Overview Salaries

Salaries in Santa Clara, CA

Updated on Jul 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Santa Clara, CA?

The average salary in Santa Clara, CA is $129,701 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Santa Clara, CA, showing an average salary of $129,701 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Santa Clara, CA, showing an average salary of $10,808 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Santa Clara, CA, showing an average salary of $2,494 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Santa Clara, CA, showing an average salary of $62 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Santa Clara, CA offers a diverse range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. Many positions in the tech industry pay well. The average yearly salary in the area is $129,701. This makes Santa Clara an attractive place for job seekers.

Different industries in Santa Clara offer various salary levels. For example, software developers and engineers often earn higher salaries. Other sectors, like retail and hospitality, offer lower pay. Here is a look at some salary ranges:

  • Information Technology: $85,636 - $300,000
  • Healthcare: $38,000 - $133,273
  • Education: $61,818 - $157,091
  • Finance: $109,455 - $204,727
  • Retail: $38,000 - $85,636
  • Hospitality: $38,000 - $61,818
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What are the best paying jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

Santa Clara, CA, offers many high-paying job opportunities, especially in technology and healthcare. Some of the best-paying positions include Machine Learning Engineer, Architect, and Principal Engineer. The average salaries for these roles exceed $200,000 annually, making them attractive to skilled professionals. For those in technology, roles such as Solutions Architect and Technical Programs Manager also command high salaries. These positions require strong analytical and leadership skills, which are highly valued by tech companies. In healthcare, Nurse Practitioners can also find well-paying jobs, offering both competitive compensation and the chance to make a significant impact in patient care.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Clara, CA, highlighting Machine Learning Engineer with the highest at $226,598 and Nurse Practitioner with the lowest at $195,229.

  1. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $226,598
    This role involves creating and managing machine learning models. Tech companies in Santa Clara, CA, use these models to analyze data and make decisions. Companies like Google and Apple need experts for this field.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  2. Architect
    Average Salary: $223,296
    Architects design and create structures. In Santa Clara, CA, they often focus on tech campuses and office buildings. Leading firms like Adobe and Tesla hire skilled architects.
    Find Architect jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  3. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $222,271
    Principal Engineers lead teams and manage projects. They work on complex challenges in companies like Intel and VMware. These roles require strong technical and leadership skills.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  4. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $209,723
    Solutions Architects create software and systems that solve business problems. In Santa Clara, CA, they often work for tech companies like Cisco and eBay. These architects need to balance technical skills with business needs.
    Find Solutions Architect jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  5. Technical Programs Manager
    Average Salary: $207,220
    Technical Programs Managers oversee projects. They need strong communication skills to coordinate between teams. Companies in Santa Clara, CA, like Apple and PayPal, rely on these managers for successful projects.
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  6. Development Manager
    Average Salary: $203,801
    Development Managers guide software development. They work with developers and ensure projects meet deadlines. In Santa Clara, CA, companies like Qualcomm and Applied Materials need these managers.
    Find Development Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  7. Site Reliability Engineer
    Average Salary: $202,379
    Site Reliability Engineers ensure systems run smoothly. They work for tech giants like Google and Facebook. These engineers focus on reliability and efficiency.
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  8. Integration Engineer
    Average Salary: $200,395
    Integration Engineers combine different systems. They work in companies like Oracle and Cisco. These engineers make sure systems work together well.
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  9. Firmware Engineer
    Average Salary: $198,660
    Firmware Engineers develop software for hardware devices. They work for companies like Intel and Broadcom. These engineers need to understand both hardware and software.
    Find Firmware Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  10. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $195,229
    Nurse Practitioners provide healthcare services. They work in clinics and hospitals in Santa Clara, CA. Companies like Kaiser Permanente hire nurse practitioners to manage patient care.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Clara, CA

