Salaries in Santa Barbara, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Santa Barbara, CA?

The average salary in Santa Barbara, CA is $68,597 per year.

Santa Barbara, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary for jobs in this area is around 68,597 dollars per year. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers to understand the earning potential in the region. Salaries can vary widely based on the industry and position.


Here are some average salary figures for different roles in Santa Barbara:

  • Entry-level positions: $32,500
  • Mid-level positions: $60,227
  • Senior-level positions: $129,545
  • Executive-level positions: $185,000
These figures show that there are opportunities for growth and advancement, with higher salaries available for those with more experience and specialized skills.

View jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

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 roles are General Dentist, Nurse Practitioner, and Pharmacist. These positions not only provide competitive salaries but also offer rewarding career paths. Additionally, roles such as Software Engineer, Construction Manager, and Program Manager are also well-compensated. These jobs attract professionals who can leverage their expertise to contribute to the local economy and enjoy a high standard of living. 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 $314,626 and Technical Project Lead with the lowest at $114,482.
  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $314,626
    This role involves diagnosing and treating oral health issues. Dentists work with patients to improve their dental health. They often work in private practices or dental clinics.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $158,423
    Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They diagnose and treat illnesses. They often work in hospitals or clinics, collaborating with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $146,388
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients on medication use. They work in pharmacies and ensure patients understand their medications. They also check for potential drug interactions.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  4. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $136,537
    Software Engineers design and develop software applications. They work with teams to create new programs. They often work for tech companies, including those in the tech-friendly Santa Barbara area.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  5. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $134,802
    Dental Hygienists clean teeth and educate patients on oral care. They work with patients to prevent dental issues. They often work in dental offices and clinics.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  6. Director of Nursing
    Average Salary: $123,725
    Directors of Nursing oversee nursing staff and operations. They ensure patient care meets high standards. They often work in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  7. Construction Manager
    Average Salary: $121,499
    Construction Managers oversee building projects. They coordinate workers and manage budgets. They often work for construction firms in the area.
    Find Construction Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  8. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $120,455
    Program Managers lead specific projects within organizations. They ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. They often work for companies in various sectors.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  9. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $116,999
    Registered Nurses provide patient care and support. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They often collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  10. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $114,482
    Technical Project Leads manage tech projects. They coordinate teams and ensure projects meet goals. They often work for tech companies and startups in the area.
    Find Technical Project Lead 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 up to $62,123 annually. Arborist climbers, who work in tree care, can make around $52,000 per year. These roles provide good opportunities for those seeking well-paying jobs without needing a degree. Other top-paying jobs include meat cutters, groundskeepers, and housekeeping staff. Meat cutters earn about $46,175, while groundskeepers make around $43,554. Housekeeping staff can earn up to $40,105 annually. These positions offer stable income and the chance to work in a vibrant community.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Barbara, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $62,123 and Landscaper with the lowest at $37,756.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $62,123
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff and ensure customer satisfaction. Work in a vibrant dining scene with many local eateries.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  2. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $52,000
    Climb trees to trim and remove branches. Ensure safety and health of trees. Work with local landscaping companies and homeowners.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  3. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $46,175
    Cut and package meat for sale. Work in grocery stores or butcher shops. Ensure quality and freshness of products.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  4. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $43,554
    Maintain the grounds of parks, schools, and other properties. Perform tasks like mowing, trimming, and planting. Work with local government agencies and schools.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,105
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities. Ensure a comfortable environment for guests. Work with various hospitality businesses.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  6. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,983
    Serve food and beverages to customers. Provide excellent customer service. Work in a variety of dining establishments.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  7. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $39,729
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in restaurants and cafes. Ensure food is prepared quickly and correctly.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  8. Fast Food Services Manager
    Average Salary: $37,917
    Manage daily operations of a fast-food restaurant. Oversee staff and ensure customer satisfaction. Work in a dynamic food service environment.
    Find Fast Food Services Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  9. Barista
    Average Salary: $37,762
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Work in coffee shops and cafes. Ensure a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  10. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $37,756
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Perform tasks like planting, mowing, and landscaping. Work with homeowners and businesses.
    Find Landscaper 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 $261,605, followed by Umbra at $131,030. Other notable companies include CyberCoders, Edwards Construction Group, and AppFolio, all offering salaries above $100,000. These companies provide attractive compensation packages, making Santa Barbara an attractive place for professionals seeking good pay. CenCal Health, Consonus Healthcare, ProCare Therapy, Sutter Health, and Santa Barbara City College also offer salaries that exceed the local average, providing a range of opportunities for skilled workers.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Barbara, CA, highlighting LifeStance Health with the highest at $261,605 and Santa Barbara City College with the lowest at $98,466.
  1. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $261,605
    LifeStance Health offers mental health services. They provide a range of treatments and support for patients. Their team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists.


  2. Umbra
    Average Salary: $131,030
    Umbra makes home office furniture. They design stylish and functional products. Their items are popular for creating a productive workspace.


  3. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $127,255
    CyberCoders is a staffing and recruiting company. They connect job seekers with employers. Their focus is on tech and IT positions.


  4. Edwards Construction Group
    Average Salary: $126,028
    Edwards Construction Group builds homes and commercial properties. They have a strong reputation for quality and reliability. Their projects range from small homes to large developments.


  5. AppFolio
    Average Salary: $119,887
    AppFolio provides software for property management. They help landlords and property managers run their businesses more efficiently. Their tools cover everything from rent collection to maintenance requests.


  6. CenCal Health
    Average Salary: $106,774
    CenCal Health offers health services to people in Santa Barbara County. They work with doctors and clinics to provide care. Their mission is to improve the health of the community.


  7. Consonus Healthcare
    Average Salary: $100,926
    Consonus Healthcare manages healthcare facilities. They ensure high-quality care for patients. Their services include hospital management and nursing home care.


  8. ProCare Therapy
    Average Salary: $100,159
    ProCare Therapy provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy. They work with patients to help them recover and improve their skills. Their therapists are highly trained and experienced.


  9. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $99,354
    Sutter Health is a network of doctors and hospitals. They offer a wide range of medical services. Their goal is to provide excellent care to patients in Northern California.


  10. Santa Barbara City College
    Average Salary: $98,466
    Santa Barbara City College offers associate degrees and certificates. They provide affordable education to students. Their programs cover many fields, from business to the arts.

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 cost of living index in Santa Barbara is 158, which is 58% higher than the national average of 100. Housing costs are notably the highest, at 248, which is 148% of the national average. This significant increase in housing costs reflects the overall higher living expenses in Santa Barbara.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Barbara, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 148% higher, groceries 30% higher, utilities 13% higher, transportation 23% higher, healthcare 12% higher, miscellaneous 15% higher.

Santa Barbara, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Santa Barbara stands at 248, which is 48% higher than the national average of 100. This significant increase reflects the high demand and limited supply of housing in the area, making it one of the most expensive aspects of living there.


Other expenses in Santa Barbara also exceed the national average. For instance, groceries are 30% higher, with an index of 130. Utilities cost 13% more, while transportation costs are 23% higher. Healthcare costs are 12% above the national average, and miscellaneous expenses are 15% higher. These factors contribute to the overall elevated cost of living in Santa Barbara, making it important for job seekers to consider these costs when planning their move.

There are 1,320 job openings in Santa Barbara, CA, today!

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

Discover what it's like to work in Santa Barbara, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Santa Barbara, CA
1,320 Job Openings