Overview Salaries

Salaries in Santa Barbara, CA

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Santa Barbara, CA?

The average salary in Santa Barbara, CA is $70,492 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $70,492 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $5,874 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $1,356 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $34 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Santa Barbara, CA, offers a variety of job opportunities across different industries, leading to competitive salaries. The average yearly salary stands at $70,492, making it an attractive place for job seekers. High-paying sectors in the area include technology, healthcare, and finance.

Here are some key salary ranges based on industry distribution:

  • Technology: 34.26%
  • Healthcare: 20.16%
  • Finance: 10.39%
  • Education: 7.93%
  • Retail: 5.76%
  • Manufacturing: 4.39%
  • Construction: 4.79%
  • Transportation: 3.25%
  • Government: 1.78%
  • Other: 1.25%
  • Utilities: 1.04%
Santa Barbara's diverse economy provides ample job options with the potential for strong earnings.

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

Santa Barbara, CA offers a variety of top-paying jobs across different sectors. General Dentists, with an average salary of nearly $292,000, lead the way. Nurses and healthcare practitioners, such as Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses, also enjoy good salaries. Software Engineers, Technical Project Leads, and Program Managers make up the tech sector, with average salaries ranging from $120,000 to $144,000. These roles demand strong technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Pharmacists and Speech Language Pathologists also find lucrative opportunities in Santa Barbara. These jobs not only pay well but also offer rewarding career paths.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Barbara, CA, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $291,992 and Occupational Therapist with the lowest at $120,390.

  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $291,992
    This role involves examining patients' teeth and gums. Dentists use tools to clean teeth and fix problems. They often work in dental clinics.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $176,022
    This position includes diagnosing and treating health issues. Nurse practitioners work closely with doctors and patients. They often provide care in hospitals and clinics.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $153,157
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions for patients. They explain how to use medications. They work in pharmacies and some hospitals.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  4. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $143,882
    This job involves designing and creating computer software. Engineers work with teams to develop programs. Companies often hire them for tech firms.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  5. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $138,145
    This role includes cleaning patients' teeth. Hygienists use special tools to remove plaque. They often work in dental offices alongside dentists.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  6. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $128,686
    This position involves planning and overseeing projects. Managers coordinate teams to meet goals. They often work in tech companies and non-profits.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  7. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $124,429
    This job focuses on helping patients with speech and language problems. Therapists use exercises to improve communication. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  8. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $122,109
    This role involves managing tech projects. Leads oversee teams and ensure projects are completed on time. They work in tech companies and consultancies.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  9. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $121,590
    This position includes caring for patients. Nurses administer medications and monitor health. They often work in hospitals and clinics.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  10. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $120,390
    This role helps patients recover from injuries or illnesses. Therapists use exercises to improve movement and daily tasks. They work in hospitals, schools, and rehab centers.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

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

Santa Barbara, CA, offers a range of high-paying job opportunities that do not require a college degree. Among these, restaurant managers earn the highest average salary at around $64,411. This role involves overseeing daily operations and ensuring a smooth dining experience for customers. Other well-paid positions include arborist climbers, who earn about $52,000, and meat cutters, with an average salary of $47,586. These jobs provide the chance to earn a good living while gaining valuable skills in a specific trade. Opportunities in landscaping, groundskeeping, and hospitality also offer competitive pay and the potential for career growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Barbara, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $64,411 and Kitchen Team Member with the lowest at $39,668.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $64,411
    Lead the daily operations of a restaurant, oversee staff, manage inventory, and ensure customer satisfaction. This role suits those with strong leadership and people skills. Popular employers include local eateries and fine dining establishments.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  2. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $52,000
    Prune, trim, and remove trees and branches. Ensure tree health and safety. Work with landscape companies and arborist firms. Requires physical fitness and knowledge of tree care.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  3. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $47,586
    Slice and portion meats for retail sale. Work in grocery stores or butcher shops. This position is ideal for those who enjoy handling fresh products. Local supermarkets and specialty butchers provide opportunities.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  4. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $45,696
    Maintain the grounds of properties, including lawns, gardens, and outdoor areas. This role involves gardening and landscaping tasks. Opportunities exist with landscape maintenance companies and large estates.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $42,957
    Clean and maintain rooms and public areas in hotels, offices, and residential properties. This job requires attention to detail and cleanliness. Work with hotel chains, office buildings, and residential facilities.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  6. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,746
    Serve customers in various establishments like restaurants and cafes. Handle orders, take payments, and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Common employers include cafes, restaurants, and fast-food chains.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  7. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,094
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen setting. Work in restaurants and food service businesses. This position suits those who enjoy cooking and working in a team environment.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  8. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $41,017
    Provide beauty advice and sell beauty products. Work in retail stores and beauty salons. This role is for those who enjoy beauty and skincare and have strong customer service skills.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  9. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $40,478
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. This includes planting, mowing, and garden maintenance. Opportunities exist with landscape design firms and residential properties.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  10. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,668
    Assist in food preparation and kitchen tasks. Work in restaurants and catering companies. This role is for those who enjoy cooking and working in a kitchen environment.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

