Salaries in Santa Cruz, CA

1. Staff Nurse
   Average Salary: $202,746
   Staff nurses provide essential care in various healthcare settings. They work closely with doctors and other medical staff. In Santa Cruz, local hospitals and clinics offer opportunities in this field.
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2. Radiologic Technologist
   Average Salary: $143,576
   Radiologic technologists operate imaging equipment to diagnose medical conditions. They ensure patient safety and comfort. Opportunities exist in hospitals and private practices in Santa Cruz.
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3. Registered Nurse
   Average Salary: $134,119
   Registered nurses coordinate patient care and provide treatment. They work in hospitals, clinics, and home health settings. Santa Cruz offers many options for this fulfilling career.
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4. Traveling Nurse
   Average Salary: $124,553
   Traveling nurses work in different locations, providing short-term care. They help fill staffing gaps and travel frequently. Agencies in Santa Cruz offer exciting assignments.
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5. Speech Language Pathologist
   Average Salary: $122,363
   Speech language pathologists help patients with communication and swallowing. They work in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Santa Cruz has diverse opportunities in this field.
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6. Occupational Therapist
   Average Salary: $116,872
   Occupational therapists help patients regain skills for daily activities. They work in hospitals, schools, and private practices. Opportunities in Santa Cruz support patient recovery and independence.
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7. Physical Therapist Assistant
   Average Salary: $84,772
   Physical therapist assistants work under physical therapists to help patients. They perform exercises and therapies. Santa Cruz has many healthcare facilities offering these roles.
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8. Counselor
   Average Salary: $78,741
   Counselors provide support for mental health and well-being. They help individuals and groups with various issues. Opportunities in Santa Cruz include schools, hospitals, and private practices.
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9. Licensed Vocational Nurse
   Average Salary: $77,514
   Licensed vocational nurses offer basic medical care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Santa Cruz offers many positions in this essential role.
   Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

10. Patient Service Representative
    Average Salary: $65,958
    Patient service representatives manage front-office tasks. They assist patients with scheduling and paperwork. Santa Cruz has opportunities in healthcare and administrative roles.
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1. Arborist Climber
   Average Salary: $54,231
   Working in this role, one carefully climbs and cuts tree branches to ensure safety and aesthetics. Many professionals find opportunities with arboricultural companies that maintain the city's green spaces. This job plays a key role in preserving the urban landscape.
   Find Arborist Climber jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

2. Groundskeeper
   Average Salary: $48,702
   This position involves maintaining lawns, gardens, and outdoor spaces. Groundskeepers often work with local government or landscape companies to keep parks and recreational areas looking their best. It's a hands-on job with plenty of fresh air and sunshine.
   Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

3. Meat Cutter
   Average Salary: $44,388
   Meat cutters work in grocery stores and butcher shops, preparing and packaging meats. This role requires precision and attention to detail. Professionals often work for major grocery chains or local butchers, ensuring customers have access to quality products.
   Find Meat Cutter jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

4. Line Cook
   Average Salary: $43,965
   Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook dishes in a fast-paced kitchen environment. This job is ideal for those who enjoy working in teams and creating delicious meals for customers. Many opportunities exist in local restaurants and cafes, where creativity and speed are key.
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5. Housekeeping
   Average Salary: $40,971
   Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms in hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities. This job ensures guests have a comfortable and clean environment. Many professionals work for large hotel chains or boutique hotels, providing essential services to visitors.
   Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

6. Barista
   Average Salary: $39,593
   Baristas prepare coffee and other beverages in cafes and coffee shops. This role involves interacting with customers and making delicious drinks. Many opportunities exist with local coffee chains and independent cafes, where hospitality and customer service are important.
   Find Barista jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

7. Dishwasher
   Average Salary: $39,580
   Dishwasher duties include cleaning dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. This job is essential for maintaining a clean and efficient kitchen. Opportunities often arise in local restaurants, cafes, and hotels, where teamwork and attention to detail are valued.
   Find Dishwasher jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

8. Kitchen Team Member
   Average Salary: $39,488
   Kitchen team members assist in all areas of the kitchen, from food preparation to cooking and serving. This role requires flexibility and the ability to work well under pressure. Many professionals work in busy restaurants, contributing to the smooth operation of the kitchen.
   Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

9. Server
   Average Salary: $39,046
   Servers take orders, serve food, and provide excellent customer service. This job involves interacting with guests and ensuring their dining experience is enjoyable. Many opportunities exist in local restaurants, cafes, and dining establishments, where hospitality is key.
   Find Server jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

10. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $38,409
    Food service aides help prepare and serve meals in various settings. This role is ideal for those who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and supporting kitchen staff. Many opportunities exist in schools, hospitals, and catering companies, where attention to detail is important.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
    

1. CommonSpirit Health
   Average Salary: $160,056
   CommonSpirit Health offers a wide range of health, social, and support services. Employees work in a collaborative environment that values their contributions to patient care.
   

   
   

2. Joby Aviation
   Average Salary: $136,566
   Joby Aviation pioneers electric air taxi services. It's an innovative company focusing on the future of urban air mobility and sustainability.
   

   
   

3. Sutter Health
   Average Salary: $123,329
   Sutter Health is a not-for-profit network of healthcare providers. It’s committed to high-quality care and improving the health of communities across Northern California.
   

   
   

4. LifePoint Health
   Average Salary: $108,895
   LifePoint Health focuses on providing quality healthcare services. It operates community hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and more.
   

   
   

5. Telecare Corporation
   Average Salary: $107,454
   Telecare Corporation provides mental health services and supports to individuals. It works to improve the quality of life for people facing mental health challenges.
   

   
   

6. City of Santa Cruz
   Average Salary: $92,164
   The City of Santa Cruz offers a variety of jobs in public services. It values community engagement and employee development.
   

   
   

7. University of California - Santa Cruz
   Average Salary: $84,983
   UC Santa Cruz is a public university known for its academic excellence. It provides a supportive environment for both students and staff.
   

   
   

8. Janus of Santa Cruz
   Average Salary: $70,446
   Janus of Santa Cruz is a community-based agency. It offers programs for people with developmental disabilities and mental health issues.
   

   
   

9. ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES
   Average Salary: $65,415
   ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES provides mental health and developmental services. It aims to support individuals in achieving their personal goals.
   

   
   

10. Hearts And Hands
    Average Salary: $58,989
    Hearts And Hands offers residential and educational services. It focuses on helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
    

Santa Cruz, CA, stands out for its higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is indexed at 100. Housing costs in Santa Cruz are notably significant, standing at 176. This means residents pay 76% more for housing than the national average. The elevated housing prices can be a critical factor for job seekers considering relocation to Santa Cruz.

Beyond housing, other expenses in Santa Cruz also surpass the national average. Groceries, for instance, cost 21% more, with an index of 121. Utilities and healthcare show slight increases, at 9% and 5% respectively, while transportation costs are 13% higher. Miscellaneous expenses also reflect a 21% rise, similar to groceries. Altogether, Santa Cruz's cost of living suggests that residents need to budget carefully to match these elevated expenses.