Overview Salaries

Salaries in Santa Cruz, CA

Updated on Apr 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average salary in Santa Cruz, CA is $77,262 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Santa Cruz, CA, showing an average salary of $77,262 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Santa Cruz, CA, showing an average salary of $6,438 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Santa Cruz, CA, showing an average salary of $1,486 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Santa Cruz, CA, showing an average salary of $37 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Santa Cruz, CA offers a competitive salary landscape, with an average yearly salary of $77,262. This figure reflects the diverse job opportunities available in the area. Many job seekers find that their salary aligns with the industry standards set in this region.


The salary distribution shows a mix of earnings across different sectors. The largest percentage, 35.37%, falls between $34,000 and $49,697. Following closely, 15.82% earn between $49,697 and $65,395. Other notable brackets include $65,395 to $81,092 (10.90%) and $81,092 to $96,789 (7.55%). This variety ensures that job seekers can find positions that match their skills and experience levels.

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

In Santa Cruz, CA, several jobs offer strong earning potential. Staff Nurses, Radiologic Technologists, and Registered Nurses lead the way with high average salaries. These roles provide excellent opportunities for those seeking both good pay and fulfilling work in the healthcare sector. Other well-paying jobs include positions such as Traveling Nurses, Speech Language Pathologists, and Occupational Therapists. These roles also require specialized skills and training. They offer competitive wages and the chance to make a meaningful impact in people's lives. Job seekers looking for a balance of salary and job satisfaction will find these positions highly attractive.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting Staff Nurse with the highest at $202,160 and Licensed Vocational Nurse with the lowest at $76,890.

  1. Staff Nurse
    Average Salary: $202,160
    Care for patients and work with doctors. Staff Nurses find roles in local hospitals and clinics. They assist with patient care, monitor vital signs, and administer treatments.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  2. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $138,905
    Perform medical imaging procedures. Radiologic Technologists work in hospitals and imaging centers. They operate imaging equipment, ensuring quality and safety during procedures.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $131,100
    Provide essential patient care. Registered Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, and home health settings. They manage patient care, administer medications, and educate patients on health issues.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  4. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $124,371
    Offer nursing care in various locations. Traveling Nurses work with staffing agencies, moving between facilities. They adapt to new environments and provide quality patient care.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  5. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $121,273
    Diagnose and treat speech and language disorders. Speech Language Pathologists work with schools, hospitals, and private practices. They help individuals improve communication skills.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  6. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $117,276
    Help patients regain independence. Occupational Therapists work with clients of all ages in various settings. They design treatment plans to improve daily living skills.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  7. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $87,280
    Study and improve behaviors. Behavior Analysts work with schools, clinics, and therapy centers. They develop and implement behavior intervention plans.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  8. Physical Therapist Assistant
    Average Salary: $84,523
    Support physical therapy care. Physical Therapist Assistants work under Physical Therapists. They help patients recover from injuries and improve mobility.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  9. Counselor
    Average Salary: $83,205
    Provide guidance and support. Counselors work in schools, community centers, and private practices. They assist individuals with personal and career challenges.
    Find Counselor jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  10. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $76,890
    Provide basic patient care. Licensed Vocational Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They assist doctors and Registered Nurses with patient care tasks.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

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

In Santa Cruz, CA, several jobs offer strong salaries without needing a degree. Arborist Climbers, who work in tree care, can earn an average of $54,231 a year. Groundskeepers, who maintain parks and properties, make about $48,702 annually. These roles provide good pay and opportunities for those without a college degree. Additionally, Santa Cruz offers many well-paying jobs in food services. Meat Cutters, who prepare meat for sale, earn around $43,829 per year. Line Cooks, who prepare meals in fast-paced kitchens, can make about $43,686. These jobs provide steady income and potential for growth. Housekeepers, who clean hotel rooms and other areas, average $41,838 a year. Baristas, who make coffee and other drinks, earn about $39,415 annually. These roles offer good wages and flexible schedules for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Cruz, CA without a degree, highlighting Arborist Climber with the highest at $54,231 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $38,083.

