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What is the average salary in Santa Barbara, CA?

The average salary in Santa Barbara, CA is $69,843 per year.

Santa Barbara, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary is $69,843. This figure reflects the diverse job market in the area. Many people find good jobs in education, healthcare, and technology. These sectors often provide competitive salaries.


The salary distribution shows a broad spectrum of earnings. The most common salary range is between $33,000 and $47,466. This range covers many entry-level and mid-level positions. Higher-paying jobs are available in specialized fields. For example, those in the top 10% of earners make over $163,190 per year. This indicates that there are opportunities for significant earnings in Santa Barbara.

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

Santa Barbara offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Among the top-paying jobs in the area are General Dentists, who earn an average of $304,227 annually. Other well-paying positions include Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Software Engineers, all of which provide competitive salaries. These jobs require specific skills and qualifications, but they offer rewarding career paths. For instance, Nurse Practitioners and Pharmacists play crucial roles in healthcare, while Software Engineers and Construction Managers contribute to the tech and construction industries. Job seekers in Santa Barbara can find excellent opportunities in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Barbara, CA, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $304,227 and Registered Nurse with the lowest at $120,471.
  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $304,227
    This role involves diagnosing and treating dental issues. Dentists work in private practices and clinics. They use advanced technology to ensure patient care. Companies like Smile Dental and Santa Barbara Dental Group offer opportunities.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $168,402
    Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They work in hospitals and clinics. They diagnose and treat illnesses. Companies like Cottage Health and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital hire them.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $151,755
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. They ensure medications are safe and effective. Companies like Walgreens and CVS offer positions.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  4. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $143,883
    Software Engineers develop and test software. They work in tech companies and startups. They create applications and systems. Companies like Google and Adobe are hiring.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  5. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $138,768
    Dental Hygienists clean teeth and educate patients. They work in dental practices. They help prevent dental diseases. Companies like Smile Dental and Santa Barbara Dental Group offer jobs.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  6. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $124,826
    Program Managers oversee projects and teams. They work in various industries. They ensure projects meet goals. Companies like Google and Adobe need Program Managers.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  7. Director of Nursing
    Average Salary: $123,946
    Directors of Nursing manage nursing staff. They work in hospitals and clinics. They ensure quality care. Companies like Cottage Health and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital hire them.
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  8. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $121,698
    They treat speech and language disorders. They work in schools and clinics. They help patients communicate better. Companies like Cottage Health offer positions.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  9. Construction Manager
    Average Salary: $120,729
    Construction Managers oversee building projects. They work on residential and commercial sites. They ensure projects are completed on time. Companies like ABC Construction and XYZ Builders are hiring.
    Find Construction Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  10. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $120,471
    Registered Nurses provide patient care. They work in hospitals and clinics. They monitor patients and administer treatments. Companies like Cottage Health and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital offer jobs.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

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

Santa Barbara offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Restaurant managers can earn an average of $62,892 annually, while arborist climbers make around $52,000. These roles provide good income and valuable experience in the local job market. Other well-paying jobs include meat cutters, who earn about $47,418 per year, and groundskeepers, with an average salary of $45,177. Housekeeping staff, service team members, and line cooks also offer competitive pay, ranging from $42,306 to $40,848 annually. These positions allow individuals to earn a good living without needing a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Barbara, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $62,892 and Kitchen Team Member with the lowest at $38,635.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $62,892
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in upscale dining or casual eateries.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  2. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $52,000
    Climb trees to trim and remove branches. Ensure trees are healthy and safe. Work for tree care companies or landscaping firms.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  3. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $47,418
    Cut and package meat for sale. Follow safety guidelines and ensure quality. Work in grocery stores or butcher shops.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  4. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $45,177
    Maintain the grounds of parks, schools, or businesses. Mow lawns, trim hedges, and plant flowers. Work for municipal or private landscaping companies.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $42,306
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or residential properties. Ensure a tidy and welcoming environment. Work for hospitality companies or property management firms.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  6. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,644
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Provide excellent customer service and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work in restaurants or cafes.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  7. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $40,848
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Follow recipes and ensure food quality. Work in restaurants or catering companies.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  8. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $40,000
    Advise customers on beauty products and treatments. Provide personalized recommendations. Work in beauty stores or spas.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  9. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $39,075
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Plant flowers, trees, and shrubs. Work for landscaping companies or homeowners.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  10. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $38,635
    Assist in food preparation and cooking. Follow kitchen safety and hygiene standards. Work in restaurants or cafes.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

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

Job seekers in Santa Barbara, CA, can find competitive salaries at several top companies. LifeStance Health leads with an average salary of $265,294, offering one of the highest-paying opportunities in the area. Other notable employers include Dr. Zak Dental Care, Umbra, and Edwards Construction Group, all providing salaries above $100,000. Santa Barbara City College, ProCare Therapy, and Consonus Healthcare also offer attractive compensation packages. The City of Santa Barbara and CenCal Health provide solid salaries, making them good options for those seeking stability and good pay. These companies offer a range of benefits and career growth opportunities.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Barbara, CA, highlighting LifeStance Health with the highest at $265,294 and CITY OF SANTA BARBARA with the lowest at $101,373.
  1. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $265,294
    LifeStance Health offers mental health services. They provide a supportive work environment and competitive pay.


  2. Dr. Zak Dental Care
    Average Salary: $178,462
    Dr. Zak Dental Care is a dental practice. They value skilled professionals and offer good salaries.


  3. Umbra
    Average Salary: $135,697
    Umbra is a lighting company. They offer creative work and attractive compensation packages.


  4. Edwards Construction Group
    Average Salary: $126,336
    Edwards Construction Group works in building and construction. They provide stable jobs and good pay.


  5. AppFolio
    Average Salary: $121,524
    AppFolio offers software solutions for property management. They have a dynamic work culture and competitive salaries.


  6. CenCal Health
    Average Salary: $110,835
    CenCal Health provides health care services. They offer rewarding work and fair compensation.


  7. Santa Barbara City College
    Average Salary: $102,787
    Santa Barbara City College is an educational institution. They offer teaching positions with good benefits.


  8. ProCare Therapy
    Average Salary: $101,961
    ProCare Therapy provides healthcare services. They offer supportive work environments and decent salaries.


  9. Consonus Healthcare
    Average Salary: $101,645
    Consonus Healthcare offers healthcare services. They provide stable jobs and fair pay.


  10. CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
    Average Salary: $101,373
    The City of Santa Barbara offers various public services. They provide job security and good compensation.

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

Santa Barbara, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index in Santa Barbara is 118, which is 18% higher than the national average of 100. Housing costs are notably higher, with a 113% index, while groceries and utilities are slightly above the national average at 113% and 106%, respectively. This data suggests that job seekers should consider these higher costs when planning for life in Santa Barbara.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Barbara, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 113% higher, groceries 13% higher, utilities 6% higher, transportation 12% higher, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

Santa Barbara, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Santa Barbara stands at 213, which is 113% of the national average. This means housing costs are significantly higher, making it one of the most expensive areas to live in. People moving to Santa Barbara should be prepared for higher housing expenses.


Other costs in Santa Barbara also exceed the national average. Groceries cost 113%, utilities are at 106%, and transportation costs are 112%. Even healthcare and miscellaneous expenses are higher, at 110% and 120%, respectively. These figures show that living in Santa Barbara involves more than just high housing costs. Every aspect of daily life tends to be more expensive compared to the rest of the country.

There are 1,063 job openings in Santa Barbara, CA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Santa Barbara, CA

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City
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Santa Barbara, CA
1,063 Job Openings