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What is the average salary in Santa Barbara, CA?

The average salary in Santa Barbara, CA is $72,441 per year.

Job seekers in Santa Barbara, CA, have many opportunities. The area offers a range of salaries across different jobs. On average, people earn around $72,441 each year. This figure can change based on the type of work and experience. Salaries in Santa Barbara range from $33,800 to $195,450 yearly. Understanding these numbers helps job seekers set realistic goals and expectations.


The top jobs with higher salaries in Santa Barbara include roles in management, finance, and healthcare. These jobs often require more education or experience. For example, people in management roles can earn up to $166,059 per year. Other well-paid jobs are in IT, engineering, and law. Knowing which jobs pay well can guide job seekers in choosing the right career path. This knowledge helps them focus on jobs that match their skills and goals.

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

Santa Barbara, CA, offers high-paying job opportunities for professionals across various fields. Among the top-paying jobs are General Dentist, Nurse Practitioner, and Pharmacist. These roles demand specialized skills and education, ensuring competitive salaries. Additionally, careers in technology, such as Software Engineer and Technical Project Lead, provide lucrative opportunities. Other high-paying positions include Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, and Registered Nurse. These jobs not only offer financial rewards but also provide job satisfaction and stability. Job seekers will find a range of career paths in Santa Barbara with promising earnings and professional growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Barbara, CA, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $283,371 and Counselor with the lowest at $113,912.
  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $283,371
    Practices in local dental clinics and private practices. Provides oral health services. Works with dental assistants and hygienists.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $183,123
    Works in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Diagnoses and treats health conditions. Often collaborates with physicians and specialists.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $156,597
    Works in community and retail pharmacies. Fills prescriptions and advises on medication use. Often collaborates with doctors and patients.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  4. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $147,189
    Designs and develops software applications. Works with tech companies in the region. Often involved in coding and software testing.
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  5. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $128,278
    Manages tech projects in the region. Oversees development teams and ensures project timelines are met. Works closely with stakeholders and developers.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  6. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $127,391
    Works in healthcare settings to treat communication disorders. Often collaborates with audiologists and educators. Provides therapy and support.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  7. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $124,029
    Helps patients recover from injuries or disabilities. Works in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Provides personalized treatment plans.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  8. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $123,745
    Provides patient care in hospitals and clinics. Administers treatments and monitors patients. Often works in collaboration with doctors and other healthcare providers.
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  9. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $115,372
    Manages programs in various sectors such as tech, healthcare, and education. Oversees project execution and team coordination. Works to meet organizational goals.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  10. Counselor
    Average Salary: $113,912
    Works in schools, hospitals, and private practices. Provides guidance and support to individuals and groups. Often helps with personal and emotional issues.
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What are the best paying jobs in Santa Barbara, CA without a degree?

Job seekers in Santa Barbara, CA, can explore well-paying roles that don’t require a college degree. Many positions offer competitive salaries while allowing for growth and experience. For instance, restaurant managers earn an average of $64,929 annually, offering strong earning potential. Arborist climbers, groundskeepers, and meat cutters also provide substantial pay, averaging around $52,000, $49,450, and $48,786, respectively. These jobs typically demand practical skills and hands-on experience rather than formal education. They present excellent opportunities for those eager to enter the workforce with good pay and less training time. Such roles offer reliable income and the chance to gain valuable industry experience. With dedication, workers can advance within these fields, potentially increasing their earnings over time.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Barbara, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $64,929 and Arborist Climber with the lowest at $52,000.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $64,929
    Managing a restaurant involves overseeing daily operations. Tasks include supervising staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining inventory. Key employers include local dining establishments and fine-dining restaurants.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  2. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $52,000
    Professionals in this field trim and prune trees. They use climbing gear and safety equipment. This work is crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of trees. Companies often include arboriculture services and landscaping firms.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

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

Companies in Santa Barbara, CA, offer competitive salaries for many job seekers. Dr. Zak Dental Care leads with an average salary of $173,669. Umbra follows closely with an average salary of $140,666. These figures highlight the strong earning potential available in the area. A number of other companies also provide attractive salaries. AppFolio, CenCal Health, and Heico offer average salaries above $120,000. Aya Healthcare and Cottage Health provide average salaries above $100,000. The City of Santa Barbara, County of Santa Barbara, and Sutter Health also offer strong compensation packages. Job seekers in Santa Barbara can find excellent earning opportunities with these companies.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Barbara, CA, highlighting Dr. Zak Dental Care with the highest at $173,669 and Sutter Health with the lowest at $102,853.
  1. Dr. Zak Dental Care
    Average Salary: $173,669
    Dr. Zak Dental Care is a leading dental care provider known for excellent patient service and advanced dental technology.


  2. Umbra
    Average Salary: $140,666
    Umbra is a company that designs and manufactures lighting products. They focus on creating high-quality, stylish lighting fixtures.


  3. AppFolio
    Average Salary: $130,945
    AppFolio specializes in software solutions for property management. They offer user-friendly tools to manage residential and commercial properties.


  4. CenCal Health
    Average Salary: $127,875
    CenCal Health provides health care services and support to Medi-Cal members. They focus on delivering quality care to the community.


  5. Heico
    Average Salary: $121,695
    Heico is a global aerospace and defense company. They are known for manufacturing high-quality components and assemblies.


  6. Aya Healthcare
    Average Salary: $110,600
    Aya Healthcare offers travel nursing, therapy, and allied healthcare jobs. They connect medical professionals with temporary assignments across the country.


  7. Cottage Health
    Average Salary: $106,008
    Cottage Health is a nonprofit network of health care providers. They focus on delivering quality care to patients in Santa Barbara.


  8. CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
    Average Salary: $105,449
    The City of Santa Barbara offers a variety of jobs in different fields, from administrative roles to public works. They aim to serve and enhance the community.


  9. County of Santa Barbara
    Average Salary: $104,879
    The County of Santa Barbara provides a wide range of services, including public safety, health, and community development. They seek to improve the quality of life for residents.


  10. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $102,853
    Sutter Health is a healthcare network serving Northern California. They offer a variety of services, from primary care to specialized medical care.

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

The cost of living in Santa Barbara, CA, significantly exceeds the nationwide average by 20%. Housing costs alone are 105% higher than the national average, making this area particularly expensive for prospective residents. Groceries and utilities are also above average, at 20% and 5% higher, respectively. While transportation and healthcare costs remain close to the national average, miscellaneous expenses are 15% higher. This data suggests that individuals must consider these elevated costs when planning to relocate to Santa Barbara.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Barbara, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 105% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 15% higher.

The cost of living in Santa Barbara, California, surpasses the national average, presenting a unique economic landscape for residents and job seekers. Housing costs stand notably higher, with an index of 205 compared to the national average of 100. This means housing expenses are 105% greater than the average, reflecting Santa Barbara's premium living environment and competitive real estate market. Groceries also show an elevated cost, with an index of 120, indicating a 20% increase over the national average.


Utilities in Santa Barbara are slightly above the nationwide average, with an index of 105, suggesting a 5% higher expense. Transportation costs mirror the national average, while healthcare expenses are slightly below at 95, reflecting a 5% savings. Miscellaneous costs, including entertainment and personal care, have an index of 115, showing an additional 15% cost compared to the national average. Overall, these figures highlight the varying expenses that residents might face in Santa Barbara, offering insights for those considering relocation or a career move to the area.

There are 798 job openings in Santa Barbara, CA, today!

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City
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Santa Barbara, CA
798 Job Openings