Overview Salaries

Salaries in Santa Barbara, CA

Updated on May 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Santa Barbara, CA?

The average salary in Santa Barbara, CA is $72,351 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $72,351 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $6,029 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Santa Barbara, CA, showing an average salary of $1,391 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 a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in Santa Barbara is $72,351. This figure varies across different sectors. High-paying jobs are common in certain industries.


Here are some top-paying jobs in Santa Barbara:

  • Education, training, and library: $151,268 per year
  • Management: $136,541 per year
  • Computer and mathematical: $121,814 per year
  • Architecture and engineering: $107,086 per year
  • Business and financial: $92,359 per year

These figures show that job seekers in Santa Barbara can find rewarding opportunities with good pay across many fields.

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

For those seeking top-paying jobs in Santa Barbara, CA, several fields offer substantial salaries. Health care roles, such as General Dentists and Nurse Practitioners, lead the pack. Dentists enjoy an average salary of nearly $288,000, while Nurse Practitioners earn around $181,000 annually. Other high-paying positions include technical and managerial roles. Software Engineers can expect an average salary of about $146,000. Technical Project Leads and Program Managers also enjoy strong salaries, often reaching over $125,000 each year. These careers show strong demand and excellent earning potential for qualified professionals in Santa Barbara.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Barbara, CA, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $287,807 and Occupational Therapist with the lowest at $122,496.

  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $287,807
    This role involves diagnosing and treating oral health issues. Dentists work in private practices, dental clinics, and occasionally for large healthcare providers. Santa Barbara has many options for those who wish to work with a variety of patients.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $181,269
    Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Santa Barbara offers a healthy community, giving these professionals rewarding work with a variety of patients.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $156,838
    Pharmacists dispense medications and provide health advice. They work in community pharmacies, hospitals, and large retail chains. Santa Barbara’s growing population increases the demand for skilled pharmacists.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  4. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $145,886
    Software Engineers design, develop, and test software. They work for tech companies, startups, and established firms. Santa Barbara’s tech sector offers many opportunities for innovation and growth.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  5. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $137,247
    Dental Hygienists clean teeth and educate patients on oral care. They work in dental offices and clinics. Santa Barbara’s health-conscious community ensures steady demand for their services.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  6. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $126,979
    Technical Project Leads manage teams and projects. They work in tech companies and tech departments within larger firms. Santa Barbara’s tech scene offers many opportunities for leadership and development.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  7. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $126,705
    These professionals assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders. They work in schools, clinics, and hospitals. Santa Barbara’s diverse population provides rich experiences for those in this field.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  8. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $125,797
    Program Managers oversee and coordinate projects. They work in various industries, including tech, healthcare, and education. Santa Barbara’s dynamic job market offers numerous opportunities for those who excel in this role.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  9. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $123,488
    Registered Nurses provide patient care and support. They work in hospitals, clinics, and home care settings. Santa Barbara’s strong healthcare sector ensures many job opportunities for dedicated nurses.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  10. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $122,496
    Occupational Therapists help patients recover from injuries and improve their quality of life. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools. Santa Barbara’s active community benefits from their expertise.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

