Overview Salaries

Salaries in Santa Barbara, CA

Updated on Aug 21, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Santa Barbara, CA?

The average salary in Santa Barbara, CA is $72,475 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $72,475 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $6,040 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $1,394 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 competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary in the area stands at $72,475, providing a solid income for most professionals. This figure reflects the cost of living and the quality of life in this coastal city.


The salary distribution across different sectors varies. The highest-paid positions include Management, which pays an average of $195,450 per year. This is followed by Business and Financial Operations, with salaries around $180,755 annually. Other notable high-paying industries are Computer and Mathematical, Professional and Scientific, and Healthcare, each offering over $100,000 per year. Lower-paying sectors include Food Preparation and Serving, Construction, and Installation, which pay between $33,800 and $48,495 annually.

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

Santa Barbara offers many top-paying jobs for professionals in various fields. Dentists and nurse practitioners earn among the highest salaries in the area. Pharmacists, software engineers, and technical project leads also enjoy competitive pay. These positions provide excellent opportunities for those with the right skills and experience. Speech language pathologists, registered nurses, and occupational therapists find good compensation in Santa Barbara. Counselors and program managers also earn solid salaries, making this area attractive for many career paths.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Barbara, CA, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $279,911 and Program Manager with the lowest at $112,701.

  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $279,911
    Care for patients’ teeth and gums. Diagnose and treat oral health issues. Practices range from small local clinics to large dental institutions.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $187,022
    Provide primary and specialty care to patients. Work in various settings such as clinics and hospitals. Deliver comprehensive care for a range of conditions.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $155,291
    Fill prescriptions and advise patients on medication use. Work in pharmacies or healthcare facilities. Ensure patients receive the correct medications and dosages.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  4. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $146,735
    Develop, test, and maintain software applications. Work in tech companies or IT departments. Focus on creating solutions that meet user needs.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  5. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $129,543
    Oversee technical projects from start to finish. Coordinate teams and manage resources. Ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  6. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $127,929
    Help individuals with communication and swallowing disorders. Work in clinics, schools, or rehabilitation centers. Improve patients’ ability to communicate effectively.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  7. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $124,334
    Provide direct patient care and support. Work in hospitals, clinics, or home health settings. Monitor patients’ conditions and administer treatments.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  8. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $124,072
    Help people regain independence in daily activities. Work with patients of all ages. Focus on improving their ability to perform tasks and improve quality of life.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  9. Counselor
    Average Salary: $114,868
    Provide mental health support to individuals. Work in private practice, schools, or community centers. Help clients overcome challenges and achieve personal goals.
    Find Counselor jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  10. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $112,701
    Plan and execute programs to meet organizational goals. Oversee project timelines and budgets. Coordinate with teams to ensure successful program delivery.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

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

Job seekers in Santa Barbara, CA, can find well-paying positions without needing a college degree. Roles such as restaurant manager and arborist climber offer strong earnings. Positions like groundskeeper, meat cutter, and various food service roles provide competitive wages as well. These high-paying jobs offer stability and opportunity for those without a degree. Santa Barbara's diverse economy supports a range of positions, from overseeing a restaurant to working directly in food preparation and maintenance. These roles demand skills and dedication, providing good incomes and the potential for growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Barbara, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $66,956 and Beauty Consultant with the lowest at $41,446.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $66,956
    Oversee operations and staff in a busy dining establishment. Train and motivate employees. Manage inventory and ensure quality service. Companies such as The Hitching Post and Baccano feature dynamic environments.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  2. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $52,000
    Prune, trim, and remove trees and branches. Use climbing gear and safety equipment. Ensure trees are healthy and safe. Local firms like Santa Barbara Tree Care offer rewarding career paths.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $49,956
    Maintain lawns, gardens, and parks. Mow, weed, and prune plants. Clean and repair tools. Companies like Landscapes by Design need reliable and skilled groundskeepers.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  4. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $48,841
    Cut and package meat for retail. Ensure products meet quality standards. Operate machinery safely. Work in stores such as Whole Foods Market and local butcher shops.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  5. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $44,485
    Prepare and serve food in a fast-paced setting. Clean and maintain work areas. Assist cooks and kitchen staff. Opportunities exist at restaurants like The Lark and The Habit Burger Grill.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $43,552
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or private homes. Change linens and tidy spaces. Follow safety protocols. Consider positions at hotels like The Ritz-Carlton and local inns.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  7. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,961
    Provide excellent customer service in a retail setting. Assist customers and handle returns. Maintain stock levels. Work at stores such as Target and Walmart.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  8. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,871
    Help prepare and cook food. Wash dishes and clean the kitchen. Follow recipes and food safety guidelines. Opportunities at places like In-N-Out Burger and local cafes.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  9. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,834
    Cook large batches of food. Work under pressure and maintain food quality. Follow kitchen safety rules. Positions are available in fast-paced environments at restaurants like The French Laundry and local eateries.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  10. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $41,446
    Help customers find the right beauty products. Provide skincare and makeup advice. Work in stores like Ulta Beauty and Sephora. Offer personalized consultations and product recommendations.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

