Overview Salaries

Salaries in Santa Clara, CA

Updated on Aug 21, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Santa Clara, CA?

The average salary in Santa Clara, CA is $129,468 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Santa Clara, CA, showing an average salary of $129,468 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Santa Clara, CA, showing an average salary of $10,789 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Santa Clara, CA, showing an average salary of $2,490 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 salary opportunities for professionals. The average yearly salary in the area stands at $129,468. This figure showcases the potential earnings available to job seekers in this tech-centric city. Companies in Santa Clara tend to offer competitive salaries to attract top talent.


Different industries provide various salary ranges. For instance, software developers, engineers, and data scientists often see higher earnings. The distribution of salaries shows that about 26.69% of jobs offer between $38,000 and $62,082. This range is followed by other income brackets, with the highest salaries reaching up to $302,900. Job seekers will find a range of opportunities that fit different career stages and skill sets.

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

Looking for top-paying jobs in Santa Clara, CA? This tech hub offers numerous high-earning opportunities. Clinical Supervisors earn the highest average salary, followed closely by Machine Learning Engineers and Architects. These roles provide excellent compensation packages and rewarding career paths for skilled professionals. In Santa Clara, high-paying roles like Principal Engineers and Solutions Architects are also available. These positions often involve significant responsibility and attract top talent. Development Managers, Technical Programs Managers, and Site Reliability Engineers are other well-compensated jobs in the area. Skilled individuals can find these roles offer strong financial rewards and career growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Clara, CA, highlighting Clinical Supervisor with the highest at $228,587 and Firmware Engineer with the lowest at $198,626.

  1. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $228,587
    In this role, you will lead a team of healthcare professionals. You will ensure quality patient care. Work with large healthcare providers in the area.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  2. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $226,838
    You will build and optimize machine learning models. Companies here need your skills to improve their products. Tech giants provide many opportunities.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  3. Architect
    Average Salary: $224,299
    Design buildings and spaces for various companies. You will collaborate with engineers and contractors. Creative freedom comes with the responsibility of ensuring safety and functionality.
    Find Architect jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  4. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $223,993
    Lead engineering projects and teams. You will provide technical guidance. Work with tech companies to innovate and improve products.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  5. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $209,176
    Design IT solutions to meet business needs. You will work with stakeholders to ensure projects run smoothly. Companies in the area value your expertise.
    Find Solutions Architect jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  6. Development Manager
    Average Salary: $204,729
    Oversee software development projects. You will coordinate with teams to meet deadlines. Tech companies seek your leadership skills to drive innovation.
    Find Development Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  7. Technical Programs Manager
    Average Salary: $204,536
    Manage technical programs and initiatives. You will work across departments to align projects with business goals. Your role is crucial in ensuring project success.
    Find Technical Programs Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  8. Site Reliability Engineer
    Average Salary: $201,539
    Ensure systems run smoothly and reliably. You will troubleshoot issues and implement solutions. Tech companies depend on your skills to maintain high performance.
    Find Site Reliability Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  9. Integration Engineer
    Average Salary: $199,448
    Work on integrating different systems and technologies. You will ensure seamless operation. Companies here value your ability to solve complex technical challenges.
    Find Integration Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  10. Firmware Engineer
    Average Salary: $198,626
    Develop and maintain firmware for various devices. You will test and debug code. Electronics companies in the area offer exciting opportunities.
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What are the best paying jobs in Santa Clara, CA without a degree?

Job seekers in Santa Clara, CA, have a variety of high-paying roles to explore without a college degree. Restaurant managers lead teams and oversee operations, earning an average salary of around $79,922. Servers and other hospitality workers also see good earnings, with many roles starting at over $40,000 per year. Many positions in Santa Clara offer competitive pay without needing a degree. For example, Restaurant Managers earn nearly $80,000 annually by managing staff and ensuring customer satisfaction. Positions like servers and kitchen staff also provide steady income with salaries starting near $50,000. These roles offer opportunities for growth and advancement in a thriving industry.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Clara, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $79,922 and Kitchen Team Member with the lowest at $44,078.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $79,922
    Manage the daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth kitchen operations. Key employers include local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  2. Server
    Average Salary: $69,167
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Take orders, process payments, and ensure customer satisfaction. Work in various eateries, including popular dining spots.
    Find Server jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $52,177
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels and motels. Ensure a high standard of cleanliness and order. Major employers include luxury hotels and hospitality chains.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  4. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $50,472
    Maintain the grounds of residential and commercial properties. Tasks include mowing lawns, trimming shrubs, and ensuring the landscape is tidy. Work with landscape companies and property managers.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  5. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $49,928
    Assist servers with various tasks in a restaurant. Help prepare tables and serve food and beverages. Often work in busy eateries to support the main servers.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  6. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $49,515
    Design, install, and maintain landscapes. Tasks include planting trees, installing irrigation systems, and maintaining gardens. Work with landscaping companies and homeowners.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  7. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $46,869
    Provide excellent customer service in retail settings. Assist customers with their needs and ensure a positive shopping experience. Work in a variety of retail stores and service-oriented businesses.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  8. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $45,478
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Follow recipes and ensure timely preparation of meals. Common employers include restaurants and cafes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  9. Yard Worker
    Average Salary: $44,720
    Perform yard maintenance tasks such as mowing, trimming, and cleaning. Work outdoors to ensure the property looks well-kept. Opportunities exist with landscaping firms and property owners.
    Find Yard Worker jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  10. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $44,078
    Support kitchen operations by preparing ingredients, assisting cooks, and maintaining cleanliness. Work in fast-paced kitchen environments. Typically employed by restaurants and food service companies.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Clara, CA

