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What is the average salary in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average salary in Santa Cruz, CA is $70,648 per year.

Santa Cruz, CA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in the area is $70,648. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers to understand the earning potential in the region. Salaries vary significantly across different sectors, offering a variety of options for professionals.


Some of the highest-paying jobs in Santa Cruz include roles in technology, healthcare, and finance. For instance, tech professionals can earn upwards of $124,000 per year, while healthcare workers often see salaries around $109,000. Finance professionals also enjoy competitive salaries, with many earning over $94,000 annually. These figures highlight the diverse earning potential available to those who choose to work in Santa Cruz.

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

Santa Cruz offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities, especially in the healthcare sector. Staff Nurses lead the way with an average salary of $199,039. This is followed closely by Radiologic Technologists, earning around $137,639 per year. Other well-compensated roles include Traveling Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Occupational Therapists, all providing competitive salaries. In addition to healthcare, Santa Cruz also offers high-paying positions in specialized fields. Speech Language Pathologists and Nuclear Medicine Technologists enjoy average salaries of $115,092 and $95,436, respectively. Behavioral Analysts, Program Managers, and Physical Therapist Assistants also provide attractive compensation packages, making Santa Cruz a great place for job seekers looking for rewarding careers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting Staff Nurse with the highest at $1,990,390 and Physical Therapist Assistant with the lowest at $801,710.
  1. Staff Nurse
    Average Salary: $1,990,390
    Staff nurses work in hospitals and clinics. They care for patients and help doctors. They often work in busy environments.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  2. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $1,376,390
    Radiologic technologists use imaging equipment. They take X-rays and scans. They work in hospitals and imaging centers. They help doctors diagnose conditions.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  3. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $1,248,150
    Traveling nurses work in different locations. They provide care for patients. They often work in hospitals and clinics. They travel to places where nurses are needed.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $1,208,850
    Registered nurses care for patients. They work in hospitals and clinics. They help doctors and other healthcare providers. They provide important care to patients.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  5. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $1,181,030
    Occupational therapists help people with injuries. They work in hospitals and clinics. They help patients regain skills. They help people return to daily activities.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  6. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $1,150,920
    Speech language pathologists help people with speech and language issues. They work in schools and clinics. They help patients communicate better. They work with people of all ages.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  7. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
    Average Salary: $954,360
    Nuclear medicine technologists use special equipment. They take images of the body. They work in hospitals and imaging centers. They help doctors diagnose conditions.
    Find Nuclear Medicine Technologist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  8. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $928,680
    Behavior analysts study behavior. They work with people to improve their behavior. They often work in schools and clinics. They help people with autism and other conditions.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  9. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $917,960
    Program managers oversee programs. They work in various sectors. They plan and coordinate activities. They ensure programs run smoothly.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  10. Physical Therapist Assistant
    Average Salary: $801,710
    Physical therapist assistants help patients recover. They work in hospitals and clinics. They help patients with exercises. They work under physical therapists.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

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

Santa Cruz offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Arborist Climbers, who work with trees, earn the highest average salary at $54,000. Groundskeepers, who maintain outdoor spaces, earn around $46,842. These jobs provide good opportunities for those seeking well-paying work without a degree. Other top-paying jobs in Santa Cruz include Meat Cutters, who earn about $43,600, and Housekeeping staff, who make around $42,444. Line Cooks and Server Assistants also offer good salaries, with averages of $42,356 and $41,002, respectively. These positions offer a range of roles that can lead to stable and rewarding careers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Cruz, CA without a degree, highlighting Arborist Climber with the highest at $54,000 and Server with the lowest at $37,759.
  1. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $54,000
    Arborists work in tree care, often for landscaping companies. They climb trees to prune and remove branches. This job is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor work and physical activity.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  2. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $46,842
    Groundskeepers maintain parks and gardens. They work for city parks or private properties. They perform tasks like mowing lawns, planting flowers, and trimming shrubs.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  3. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $43,600
    Meat cutters work in grocery stores and butcher shops. They slice and package meat for customers. This job requires attention to detail and the ability to work with sharp tools.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $42,444
    Housekeepers clean rooms in hotels and motels. They ensure that rooms are tidy and comfortable for guests. This job is great for those who enjoy a clean and organized environment.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $42,356
    Line cooks work in fast-paced kitchens. They prepare ingredients and cook meals quickly. They often work in restaurants and cafes, ensuring food is ready on time.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  6. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $41,002
    Server assistants help in dining areas. They take orders and serve food to customers. They work in restaurants, helping to ensure a smooth dining experience.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  7. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,419
    Service team members work in various settings. They assist customers and provide support. This role is common in retail stores and service-oriented businesses.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  8. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,282
    Baristas work in coffee shops. They prepare drinks and serve customers. They need to be friendly and knowledgeable about coffee products.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  9. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $38,551
    Kitchen team members work in food service. They help prepare meals and maintain kitchen cleanliness. This job is found in restaurants and cafes.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  10. Server
    Average Salary: $37,759
    Servers work in restaurants. They take orders and serve food to customers. They need to be friendly and efficient, ensuring a good dining experience.
    Find Server jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

