Salaries & Top Paying Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

City

Salary

What is the average salary in Santa Barbara, CA?

The average salary in Santa Barbara, CA is $73,751 per year.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $73,751 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $6,146 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $1,418 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $35 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Santa Barbara, CA, offers a range of salaries across different industries. The average yearly salary in Santa Barbara stands at $73,751, presenting a competitive environment for job seekers. Industries like finance and management pay higher than others, with some positions reaching up to $200,000 annually.

Some of the top-paying sectors in Santa Barbara include:

Finance: $184,891
Management: $169,782
Computer and Mathematical: $154,673
Architecture and Engineering: $139,564
Life, Physical, and Social Science: $124,455

These figures highlight the earning potential in certain fields and can guide job seekers in making informed career choices.

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

The best paying jobs in Santa Barbara, CA, offer competitive salaries and professional growth opportunities. Leading the list is the General Dentist role, with an average salary of $262,474 annually. Other high-paying positions include Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Software Engineers, all providing attractive compensation packages. These jobs provide stability and growth in a vibrant job market. A Nurse Practitioner earns an average of $181,791, while Pharmacists see an average of $153,926. Software Engineers and Technical Project Leads also stand out, with average salaries of $151,707 and $135,598, respectively. These roles not only offer good pay but also have a positive impact on the community.

Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Barbara, CA, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $262,474 and Program Manager with the lowest at $112,380.

General Dentist
Average Salary: $262,474
This role involves examining patients' teeth and gums. Work with local practices and clinics. It's a great way to help others while earning a good income.
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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $181,791
Provide primary care to patients of all ages. Work in hospitals and private clinics. It’s a rewarding job that involves patient care and education.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $153,926
Distribute medications to patients and offer advice on their use. This job involves working in retail and hospital pharmacies. It’s a crucial role for patient safety.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $151,707
Design, develop, and test software systems. Work with tech companies and startups. It’s a creative job with a focus on problem-solving.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $135,598
Manage and oversee technical projects. Coordinate with teams to ensure project completion. This role involves leadership and technical skills.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $129,539
Help individuals with communication and swallowing disorders. Work in hospitals and schools. It’s a rewarding job that makes a difference in people's lives.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $126,874
Provide care for patients and assist doctors. Work in various settings like hospitals and clinics. It’s a vital role in the healthcare system.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $124,249
Help patients regain skills for daily tasks. Work in rehabilitation centers and schools. It’s a fulfilling job that helps others improve their quality of life.
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Counselor
Average Salary: $114,137
Provide support and guidance to individuals. Work in schools, hospitals, and private practices. It’s a job that focuses on helping others through challenging times.
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Program Manager
Average Salary: $112,380
Oversee the planning and execution of programs. Work in various sectors including nonprofit and tech. It’s a leadership role that involves strategic planning.
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What are the best paying jobs in Santa Barbara, CA without a degree?

Santa Barbara offers a range of well-paying job opportunities without the need for a degree. Arborist climbers, who work with trees, can earn around $52,000. Groundskeepers, who maintain outdoor spaces, enjoy a solid salary of about $50,091. Meat cutters, who prepare meat products, earn around $48,739, while housekeeping staff, who clean and organize, make close to $43,822 annually. These jobs provide a strong financial foundation for those seeking employment without a college degree. Also, line cooks in Santa Barbara can expect to earn around $42,279, beauty consultants around $42,116, and service team members about $41,861. Kitchen team members, server assistants, and dishwashers can earn around $41,742, $40,711, and $39,189, respectively. These roles offer good income and contribute to the vibrant local economy, providing stable and rewarding career paths.

Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Barbara, CA without a degree, highlighting Arborist Climber with the highest at $52,000 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $39,189.

