What is the average salary in Santa Barbara, CA?
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.
What are the best paying jobs in Santa Barbara, CA?

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Beauty Consultant
Average Salary: $40,000
Advise customers on beauty products and treatments. Provide personalized recommendations. Work in beauty stores or spas.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $39,075
Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Plant flowers, trees, and shrubs. Work for landscaping companies or homeowners.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $38,635
Assist in food preparation and cooking. Follow kitchen safety and hygiene standards. Work in restaurants or cafes.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Santa Barbara, CA?

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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $265,294
LifeStance Health offers mental health services. They provide a supportive work environment and competitive pay.
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Dr. Zak Dental Care
Average Salary: $178,462
Dr. Zak Dental Care is a dental practice. They value skilled professionals and offer good salaries.
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Umbra
Average Salary: $135,697
Umbra is a lighting company. They offer creative work and attractive compensation packages.
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Edwards Construction Group
Average Salary: $126,336
Edwards Construction Group works in building and construction. They provide stable jobs and good pay.
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AppFolio
Average Salary: $121,524
AppFolio offers software solutions for property management. They have a dynamic work culture and competitive salaries.
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CenCal Health
Average Salary: $110,835
CenCal Health provides health care services. They offer rewarding work and fair compensation.
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Santa Barbara City College
Average Salary: $102,787
Santa Barbara City College is an educational institution. They offer teaching positions with good benefits.
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ProCare Therapy
Average Salary: $101,961
ProCare Therapy provides healthcare services. They offer supportive work environments and decent salaries.
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Consonus Healthcare
Average Salary: $101,645
Consonus Healthcare offers healthcare services. They provide stable jobs and fair pay.
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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 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.



