What is the average salary in Santa Clara, CA?
Santa Clara, CA offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary in this area stands at $130,202. This figure reflects the robust job market and the high demand for skilled professionals. Many sectors contribute to these strong average earnings, from tech to finance and healthcare.
Several roles in Santa Clara, CA provide particularly high salaries. For example, professionals in the technology sector often earn above $200,000 annually. Other well-compensated positions include those in management, finance, and healthcare. This diversity ensures a range of opportunities for those seeking higher earnings.
What are the best paying jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

-
Machine Learning Engineer
Average Salary: $224,693
Machine Learning Engineers create models to make decisions from data. They work for tech giants like Google and Apple. They use Python and TensorFlow.
Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Architect
Average Salary: $222,422
Architects design buildings and spaces for businesses. They may work for architecture firms or tech companies. They use AutoCAD and Revit.
Find Architect jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Principal Engineer
Average Salary: $221,334
Principal Engineers lead software development projects. They work for companies like Oracle and Intel. They use Java and C++.
Find Principal Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Clinical Supervisor
Average Salary: $219,660
Clinical Supervisors manage healthcare teams. They work in hospitals and clinics. They need excellent communication skills.
Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Solutions Architect
Average Salary: $210,313
Solutions Architects design software solutions for clients. They work for tech companies like Microsoft and IBM. They need strong problem-solving skills.
Find Solutions Architect jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Technical Programs Manager
Average Salary: $208,407
Technical Programs Managers oversee technical projects. They work in tech companies and need strong leadership skills. They use tools like JIRA and Confluence.
Find Technical Programs Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Development Manager
Average Salary: $207,217
Development Managers lead software development teams. They work for companies like Uber and Lyft. They need strong communication and organizational skills.
Find Development Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Site Reliability Engineer
Average Salary: $200,137
Site Reliability Engineers ensure systems run smoothly. They work for tech companies like Google and Facebook. They use tools like Kubernetes and Jenkins.
Find Site Reliability Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Integration Engineer
Average Salary: $199,933
Integration Engineers work on systems integration projects. They work for companies like Cisco and VMware. They use tools like API and REST.
Find Integration Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Firmware Engineer
Average Salary: $199,040
Firmware Engineers develop software for hardware. They work for companies like Intel and Qualcomm. They use tools like C and C++.
Find Firmware Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA
What are the best paying jobs in Santa Clara, CA without a degree?

-
To Go Specialist
Average Salary: $94,493
This position involves preparing and packaging food for customers who order ahead or in a hurry. It provides a dynamic work environment, allowing interaction with the public and ensuring customer satisfaction. Companies like fast-food chains and cafes hire for this role, offering flexibility and a chance to work in a bustling environment.
Find To Go Specialist jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $79,922
A restaurant manager oversees the daily operations of a restaurant, ensuring everything runs smoothly. This role includes managing staff, handling customer service, and maintaining cleanliness standards. Positions are available at various dining establishments, from casual eateries to high-end restaurants.
Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Server
Average Salary: $64,585
Servers greet guests, take orders, and serve food and beverages. They must have good communication skills and a friendly demeanor. This job offers opportunities to work in dining rooms, banquet halls, and catering events at various venues.
Find Server jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Housekeeping
Average Salary: $52,928
Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms in hotels, motels, and other accommodations. This role requires attention to detail and a strong work ethic. Opportunities are plentiful in the hospitality industry, working in luxury hotels or budget-friendly lodges.
Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Server Assistant
Average Salary: $51,929
Server assistants help servers by setting up tables, clearing dishes, and restocking supplies. This role is essential for maintaining a smooth dining experience. Positions are available in a wide range of dining settings, from casual diners to upscale restaurants.
Find Server Assistant jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $48,670
Groundskeepers maintain the landscaping and grounds of properties. This includes mowing lawns, trimming shrubs, and general upkeep. Companies that manage large parks or commercial properties often need these workers. It’s a role that offers outdoor work and the satisfaction of maintaining beautiful spaces.
Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Landscaper
Average Salary: $47,375
Landscaping professionals design and install gardens, walkways, and other outdoor features. They work on residential, commercial, or public properties. This job provides a blend of creative design and manual labor, making it suitable for those who enjoy working outdoors.
Find Landscaper jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Service Team Member
Average Salary: $46,353
Service team members assist customers with their needs in various settings, such as retail stores or service stations. This role involves customer interaction and problem-solving skills. Opportunities exist in automotive shops and retail stores, offering a variety of work environments.
Find Service Team Member jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Line Cook
Average Salary: $45,235
Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook food in fast-paced kitchen settings. They work in teams to ensure timely meal service. This position is available in restaurants, cafes, and catering companies, providing a fast-moving and rewarding work experience.
Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Clara, CA
-
Floor Tech
Average Salary: $44,373
Floor technicians clean and maintain the floors in various settings, such as hotels, offices, and shopping centers. This job requires attention to detail and a commitment to cleanliness. Companies in the hospitality and commercial cleaning industries hire for this role.
Find Floor Tech jobs in Santa Clara, CA
Which companies offer the top salaries in Santa Clara, CA?

-
NVIDIA
Average Salary: $228,294
NVIDIA is a leader in visual computing technology. It designs graphics processors, AI software, and system-on-chip units. They offer competitive pay and benefits.
-
AMD
Average Salary: $223,442
AMD makes computer processors and related technologies for business and personal use. They are known for innovation in the tech field.
-
Apple
Average Salary: $215,305
Apple designs consumer electronics, computers, and related software. They are one of the world’s most recognized brands.
-
ServiceNow
Average Salary: $212,246
ServiceNow creates software to manage digital workflows. Their products help companies manage workplace technology.
-
Qualcomm
Average Salary: $208,486
Qualcomm provides wireless technology services and products. They are a leader in mobile technology and communication.
-
Palo Alto Networks
Average Salary: $193,751
Palo Alto Networks offers cybersecurity software and hardware. They help protect businesses from digital threats.
-
Ampere Computing
Average Salary: $191,919
Ampere Computing makes advanced processors for AI and data centers. They focus on high-performance computing.
-
Intel Corporation
Average Salary: $187,937
Intel Corporation develops computer technology. They are known for their processors and chips used in computers and devices.
-
Agilent Technologies
Average Salary: $176,777
Agilent Technologies offers instruments and software for testing and measurement. They serve various industries, including electronics and healthcare.
-
Amazon.com
Average Salary: $174,679
Amazon is a global e-commerce leader. They provide a wide range of products and services online.
How does the cost of living in Santa Clara, CA compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Santa Clara, California, significantly exceeds the nationwide average. Housing costs are particularly high, sitting at 230 on the index. This means that housing prices in Santa Clara are 130% higher than the national average. For job seekers, this can be a major consideration as a substantial portion of their income may need to go towards housing.
Other costs in Santa Clara also show a marked increase. For example, groceries cost 120 on the index, or 20% more than the national average. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items also show higher costs, with increases ranging from 5% to 50%. This means that overall, living in Santa Clara is more expensive in multiple areas compared to the national average, and job seekers must budget accordingly.



