Salaries in Santa Cruz, CA

1. Staff Nurse
   Average Salary: $203,552
   Staff Nurses care for patients and assist doctors. They work in hospitals and clinics. These include Dominican Hospital and Watsonville Community Hospital.
   Find Staff Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

2. Radiologic Technologist
   Average Salary: $142,301
   Radiologic Technologists use imaging equipment. They take X-rays and other scans. They work in hospitals and imaging centers.
   Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

3. Registered Nurse
   Average Salary: $134,869
   Registered Nurses provide patient care. They work in hospitals and outpatient centers. These include Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health.
   Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

4. Traveling Nurse
   Average Salary: $124,553
   Traveling Nurses work in different locations. They provide short-term care. They often travel to places with shortages.
   Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

5. Speech Language Pathologist
   Average Salary: $121,522
   Speech Language Pathologists help patients with communication. They work in schools and clinics. They assist those with speech difficulties.
   Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

6. Occupational Therapist
   Average Salary: $114,121
   Occupational Therapists help patients with daily activities. They work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. They help those recovering from injuries.
   Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

7. Automotive Technician
   Average Salary: $86,721
   Automotive Technicians fix cars. They work in auto shops and dealerships. They diagnose and repair vehicle issues.
   Find Automotive Technician jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

8. Physical Therapist Assistant
   Average Salary: $86,530
   Physical Therapist Assistants help patients recover. They work in clinics and hospitals. They assist with exercises and treatments.
   Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

9. Counselor
   Average Salary: $79,769
   Counselors help people with emotional issues. They work in private practices and schools. They offer support and guidance.
   Find Counselor jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

10. Licensed Vocational Nurse
    Average Salary: $77,824
    Licensed Vocational Nurses provide basic care. They work in hospitals and clinics. They assist patients with daily tasks.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
    

1. Arborist Climber
   Average Salary: $54,077
   This role involves climbing trees to trim or remove them. Local companies value experienced climbers. Arborists work in parks and private properties.
   Find Arborist Climber jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

2. Groundskeeper
   Average Salary: $50,202
   Maintaining grounds for properties like schools and businesses is crucial. Landscapers work in various environments, ensuring areas are clean and attractive.
   Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

3. Meat Cutter
   Average Salary: $44,677
   This job cuts and packages meat in grocery stores and butcher shops. Skill in handling knives and processing meat is essential.
   Find Meat Cutter jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

4. Line Cook
   Average Salary: $44,274
   Working in fast-paced kitchens, line cooks prepare meals quickly. They follow recipes and maintain a clean workspace.
   Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

5. Dishwasher
   Average Salary: $40,044
   Dishwasher roles involve washing dishes and maintaining clean areas. They work in busy restaurants and cafes.
   Find Dishwasher jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

6. Barista
   Average Salary: $40,015
   Serving coffee and other drinks at cafes, baristas make sure customers have a pleasant experience. They often work in trendy cafes.
   Find Barista jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

7. Housekeeping
   Average Salary: $39,913
   This position includes cleaning and maintaining guest rooms in hotels. Housekeeping staff ensure rooms are ready for guests.
   Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

8. Kitchen Team Member
   Average Salary: $39,734
   Working in a fast-paced kitchen, team members help prepare food and serve customers. They assist cooks and servers.
   Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

9. Server
   Average Salary: $38,919
   Serving food and drinks to customers in restaurants, servers need good communication skills. They work in both fine dining and casual settings.
   Find Server jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

10. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $38,455
    Aides assist in food preparation and service in restaurants. They work closely with cooks and servers to ensure smooth operations.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
    

1. CommonSpirit Health
   Average Salary: $160,290
   CommonSpirit Health offers a variety of roles in healthcare. Employees often enjoy benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
   

   
   

2. Joby Aviation
   Average Salary: $137,544
   Joby Aviation is pioneering electric air taxis. Working here means being at the cutting edge of aviation technology.
   

   
   

3. Sutter Health
   Average Salary: $125,425
   Sutter Health provides healthcare services in California. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment and professional growth opportunities.
   

   
   

4. LifePoint Health
   Average Salary: $108,813
   LifePoint Health operates hospitals and clinics. It offers a range of positions in healthcare administration and patient care.
   

   
   

5. Telecare Corporation
   Average Salary: $106,263
   Telecare Corporation focuses on mental health and community services. Employees work to support individuals with diverse needs.
   

   
   

6. City of Santa Cruz
   Average Salary: $92,029
   The City of Santa Cruz provides various public services. Positions here offer job stability and community engagement.
   

   
   

7. University of California - Santa Cruz
   Average Salary: $84,268
   The University of California - Santa Cruz is a top research institution. Employees include faculty, researchers, and support staff.
   

   
   

8. Janus of Santa Cruz
   Average Salary: $69,702
   Janus of Santa Cruz offers mental health services. Employees support individuals with mental health challenges in a caring environment.
   

   
   

9. ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES
   Average Salary: $67,489
   ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES focuses on social services and support. Employees help individuals improve their quality of life.
   

   
   

10. Hearts And Hands
    Average Salary: $56,962
    Hearts And Hands provides community services and support. Employees work to enhance the well-being of those they serve.
    

Santa Cruz, California, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. According to the data, the cost of living index for Santa Cruz is significantly elevated in several key areas. Housing costs in Santa Cruz are 218, which is 118% higher than the national average. This makes finding affordable housing a challenge for many residents. The cost of groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items also exceeds the national average, but to a lesser extent. For instance, groceries cost 130 on the index, 30% higher than average. Utilities are at 111, which is 11% higher, while transportation costs are at 120, also 20% higher.

Compared to the nationwide average of 100, Santa Cruz’s cost of living reflects these higher expenses. Residents can expect to pay 125 for miscellaneous items, 25% more than the national average. Healthcare costs are slightly above average at 110, representing a 10% increase. Transportation costs also rise at 120, showing a 20% increase. These metrics reveal that while Santa Cruz offers a desirable lifestyle, it comes with a higher financial commitment compared to the rest of the country.