Overview Salaries

Salaries in Santa Barbara, CA

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
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What is the average salary in Santa Barbara, CA?

The average salary in Santa Barbara, CA is $71,252 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $71,252 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $5,938 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $1,370 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.

In Santa Barbara, CA, job seekers can find a range of salary options across different industries. The average yearly salary in the area stands at $71,252. This reflects a variety of opportunities for professionals in various fields. Salaries can vary based on experience, qualifications, and specific job roles.


The most common salaries fall within specific ranges. About 33.81% of jobs offer salaries around $33,000. Another 20.64% of positions pay near $47,768. Those with more specialized roles or higher levels of education can expect salaries between $62,536 and $77,305, which cover approximately 10.15% to 7.73% of the job market. These figures highlight the potential for growth and advancement in different sectors.

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

In Santa Barbara, CA, several high-paying job opportunities exist for skilled professionals. General Dentists, Nurse Practitioners, and Pharmacists top the list with attractive average salaries. These roles demand expertise and education but offer rewarding compensation packages. Other lucrative positions include Software Engineers, Dental Hygienists, and Program Managers. These careers also provide competitive salaries, reflecting the value of technical skills and specialized knowledge. Job seekers interested in these fields can find ample opportunities in Santa Barbara.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Barbara, CA, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $289,644 and Occupational Therapist with the lowest at $120,627.

  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $289,644
    Provide dental care and treatments in a local dental clinic. Work with patients of all ages. Collaborate with dental assistants and hygienists. Serve the community by ensuring oral health.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $180,112
    Offer healthcare services and prescribe medications. Work in clinics and hospitals. Perform physical exams and diagnostics. Work closely with doctors and nurses to provide care.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $154,997
    Distribute medications and advise patients. Operate in pharmacies and hospitals. Ensure the safe and effective use of drugs. Work with healthcare professionals to optimize patient care.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  4. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $144,550
    Develop and maintain software applications. Work for tech companies in the area. Collaborate with teams to solve technical problems. Continuously improve systems and applications.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  5. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $136,622
    Clean teeth and provide oral care. Work in dental clinics. Educate patients on oral hygiene. Assist dentists during procedures. Provide a vital service in maintaining community health.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  6. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $130,615
    Oversee and coordinate programs. Work in various sectors like healthcare and tech. Ensure projects meet objectives. Collaborate with teams to manage resources effectively.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  7. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $125,637
    Evaluate and treat speech and language disorders. Work with patients in clinics and schools. Create personalized therapy plans. Improve patients' communication skills.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  8. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $124,022
    Manage technical projects. Coordinate with engineering and design teams. Ensure projects are completed on time. Work for tech firms and startups. Drive innovation and efficiency.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  9. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $122,037
    Provide patient care and support. Work in hospitals and clinics. Collaborate with doctors and other healthcare staff. Offer essential care and comfort to patients.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  10. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $120,627
    Help patients regain skills. Work in rehabilitation centers and schools. Develop treatment plans. Assist patients in performing daily activities. Improve quality of life for many.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

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

Looking for well-paying jobs in Santa Barbara, CA, without a college degree? Excellent opportunities exist in various fields. For instance, restaurant managers earn an average of $64,255 per year. Arborist climbers and meat cutters also offer strong salaries, starting around $52,000 and $47,728, respectively. These roles offer competitive pay and valuable experience. Groundskeepers and food service aides also provide solid income opportunities. Positions in housekeeping and service teams allow for steady earnings in a supportive environment. Line cooks and kitchen team members, while requiring less formal education, still offer reliable wages. Beauty consultants can also find rewarding work with decent pay. These jobs highlight the potential for a successful career even without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Barbara, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $64,255 and Kitchen Team Member with the lowest at $40,135.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $64,255
    A restaurant manager oversees daily operations. They ensure customers have a great dining experience. Many local restaurants offer competitive pay.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  2. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $52,000
    An arborist climber works outdoors, trimming trees. They use special equipment to reach high branches. Local tree care companies provide this job.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  3. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $47,728
    A meat cutter prepares meat for sale. They slice and package cuts of meat. Local grocery stores and butcher shops offer this role.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  4. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $46,457
    A groundskeeper maintains the landscape. They mow lawns and plant flowers. Local parks and businesses need these services.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  5. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $44,755
    A food service aide helps in the kitchen. They prepare ingredients and clean dishes. Many restaurants hire for this position.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $43,425
    A housekeeper cleans rooms. They make beds and tidy up spaces. Local hotels and resorts look for hardworking individuals.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  7. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,843
    A service team member greets customers. They take orders and serve food. Many cafes and restaurants need these workers.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  8. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,158
    A line cook prepares dishes. They follow recipes and work under pressure. Many restaurants hire for this role.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  9. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $41,017
    A beauty consultant sells beauty products. They advise customers on products. Local salons and spas offer these jobs.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  10. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,135
    A kitchen team member works behind the scenes. They prepare ingredients and help cooks. Many restaurants need these workers.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