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

Job seekers in Santa Barbara, CA, will find that several companies offer competitive salaries. Dr. Zak Dental Care stands out with the highest average salary of $171,788. Following closely are Umbra and AppFolio, with average salaries of $141,588 and $131,121, respectively. Other notable employers include CenCal Health, Aya Healthcare, and CITY OF SANTA BARBARA, each providing salaries above $100,000 on average. These companies offer attractive compensation packages, making them excellent options for professionals seeking higher pay in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Barbara, CA, highlighting Dr. Zak Dental Care with the highest at $171,788 and Santa Barbara City College with the lowest at $99,952.

  1. Dr. Zak Dental Care
    Average Salary: $171,788
    Dr. Zak Dental Care is a leading dental practice in Santa Barbara, offering a range of dental services. They are known for their commitment to high-quality patient care and a skilled team.


  2. Umbra
    Average Salary: $141,588
    Umbra provides lighting and furniture solutions for modern homes and offices. They are recognized for their innovative designs and commitment to quality.


  3. AppFolio
    Average Salary: $131,121
    AppFolio offers real estate and property management software. They aim to simplify operations for property managers and owners through advanced technology.


  4. CenCal Health
    Average Salary: $127,257
    CenCal Health is a health plan serving Santa Barbara County. They focus on providing quality healthcare services to improve community health.


  5. Aya Healthcare
    Average Salary: $111,185
    Aya Healthcare specializes in healthcare staffing solutions. They connect healthcare professionals with job opportunities across the country.


  6. CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
    Average Salary: $106,864
    The City of Santa Barbara manages municipal services. They are committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents through various public services.


  7. Cottage Health
    Average Salary: $106,471
    Cottage Health is a leading provider of healthcare services in the region. They are dedicated to patient care and medical excellence.


  8. County of Santa Barbara
    Average Salary: $106,104
    The County of Santa Barbara oversees various county services. They work to support the community through effective governance and public services.


  9. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $102,555
    Sutter Health is a network of healthcare providers. They offer a range of medical services with a focus on patient care and community health.


  10. Santa Barbara City College
    Average Salary: $99,952
    Santa Barbara City College offers a variety of educational programs. They provide quality education and career training to students in the area.

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

Santa Barbara, CA, shows a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs are 128% higher, meaning they are more than double the average. Groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also exceed the national average by 17%, 9%, 7%, 3%, and 20%, respectively. Job seekers need to consider these factors when relocating to Santa Barbara, as expenses are significantly higher than the typical cost of living across the country.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Barbara, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 128% higher, groceries 17% higher, utilities 9% higher, transportation 7% higher, healthcare 3% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

The cost of living in Santa Barbara, California, stands notably higher than the nationwide average. Housing costs in the area are 128% of the national average, which is the highest category observed. This significant increase means that housing expenses for those relocating or living in Santa Barbara are substantially greater than what people might expect if they were using the national average as a benchmark.


Beyond housing, other living expenses in Santa Barbara also exceed the national average. For instance, groceries cost 17% more, utilities are up by 9%, and transportation costs are 7% higher. Even miscellaneous expenses, such as entertainment and personal care, are 20% above the national standard. Overall, the cost of living in Santa Barbara is 28% above the nationwide average, making it essential for potential residents to consider these factors when planning their budget.

There are 879 job openings in Santa Barbara, CA, today!

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Santa Barbara, CA
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