Arborist Climber
Average Salary: $52,000
Climb trees and prune branches safely to maintain healthy trees. Work for local tree care services or landscaping companies. Duties involve cutting down branches and ensuring trees remain healthy.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $50,091
Maintain grounds by cutting grass, trimming hedges, and removing weeds. Tasks include mowing lawns and maintaining gardens. Opportunities with parks and private properties are common.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $48,739
Cut, package, and label meat products. Ensure meat meets quality standards. Jobs available at local grocery stores and butcher shops. Duties involve working with sharp knives and following safety guidelines.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $43,822
Clean rooms and common areas in hotels or residential buildings. Tasks include making beds and tidying up guest rooms. Work with hotel chains or apartment management companies. Duties require attention to detail and cleanliness.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $42,279
Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in restaurants or cafes. Duties involve working with heat and following recipes. Ensure dishes are ready on time for customers.
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Beauty Consultant
Average Salary: $42,116
Assist customers in selecting beauty products. Work at local beauty supply stores. Duties involve providing product recommendations and helping customers find the right products. Jobs require knowledge of beauty trends and products.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $41,861
Assist customers at fast-food restaurants. Serve food and take orders. Work in a team to ensure a positive dining experience. Duties involve handling cash and maintaining a clean work area. Opportunities with local chains are available.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $41,742
Help in the kitchen by preparing ingredients and assisting cooks. Work in restaurants or cafes. Duties include washing vegetables and chopping ingredients. Jobs require teamwork and attention to detail.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $40,711
Help servers by setting up tables and serving food. Work in restaurants or cafes. Duties involve interacting with customers and clearing tables. Opportunities with local dining establishments are common.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $39,189
Clean dishes and kitchen utensils. Work in restaurants or hotels. Duties involve washing dishes by hand or in a dishwasher. Jobs require attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Santa Barbara, CA?

Job seekers in Santa Barbara can find well-paying opportunities at several local companies. Dr. Zak Dental Care leads the way with an average salary of $169,713, offering a top compensation package. Other notable employers include AppFolio and CenCal Health, both of which provide competitive salaries over $130,000 on average. Additionally, HEICO, Aya Healthcare, and Ensign Staffing all offer average salaries above $110,000. These companies, along with the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department and the County of Santa Barbara, provide solid earning potential. Cottage Health and Sutter Health also stand out with average salaries exceeding $100,000, making them attractive options for professionals seeking stable and rewarding careers in Santa Barbara.

Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Barbara, CA, highlighting Dr Zak Dental Care with the highest at $169,713 and Sutter Health with the lowest at $102,732.

Dr Zak Dental Care
Average Salary: $169,713
Dr Zak Dental Care offers top-notch dental services. They focus on patient comfort and advanced dental care.
AppFolio
Average Salary: $132,316
AppFolio provides property management software. They aim to improve efficiency for property managers and landlords.
CenCal Health
Average Salary: $131,299
CenCal Health manages health services for low-income residents. They focus on providing quality care and improving health outcomes.
HEICO
Average Salary: $120,233
HEICO manufactures aircraft parts. They focus on innovation and quality in aerospace components.
Aya Healthcare
Average Salary: $112,728
Aya Healthcare specializes in healthcare staffing solutions. They connect healthcare professionals with temporary jobs.
Ensign Staffing
Average Salary: $110,863
Ensign Staffing offers staffing services across various sectors. They focus on matching talent with job opportunities.
City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department
Average Salary: $109,519
The department manages city parks and recreational programs. They work to enhance community well-being through outdoor activities.
County of Santa Barbara
Average Salary: $107,716
The County of Santa Barbara provides various public services. They aim to support the community with efficient government operations.
Cottage Health
Average Salary: $106,900
Cottage Health runs hospitals and medical centers. They focus on delivering exceptional healthcare services to the community.
Sutter Health
Average Salary: $102,732
Sutter Health is a network of medical facilities. They provide comprehensive healthcare services and strive for patient-centered care.

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

Santa Barbara, CA has a high cost of living, with the housing index at 286, which is 186% higher than the national average of 100. This elevated housing cost significantly impacts the overall living expenses in the city. Groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items also show above-average costs, further confirming that Santa Barbara's cost of living is notably higher than the nationwide average.

Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Barbara, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 186% higher, groceries 22% higher, utilities 8% higher, transportation 25% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

Santa Barbara, CA, showcases a cost of living index that exceeds the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing in Santa Barbara is particularly high, with an index of 286. This means housing costs are nearly three times the national average, which is set at 100. For someone considering moving to Santa Barbara, this significant jump in housing costs is an important factor to consider when planning their budget.

Other expenses in Santa Barbara also lean towards the higher side. For instance, groceries have a cost of living index of 122, indicating that food costs are about 22% more than the national average. Transportation costs mirror this trend, with an index of 125, showing a 25% increase. Despite these higher costs, healthcare costs are closer to the average, with an index of 105, only 5% above the national baseline. Utilities, at 108, and miscellaneous expenses, at 130, reflect modest increases of 8% and 30%, respectively, compared to the national average. These figures provide a clear picture for professionals relocating to Santa Barbara, helping them adjust their financial plans accordingly.

Salaries in Santa Barbara, CA

What is the average salary in Santa Barbara, CA?

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

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

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

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

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