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

For job seekers in Santa Clara, California, several roles offer high pay without requiring a college degree. The restaurant industry, for example, features Restaurant Managers earning an average of nearly $80,000. This is followed closely by Server positions with an average salary of around $68,000. Both positions provide opportunities for significant earnings with substantial experience in the field. Other top-paying jobs without a degree include roles such as Housekeeping staff, Server Assistants, and Groundskeepers. These roles offer competitive salaries, ranging from $52,000 to nearly $50,000. These jobs provide a chance to earn well while gaining valuable experience in various service-oriented sectors.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Clara, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $79,922 and Floor Tech with the lowest at $44,286.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $79,922
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff and ensure customer satisfaction. Work in high-end venues and tech company cafeterias.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  2. Server
    Average Salary: $68,326
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Take orders and ensure a positive dining experience. Serve in a variety of settings from casual cafes to upscale dining.
    Find Server jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $52,793
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels and motels. Ensure all areas are tidy and meet high standards. Work in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  4. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $51,109
    Help servers by taking orders and clearing tables. Support the main server in providing good service. Often work in busy dining areas with a team.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  5. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $48,810
    Maintain the grounds of commercial properties. Mow lawns and trim hedges. Often work outdoors and need basic landscaping skills.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  6. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $48,691
    Install and maintain landscaping projects. Plant flowers and shrubs. Work both in residential and commercial areas to enhance property appearance.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  7. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $46,954
    Assist in providing top-notch customer service. Handle tasks that support the main service team. Work in a dynamic environment with varied responsibilities.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  8. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $45,419
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Work under pressure to meet high demands. Essential in busy restaurants and food service outlets.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  9. Yard Worker
    Average Salary: $44,645
    Maintain yard areas, including mowing and gardening. Handle various tasks to keep outdoor spaces well-kept. Often work in residential and commercial settings.
    Find Yard Worker jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  10. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $44,286
    Clean and maintain floors in commercial spaces. Use specialized equipment for mopping and stripping. Work to ensure a clean and safe environment for all visitors.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Santa Clara, CA

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

Santa Clara offers some of the highest-paying jobs in the tech industry. Companies like NVIDIA, AMD, and Apple top the list, offering average salaries well above $200,000. For instance, NVIDIA pays an average of $228,869 annually, while AMD follows closely at $224,751 per year. These companies attract top talent with their competitive compensation packages, making Santa Clara a prime location for professionals seeking lucrative career opportunities. Other notable companies in the area, like ServiceNow, Qualcomm, and Intel Corporation, also offer salaries exceeding $190,000 per year. ServiceNow pays an average of $214,607, Qualcomm offers $209,344, and Intel Corporation provides $196,034 annually. These salaries reflect the strong demand for skilled professionals in the tech sector, driving companies to invest significantly in their workforce. Job seekers in Santa Clara can expect rewarding financial benefits with these leading organizations.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Clara, CA, highlighting NVIDIA with the highest at $228,869 and Amazon.com with the lowest at $179,011.

  1. NVIDIA
    Average Salary: $228,869
    NVIDIA leads in the creation of graphics and processing technology. They offer jobs in software, hardware, and artificial intelligence.


  2. AMD
    Average Salary: $224,751
    AMD focuses on developing processors and graphics solutions for various devices. They have positions in engineering, software development, and research.


  3. Apple
    Average Salary: $216,546
    Apple designs consumer electronics, software, and services. They offer roles in product design, software development, and retail.


  4. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $214,607
    ServiceNow provides cloud-based software for enterprise management. They offer jobs in IT services, software development, and sales.


  5. Qualcomm
    Average Salary: $209,344
    Qualcomm focuses on wireless technology and semiconductor products. They offer careers in engineering, research, and product development.


  6. Ampere Computing
    Average Salary: $197,017
    Ampere specializes in computer processors for data centers. They offer positions in engineering, software development, and hardware design.


  7. Intel Corporation
    Average Salary: $196,034
    Intel designs and manufactures computer processors. They offer roles in engineering, software development, and manufacturing.


  8. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $193,882
    Palo Alto Networks provides cybersecurity solutions. They offer jobs in software engineering, sales, and support.


  9. Agilent Technologies
    Average Salary: $182,366
    Agilent provides instruments and software for scientific research and manufacturing. They offer careers in engineering, software development, and sales.


  10. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $179,011
    Amazon offers a wide range of products and services online. They offer positions in software development, logistics, and retail.

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

Santa Clara, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index in Santa Clara stands at 178, which is 78% higher than the average. Housing costs notably contribute to this increase, standing at 284, or 184% above the national average. Transportation also sees a significant rise, with an index of 134, equating to 34% more than the nationwide average. While some categories like groceries and healthcare are close to the average, the overall trend shows Santa Clara demands a considerably higher budget for residents and job seekers.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Clara, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 184% higher, groceries 18% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 34% higher, healthcare 15% higher, miscellaneous 27% higher.

The cost of living in Santa Clara, California, significantly exceeds the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs alone stand at 284, indicating that expenses for rent or home ownership are more than double the national average. This substantial difference highlights the challenges that residents face in finding affordable housing in one of the country's most expensive areas.


Additionally, while some costs are closer to the national average, others remain elevated. For example, groceries cost 118, which is 18% higher. Utilities are at 105, just 5% above average. Transportation costs are 34% higher at 134, and healthcare expenses are at 115, which is 15% over the national average. Miscellaneous costs, such as entertainment and personal care, are at 127, showing a 27% increase. These numbers together paint a clear picture of the higher expenses that come with living in Santa Clara compared to the rest of the country.

There are 1,675 job openings in Santa Clara, CA, today!

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Santa Clara, CA
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