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

Job seekers in Santa Clara, CA, can find excellent opportunities at top-paying companies. Leading employers like NVIDIA, AMD, and Apple offer some of the highest average salaries in the area. For instance, NVIDIA stands out with an average salary of $229,713. AMD follows closely with an average of $224,751, while Apple offers $217,056 on average. In Santa Clara, companies such as ServiceNow, Qualcomm, and Ampere Computing also provide competitive compensation packages. ServiceNow offers an average salary of $216,550, while Qualcomm pays around $209,450 on average. Ampere Computing offers an average salary of $201,608, making it an attractive option for professionals. Intel Corporation, Palo Alto Networks, and Agilent Technologies follow closely behind, each offering average salaries above $180,000.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Clara, CA, highlighting NVIDIA with the highest at $229,713 and Amazon.com with the lowest at $181,109.

  1. NVIDIA
    Average Salary: $229,713
    NVIDIA is a global leader in computer graphics and artificial intelligence. It offers jobs in engineering, software, and more. Employees enjoy competitive salaries.


  2. AMD
    Average Salary: $224,751
    AMD is a company known for its advanced computing solutions. It offers opportunities in hardware design and software development. Salaries are among the highest in the area.


  3. Apple
    Average Salary: $217,056
    Apple creates innovative products that are loved worldwide. It offers a range of job opportunities in tech and design. Salaries are competitive and attractive.


  4. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $216,550
    ServiceNow is a cloud-based company that helps businesses manage their workflows. It provides jobs in software engineering and IT. Employees enjoy high salaries.


  5. Qualcomm
    Average Salary: $209,450
    Qualcomm focuses on wireless technology. It offers roles in engineering and research. Salaries are among the best in Santa Clara.


  6. Ampere Computing
    Average Salary: $201,608
    Ampere Computing develops data center processors. It offers jobs in hardware and software engineering. Salaries are competitive and reflect the company's high standards.


  7. Intel Corporation
    Average Salary: $200,277
    Intel is a leader in semiconductor technology. It offers jobs in research and development. Salaries are high and reflect the company's industry leadership.


  8. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $194,429
    Palo Alto Networks specializes in cybersecurity. It offers roles in software engineering and IT. Salaries are competitive and attract top talent.


  9. Agilent Technologies
    Average Salary: $185,296
    Agilent Technologies is known for its precision instruments. It offers jobs in engineering and research. Salaries are good and match the company's quality standards.


  10. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $181,109
    Amazon is a global e-commerce giant. It offers a wide range of jobs in logistics, technology, and more. Salaries are competitive and reflect the company's vast reach.

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

Santa Clara, CA, exhibits a significantly higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Specifically, housing costs are 150% higher, while groceries and healthcare also surpass the average by 25% and 30%, respectively. Utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous costs are slightly above the national average, with increases of 10%, 20%, and 15%, respectively. These factors collectively contribute to a living experience that is markedly more expensive in Santa Clara.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Clara, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 150% higher, groceries 25% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 30% higher, miscellaneous 15% higher.

The cost of living index in Santa Clara, California, shows a clear picture of the financial landscape for residents and potential job seekers. Housing costs stand at an impressive 250, which is 150% higher than the nationwide average. This significant increase reflects the intense demand and limited supply in the region's housing market. For groceries, the index is at 125, meaning they cost 25% more than the average U.S. prices. Utilities and transportation also show a similar trend, with costs at 110 and 120 respectively. This indicates a 10% and 20% hike compared to the national average.


Healthcare costs in Santa Clara amount to 130 on the index, showing a 30% increase over the average. Miscellaneous expenses also reflect higher costs, standing at 115. This means these costs are 15% higher than the national average. Overall, Santa Clara presents a challenging financial environment, particularly in housing and healthcare, with costs substantially above the national averages. This information is crucial for job seekers considering relocation, as it helps them prepare for the higher expenses associated with living in this area.

There are 2,034 job openings in Santa Clara, CA, today!

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Santa Clara, CA
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