City
Salary

What is the average salary in Santa Clara, CA?

The average salary in Santa Clara, CA is $129,064 per year.

Santa Clara, CA, offers a vibrant job market with competitive salaries across various industries. Professionals in this region enjoy some of the highest average yearly salaries in the nation, standing at approximately $129,064. This average reflects the diverse economic landscape, where high-demand sectors like technology and healthcare provide significant earning potential.


Some of the top-paying job sectors include software development, where salaries reach up to $299,100 annually, and healthcare, with average earnings around $251,536 per year. Other notable sectors are finance, legal services, and engineering, each offering substantial salaries. This variety ensures that job seekers in Santa Clara, CA, can find rewarding opportunities that match their skills and career goals.

View jobs in Santa Clara, CA

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

Santa Clara, CA, is a great place for people looking for high-paying jobs. Machine Learning Engineers, Principal Engineers, and Architects are among the top roles in this area. These jobs often come with salaries over $200,000 a year. Aside from tech fields, jobs like Solutions Architect and Firmware Engineer also offer high pay. Clinical Supervisors and Development Managers find excellent opportunities in Santa Clara as well. These roles provide both financial rewards and a chance to work in an innovative environment. Professionals can expect to earn a comfortable salary with competitive benefits in these top-paying jobs.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Clara, CA, highlighting Machine Learning Engineer with the highest at $223,441 and DevOps Engineer with the lowest at $197,127.
  1. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $223,441
    This role involves working with tech giants like Google and Apple. You will create models to improve products. Your work will impact how people interact with technology daily.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  2. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $220,811
    This role includes leading projects at companies such as Tesla and PayPal. You will guide teams and make big decisions. Your expertise will shape product development.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  3. Architect
    Average Salary: $219,814
    This job focuses on designing systems for companies like Intel and Cisco. You will create blueprints for digital and physical structures. Your work will set the foundation for future projects.
    Find Architect jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  4. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $212,406
    Working with firms like IBM and VMware, you will design solutions to meet client needs. You will bridge technology and business goals. Your role is crucial in shaping successful projects.
    Find Solutions Architect jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  5. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $209,042
    This position involves managing healthcare teams at facilities like Stanford Health Care. You will oversee patient care and ensure high standards. Your leadership will directly impact patient outcomes.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  6. Development Manager
    Average Salary: $204,168
    You will manage product development at companies like Oracle and AMD. Your job is to oversee teams and ensure projects meet deadlines. You will play a key role in product launches.
    Find Development Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  7. Integration Engineer
    Average Salary: $201,604
    In this role, you will work at firms like Intel and Cisco. You will connect different systems to work together seamlessly. Your skills are essential for smooth operations.
    Find Integration Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  8. Technical Programs Manager
    Average Salary: $200,999
    You will manage technical projects at companies like Apple and Google. Your job is to coordinate teams and ensure projects are completed on time. Your leadership is vital for success.
    Find Technical Programs Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  9. Firmware Engineer
    Average Salary: $197,463
    You will work with companies like Intel and AMD. Your role is to develop firmware for hardware devices. Your work ensures devices operate correctly and efficiently.
    Find Firmware Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  10. DevOps Engineer
    Average Salary: $197,127
    This job involves working with companies like Google and Oracle. You will automate processes to improve software delivery. Your skills are key to faster and more reliable software releases.
    Find DevOps Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA

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

Santa Clara, CA, offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Among the top roles, the To Go Specialist stands out with an average salary of $90,974. This position involves preparing and packing takeout orders efficiently, ensuring a smooth customer experience. Other notable positions include Restaurant Manager and Server, both offering competitive salaries of $80,378 and $60,475, respectively. These roles provide valuable experience in customer service and restaurant operations, making them excellent opportunities for those seeking a rewarding career without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Clara, CA without a degree, highlighting To Go Specialist with the highest at $90,974 and Floor Tech with the lowest at $44,882.
  1. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $90,974
    This role involves handling all takeout orders for restaurants and cafes. To Go Specialists ensure that orders are prepared accurately and delivered on time. Many restaurants in Santa Clara, CA, value this role, including Chipotle and Panera Bread.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $80,378
    Restaurant Managers oversee the daily operations of a restaurant. They manage staff, ensure customer satisfaction, and maintain inventory. This role is crucial for establishments like The Cheesecake Factory and Applebee's, where customer experience is key.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  3. Server
    Average Salary: $60,475
    Servers take orders, serve food and drinks, and ensure customers have a pleasant dining experience. They work in busy environments, often in restaurants such as Starbucks and In-N-Out Burger. This role requires strong customer service skills.
    Find Server jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $53,661
    Housekeepers clean and maintain rooms and common areas in hotels and other accommodations. This job is important for hotels such as Hilton and Marriott, ensuring guests have a comfortable stay. They must pay attention to detail and work efficiently.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  5. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $52,406
    Server Assistants help servers in busy restaurants. They set tables, refill drinks, and clear plates. This role is essential for the smooth operation of dining areas. Common employers include casual dining spots like TGI Fridays and Olive Garden.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  6. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $48,495
    Groundskeepers maintain the outdoor areas of properties. They mow lawns, trim hedges, and ensure the grounds are clean and well-kept. This job is crucial for schools, parks, and large residential properties in the area.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  7. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $45,645
    Landscapers design and maintain the outdoor spaces of homes and businesses. They plant flowers, trees, and shrubs, and may also work on irrigation systems. They often work for landscaping companies and residential clients in the city.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  8. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $45,361
    Service Team Members assist in various customer-facing roles in retail and service environments. They help customers and ensure the store runs smoothly. This job is common in stores like Best Buy and Ulta Beauty, where customer service is a priority.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  9. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $45,012
    Line Cooks prepare food quickly and efficiently in a commercial kitchen. They work in high-pressure environments and must follow recipes precisely. This role is found in fast-food chains and busy restaurants, ensuring meals are served on time.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  10. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $44,882
    Floor Technicians maintain the cleanliness and appearance of floors. They sweep, mop, and often use specialized equipment to clean and polish surfaces. This job is essential for commercial spaces like offices and retail stores.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Santa Clara, CA

