Materials also pay well, with averages ranging from $115,950 to $107,578. These opportunities reflect Santa Ana's strong job market, offering a mix of industries and salary levels.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Ana, CA, highlighting HNTB Corporation with the highest at $161,759 and Rancho Santiago Community College District with the lowest at $100,395.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $122,382
    CyberCoders helps tech companies find talent. They focus on IT, software development, and cybersecurity jobs.


  4. Sargent & Lundy
    Average Salary: $119,889
    Sargent & Lundy works in engineering and construction. They handle projects for energy, infrastructure, and buildings.


  5. Providence
    Average Salary: $119,485
    Providence is a healthcare provider. They offer many jobs in hospitals, clinics, and health services.


  6. First American
    Average Salary: $115,950
    First American provides services related to real estate, title insurance, and financial services.


  7. Foundation Building Materials
    Average Salary: $107,578
    Foundation Building Materials sells building supplies. They serve contractors, builders, and remodelers.


  8. 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.


  9. Banc of California
    Average Salary: $104,091
    Banc of California is a bank. They offer jobs in banking, finance, and financial services.


  10. 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, CA, stands out for its relatively high cost of living, significantly exceeding the nationwide average across various metrics. Housing costs are particularly notable, with an index of 172, indicating a 72% increase over the national average. Other essential expenses such as groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods also show elevated costs, reflecting the higher living expenses in Santa Ana.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Ana, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 72% higher, groceries 6% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 16% higher, healthcare 14% higher, miscellaneous 9% higher.

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.

There are 1,276 job openings in Santa Ana, CA, today!

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

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Santa Ana, CA
1,276 Job Openings