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

Santa Barbara offers many great companies that pay well. Dr. Zak Dental Care leads the way with an average salary of $179,281. This company offers high-paying jobs for those seeking top compensation in the area. Other top employers include Umbra, Amazon.com, and AppFolio, each offering salaries well above the average in Santa Barbara. These companies provide excellent opportunities for job seekers looking to earn a good income. CenCal Health, Aya Healthcare, and the CITY OF SANTA BARBARA also offer competitive wages, making them attractive options for many.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Barbara, CA, highlighting Dr. Zak Dental Care with the highest at $179,281 and County of Santa Barbara with the lowest at $101,883.

  1. Dr. Zak Dental Care
    Average Salary: $179,281
    Dr. Zak Dental Care provides dental care services in Santa Barbara. They offer a competitive salary to their staff.


  2. Umbra
    Average Salary: $137,641
    Umbra is known for its lighting and home decor products. They offer a good salary to their employees.


  3. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $135,668
    Amazon is a global e-commerce giant. They offer various job opportunities with competitive salaries.


  4. AppFolio
    Average Salary: $127,153
    AppFolio specializes in software for property management. They provide a good salary for their staff.


  5. CenCal Health
    Average Salary: $119,779
    CenCal Health is a managed care organization. They offer a fair salary to their employees.


  6. Aya Healthcare
    Average Salary: $114,020
    Aya Healthcare is a staffing firm for healthcare professionals. They provide a decent salary to their staff.


  7. CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
    Average Salary: $103,320
    The City of Santa Barbara offers jobs in various departments. They provide a competitive salary to their employees.


  8. Cottage Health
    Average Salary: $103,004
    Cottage Health is a healthcare provider in Santa Barbara. They offer a good salary to their staff.


  9. Santa Barbara City College
    Average Salary: $102,590
    Santa Barbara City College is an educational institution. They provide a fair salary to their employees.


  10. County of Santa Barbara
    Average Salary: $101,883
    The County of Santa Barbara offers jobs in various public service roles. They provide a competitive salary.

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

Santa Barbara, CA, exhibits a notably higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is indexed at 100. Housing costs in Santa Barbara reach 210, reflecting a 110% increase above the average. This means that housing alone is 110% more expensive than the average American city. Other living expenses, such as groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items, also exceed the national average. Groceries cost 15% more, utilities 10% more, transportation 5% more, healthcare 20% more, and miscellaneous expenses 25% more. Overall, residents in Santa Barbara face living costs that are significantly higher than the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Barbara, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 110% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 5% higher, healthcare 20% higher, miscellaneous 25% higher.

Santa Barbara, California, has a higher cost of living index than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Specifically, the housing index stands at 210, indicating that housing costs are significantly higher than the national average. This means that people in Santa Barbara spend 210% of what the average American does on housing. In terms of groceries, the index is 115, showing a 15% increase over the national average.


Utilities in Santa Barbara also exceed the average, with an index of 110, which is a 10% increase. Transportation costs are slightly above average at 105, representing a 5% rise. Healthcare costs are 20% higher than average, with an index of 120, while miscellaneous expenses also reflect a 25% increase with an index of 125. Overall, Santa Barbara's cost of living is notably higher across most categories when compared to the national average, making it an important consideration for job seekers.

There are 1,053 job openings in Santa Barbara, CA, today!

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Santa Barbara, CA
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