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

Companies in Santa Clara, CA, offer some of the highest salaries in the tech industry. Leading employers like NVIDIA and Apple offer average salaries above $200,000, making them attractive choices for job seekers. ServiceNow, Qualcomm, and Pure Storage also provide competitive pay, often exceeding $200,000. This region is a hub for top-tier tech firms. Qualcomm and Pure Storage offer salaries near $200,000, with AMD and Palo Alto Networks also providing robust compensation packages. Companies like Ampere Computing, Intel Corporation, and Amazon Web Services complete the list of high-paying options, all offering salaries above $180,000. These figures highlight Santa Clara's appeal for professionals seeking lucrative opportunities.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Clara, CA, highlighting NVIDIA with the highest at $226,995 and Amazon Web Services with the lowest at $172,324.
  1. NVIDIA
    Average Salary: $226,995
    NVIDIA creates advanced computer chips for gaming and data centers. They offer competitive salaries and benefits.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $214,966
    Apple designs and sells consumer electronics. They value innovation and offer strong pay and perks.


  3. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $210,642
    ServiceNow provides cloud-based software for enterprise management. They are known for good compensation packages.


  4. Qualcomm
    Average Salary: $207,252
    Qualcomm develops wireless technology. They offer excellent salaries and benefits to attract top talent.


  5. Pure Storage
    Average Salary: $206,389
    Pure Storage offers data storage solutions. They pay well and value employee growth and development.


  6. AMD
    Average Salary: $204,738
    AMD makes computer processors and related technologies. They provide competitive pay and benefits.


  7. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $193,583
    Palo Alto Networks specializes in cybersecurity. They offer attractive salaries and a strong benefits package.


  8. Ampere Computing
    Average Salary: $191,951
    Ampere Computing develops data center products. They offer competitive pay for their innovative work.


  9. Intel Corporation
    Average Salary: $184,135
    Intel makes semiconductor chips. They provide good salaries and benefits to their employees.


  10. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $172,324
    Amazon Web Services offers cloud computing services. They offer competitive salaries and a wide range of benefits.

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

The cost of living index in Santa Clara, CA, significantly exceeds the nationwide average of 100. Housing alone is 171% higher, with an index of 271. Other categories, such as groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses, also surpass the national average, with increases ranging from 22% to 51%. Job seekers considering Santa Clara must account for these higher living costs. While the area offers many opportunities, the elevated cost of living can impact overall financial planning. Being aware of these numbers helps professionals make informed decisions about relocating or working in this dynamic region.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Clara, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 171% higher, groceries 43% higher, utilities 22% higher, transportation 51% higher, healthcare 32% higher, miscellaneous 35% higher.

Santa Clara, CA, stands out with a notably higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Santa Clara reach a staggering 271, marking a 171% increase from the national average. This significant rise underscores the challenges individuals face in securing affordable living spaces in the area.


Further examining specific categories, groceries in Santa Clara stand at 143, reflecting a 43% increase over the national benchmark. Utilities in the city are also elevated, costing 122, which is 22% above average. Transportation costs, at 151, are 51% higher than the national standard. When considering healthcare, Santa Clara's index of 132 indicates a 32% increase. Miscellaneous expenses are also higher, with an index of 135, representing a 35% rise. Overall, these numbers paint a clear picture of the financial demands faced by those living in Santa Clara, CA.

There are 2,024 job openings in Santa Clara, CA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Santa Clara, CA

Discover what it's like to work in Santa Clara, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Santa Clara, CA
2,024 Job Openings