  1. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $54,231
    Climb trees to prune and remove branches. Work for tree care companies. Requires physical strength and attention to safety.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  2. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $48,702
    Maintain lawns, gardens, and parks. Work for local government or landscaping firms. Requires knowledge of horticulture and lawn maintenance.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  3. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $43,829
    Cut and package meat for grocery stores and butcher shops. Needs skill with knives and knowledge of meat cuts.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $43,686
    Prepare meals in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in restaurants and cafes. Requires good time management and culinary skills.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $41,838
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels and motels. Need to follow cleaning protocols. Attention to detail is essential.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,415
    Prepare coffee and other beverages. Work in coffee shops. Requires customer service skills and knowledge of coffee brewing.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  7. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,285
    Assist in food preparation and kitchen duties. Work in various food service settings. Requires basic cooking skills and teamwork.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  8. Server
    Average Salary: $39,130
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Work in restaurants and cafes. Requires good communication skills and knowledge of menu items.
    Find Server jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $38,528
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Work in restaurants and catering companies. Requires attention to detail and physical stamina.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  10. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $38,083
    Assist in food preparation and kitchen tasks. Work in schools and hospitals. Requires basic food handling skills and cleanliness.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

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

Santa Cruz, CA, is home to several high-paying companies, offering competitive salaries to attract top talent. CommonSpirit Health tops the list with an average salary of $160,953, followed closely by Joby Aviation at $138,314. These companies provide excellent opportunities for professionals seeking rewarding careers. The healthcare sector leads with high salaries in Santa Cruz. Sutter Health and LifePoint Health both offer above-average incomes, at $124,403 and $108,080 respectively. City of Santa Cruz and University of California - Santa Cruz also stand out with salaries of $89,339 and $84,784. These organizations value their employees and aim to provide a good standard of living.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting CommonSpirit Health with the highest at $160,953 and Hearts And Hands with the lowest at $60,360.

  1. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $160,953
    CommonSpirit Health is a large health care system. They provide quality care and have a strong reputation for employee benefits and career growth.


  2. Joby Aviation
    Average Salary: $138,314
    Joby Aviation is an aviation company. They focus on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. They offer innovative and exciting job opportunities.


  3. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $124,403
    Sutter Health is a not-for-profit network of care providers. They offer many medical services and have a strong focus on employee well-being.


  4. Telecare Corporation
    Average Salary: $109,201
    Telecare Corporation is a community-based provider of mental health and social services. They have a variety of roles that support people's health and happiness.


  5. LifePoint Health
    Average Salary: $108,080
    LifePoint Health runs community hospitals and care facilities. They value teamwork and provide comprehensive health care services.


  6. City of Santa Cruz
    Average Salary: $89,339
    The City of Santa Cruz offers jobs in various departments. They focus on community service and provide stable employment.


  7. University of California - Santa Cruz
    Average Salary: $84,784
    The University of California - Santa Cruz is a renowned research university. They offer a range of academic and administrative positions.


  8. Janus of Santa Cruz
    Average Salary: $69,521
    Janus of Santa Cruz provides home health care services. They are dedicated to helping individuals in their homes and communities.


  9. ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES
    Average Salary: $63,641
    ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES focuses on supportive services for individuals with disabilities. They are committed to improving lives through community support.


  10. Hearts And Hands
    Average Salary: $60,360
    Hearts And Hands offers home care services. They provide essential support to individuals in their homes, helping them maintain independence.

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

Santa Cruz, CA, shows a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which stands at 100. Housing costs are notably higher, standing at 190. This represents a 90% increase over the average. When considering other expenses, Santa Cruz also shows elevated costs. Groceries cost 20% more, while utilities and transportation each run around 10% higher. Healthcare and miscellaneous expenses also surpass the national average by 10% each. These figures reveal Santa Cruz as a place with significantly higher living costs.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Cruz, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 90% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 25% higher.

The cost of living in Santa Cruz, California, is notably higher than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Santa Cruz are particularly striking, standing at 190. This means that housing expenses are almost twice the national average. Such high prices can significantly impact residents' budgets, making it important for job seekers to consider this factor when evaluating job opportunities in the area.


Other expenses in Santa Cruz also exceed the national average. Groceries cost 20% more, utilities are 10% higher, and miscellaneous expenses are up by 25%. Transportation and healthcare costs are close to the national average, at 15% and 10% higher, respectively. While these figures are less extreme, they still add up, making Santa Cruz a more expensive place to live overall. Job seekers should weigh these costs against potential earnings to make informed decisions.

There are 548 job openings in Santa Cruz, CA, today!

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Santa Cruz, CA
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