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

Job seekers in Santa Cruz, CA, have several top-paying companies to consider. CommonSpirit Health leads with an average salary of $154,908. Joby Aviation follows closely with an average salary of $134,695. These companies offer competitive compensation packages, making them attractive options for professionals in the area. Other notable employers include Sutter Health, County of Santa Cruz, and Telecare Corporation. Sutter Health offers an average salary of $120,802, while the County of Santa Cruz provides $119,421. Telecare Corporation pays an average salary of $113,965. These companies also provide good salaries and benefits, making them valuable employers in Santa Cruz.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting CommonSpirit Health with the highest at $154,908 and Precision Physical Therapy & Fitness with the lowest at $80,724.
  1. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $154,908
    CommonSpirit Health is a large healthcare provider. They offer a range of medical services and are known for their commitment to patient care.


  2. Joby Aviation
    Average Salary: $134,695
    Joby Aviation is a pioneer in electric air taxis. They are at the forefront of aviation technology and innovation.


  3. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $120,802
    Sutter Health is a well-known healthcare network. They provide quality medical services and are dedicated to patient well-being.


  4. County of Santa Cruz
    Average Salary: $119,421
    The County of Santa Cruz offers public services. They are committed to serving the community and ensuring local needs are met.


  5. Telecare Corporation
    Average Salary: $113,965
    Telecare Corporation provides mental health services. They focus on helping individuals with mental health challenges lead fulfilling lives.


  6. Wellpath
    Average Salary: $107,996
    Wellpath offers healthcare services in correctional facilities. They are dedicated to providing quality care to underserved populations.


  7. LifePoint Health
    Average Salary: $106,909
    LifePoint Health is a healthcare provider with a focus on community care. They aim to improve the health of the communities they serve.


  8. City of Santa Cruz
    Average Salary: $88,868
    The City of Santa Cruz provides municipal services. They focus on maintaining and improving the quality of life for residents.


  9. University of California - Santa Cruz
    Average Salary: $85,106
    The University of California - Santa Cruz offers higher education. They are known for their academic excellence and innovative research.


  10. Precision Physical Therapy & Fitness
    Average Salary: $80,724
    Precision Physical Therapy & Fitness provides rehabilitation services. They focus on helping patients recover and improve their physical health.

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

Santa Cruz, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index in Santa Cruz is 125, which is 25% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely driven by housing costs, which are 60% above the national average. Other categories like groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses also show significant increases.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Cruz, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 60% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

Santa Cruz, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in Santa Cruz are notably 60% higher, with an index of 160 compared to the average of 100. This significant increase can impact potential residents' budgets, making it essential to consider these costs when planning a move.


The cost of groceries in Santa Cruz is 20% higher than the national average, with an index of 120. Utilities also show a 10% increase, with an index of 110. Transportation costs are slightly higher, at 15% above the average, with an index of 115. Healthcare costs remain relatively close to the national average, with a modest 5% increase, indexed at 105. Miscellaneous expenses are 30% higher, with an index of 130. These factors collectively highlight the elevated cost of living in Santa Cruz, which job seekers should weigh when considering relocation.

There are 684 job openings in Santa Cruz, CA, today!

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

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Santa Cruz, CA
684 Job Openings