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

Dr. Zak Dental Care stands out as the highest-paying company in Santa Barbara, offering an impressive average salary of $181,123. Job seekers can also find competitive compensation at companies like Umbra and Amazon.com, which offer average salaries of $136,931 and $135,668, respectively. Other notable companies in Santa Barbara include Edwards Construction Group, AppFolio, and CenCal Health, all of which provide attractive average salaries ranging from $129,391 to $117,873. Additionally, Aya Healthcare, the City of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College, and Cottage Health offer solid average salaries, making Santa Barbara a promising area for job seekers looking for good pay.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Barbara, CA, highlighting Dr. Zak Dental Care with the highest at $181,123 and Cottage Health with the lowest at $101,137.

  1. Dr. Zak Dental Care
    Average Salary: $181,123
    Dr. Zak Dental Care provides top-notch dental services. They value their staff and offer competitive salaries.


  2. Umbra
    Average Salary: $136,931
    Umbra designs and sells stylish home furnishings. They support their employees with attractive compensation.


  3. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $135,668
    Amazon is a global e-commerce giant. They offer a variety of jobs with good pay and benefits.


  4. Edwards Construction Group
    Average Salary: $129,391
    Edwards Construction Group builds quality residential and commercial projects. They value their workers, providing solid salaries.


  5. AppFolio
    Average Salary: $124,940
    AppFolio provides software solutions for the property management industry. They offer competitive salaries to their team.


  6. CenCal Health
    Average Salary: $117,873
    CenCal Health manages Medi-Cal services for Santa Barbara County residents. They offer stable jobs with good pay.


  7. Aya Healthcare
    Average Salary: $111,659
    Aya Healthcare connects healthcare professionals with temporary jobs. They offer attractive compensation packages.


  8. CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
    Average Salary: $102,740
    The City of Santa Barbara provides various services to the community. They offer good salaries and benefits to their employees.


  9. Santa Barbara City College
    Average Salary: $102,136
    Santa Barbara City College offers higher education opportunities. They support their staff with competitive compensation.


  10. Cottage Health
    Average Salary: $101,137
    Cottage Health operates hospitals and healthcare facilities. They value their employees, providing good salaries.

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

Santa Barbara, CA, shows a notably higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with the housing index standing at 202. This indicates that housing costs in Santa Barbara are more than double the national average of 100. The overall cost of living in Santa Barbara also surpasses the average, with significant variations across different categories. Groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses also exceed the national average, although not as dramatically as housing.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Barbara, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 102% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 12% higher, transportation 7% higher, healthcare 2% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

Santa Barbara, California, features a cost of living index that generally exceeds the national average. Housing costs are notably high, standing at 202. This means housing expenses in Santa Barbara are 102% higher than the national average. Such elevated housing prices significantly influence the overall cost of living in the area.


Santa Barbara also shows higher expenses in other areas compared to the national average. Groceries cost 15% more, with an index of 115. Utilities are 12% higher, at 112. Transportation costs are slightly above average, at 7% higher, with an index of 107. Healthcare expenses are nearly at the national average, at just 2% higher, with an index of 102. Miscellaneous costs are 20% higher, at 120. These statistics highlight that while some costs are relatively close to the national average, others are substantially higher, making Santa Barbara a more expensive place to live overall.

There are 853 job openings in Santa Barbara, CA, today!

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Santa Barbara, CA
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