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

Explore exciting job opportunities in Santa Barbara without needing a degree. Restaurant managers enjoy a high average salary of $64,579. Other well-paying roles include arborist climber, meat cutter, and groundskeeper, all offering over $40,000 annually. These positions demand skills and experience rather than formal education. Consider these roles to find a rewarding career in Santa Barbara. Arborist climbers, with their specialized tree-trimming skills, earn an average of $52,000. Meat cutters and groundskeepers also offer good pay at around $48,000 and $47,500, respectively. These jobs provide solid incomes and career growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Barbara, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $64,579 and Kitchen Team Member with the lowest at $40,604.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $64,579
    Manage the day-to-day operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff and ensure smooth service. Work with local businesses to enhance customer experience.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  2. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $52,000
    Climb trees to trim and prune branches. Work on various properties to ensure tree health. Use climbing equipment safely and efficiently.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  3. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $48,267
    Cut, trim, and package meat products. Ensure cleanliness and safety standards are met. Work in grocery stores or butcher shops, serving local customers.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  4. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $47,549
    Maintain the grounds of parks, schools, and other facilities. Perform landscaping and maintenance tasks. Ensure the environment is safe and welcoming.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  5. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $44,755
    Assist in preparing and serving food. Work in restaurants, cafeterias, and catering services. Ensure food quality and presentation standards are met.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $43,868
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or residential buildings. Ensure a high level of cleanliness and comfort. Work diligently to meet guest needs.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  7. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $43,227
    Provide excellent customer service in various settings. Help customers with inquiries and transactions. Work in retail or service-oriented businesses.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  8. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,357
    Prepare ingredients and cook food on a production line. Work quickly and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Ensure food is prepared to high standards.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  9. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $41,017
    Advise customers on beauty products and treatments. Provide personalized recommendations based on individual needs. Work in beauty salons or retail stores.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Santa Barbara, CA


  10. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,604
    Assist in kitchen operations by preparing ingredients and maintaining the work area. Support chefs and kitchen staff in a busy environment. Ensure kitchen cleanliness and efficiency.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

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

Santa Barbara, CA, offers a range of companies that provide competitive salaries. Dr. Zak Dental Care leads the way with an average salary of $180,425. This company stands out for offering high compensation compared to other employers in the area. Other top-paying companies include Umbra, Amazon.com, and AppFolio, which also offer salaries above $120,000 annually. These companies present good opportunities for professionals seeking high earnings in a desirable location.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Barbara, CA, highlighting Dr. Zak Dental Care with the highest at $180,425 and Santa Barbara City College with the lowest at $103,036.

  1. Dr. Zak Dental Care
    Average Salary: $180,425
    A top-tier dental practice known for its exceptional patient care and innovative treatments.


  2. Umbra
    Average Salary: $139,671
    A well-respected company specializing in design and manufacturing of lighting fixtures.


  3. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $136,785
    A global e-commerce giant offering vast opportunities across many departments.


  4. AppFolio
    Average Salary: $128,631
    A leading software provider for property management companies.


  5. CenCal Health
    Average Salary: $123,585
    A health plan for low-income individuals in Santa Barbara County.


  6. Heico
    Average Salary: $120,257
    A company that manufactures and sells aftermarket replacement parts for aircraft.


  7. Aya Healthcare
    Average Salary: $111,038
    A healthcare staffing company connecting professionals with job opportunities in the medical field.


  8. CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
    Average Salary: $104,588
    A city government offering a variety of public service jobs.


  9. Cottage Health
    Average Salary: $103,858
    A health system providing medical services to the Santa Barbara community.


  10. Santa Barbara City College
    Average Salary: $103,036
    A community college offering a range of academic and vocational programs.

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

Santa Barbara, CA, has a higher cost of living than the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs are notably 120% above the national average. Other expenses, such as groceries and healthcare, also exceed the national average by significant margins. For instance, groceries cost 25% more, utilities are 10% higher, and healthcare services are 15% costlier in Santa Barbara compared to the nation's average. These factors make Santa Barbara one of the more expensive places to live in the country.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Barbara, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 120% higher, groceries 25% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 5% higher, healthcare 15% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

Santa Barbara, California, has a cost of living that significantly exceeds the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Santa Barbara are particularly high, with an index of 220. This means that housing expenses in this city are 120% higher than the national average. For job seekers, this represents a major consideration, as one of the largest monthly expenses will be much steeper than in many other parts of the country.


Additionally, other expenses in Santa Barbara also surpass the national average. Groceries, for instance, are 25% more expensive, with an index of 125. Utilities cost 10% more at 110, while healthcare expenses are 15% higher at 115. Transportation costs are close to average, with an index of 105, and miscellaneous expenses are 30% higher at 130. These factors combined mean that overall living costs in Santa Barbara are substantially above the national average, impacting the financial planning of anyone considering relocation to this vibrant city.

There are 914 job openings in Santa Barbara, CA, today!

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Santa Barbara, CA
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