What is the average salary in Santa Cruz, CA?
Santa Cruz, CA offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in Santa Cruz stands at $73,043. This figure includes a diverse range of occupations, from lower-paying roles to higher-paying positions. Here are some key figures from the data:
The breakdown of salary distributions in Santa Cruz is quite diverse. About 41.26% of the workforce earns around $34,000 annually, while 13.67% earn around $49,563. A smaller percentage, 10.10%, earn closer to $65,125 each year. Other notable percentages include 7.35% earning $80,688, 5.75% earning $96,251, and 4.61% earning $111,814. This variety offers job seekers multiple options based on their skills and career goals.
What are the best paying jobs in Santa Cruz, CA?

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Staff Nurse
Average Salary: $201,080
This role offers a rewarding career in healthcare. Staff nurses care for patients and support doctors. Nurses work in hospitals and clinics. The city offers many opportunities in its healthcare system.
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Radiologic Technologist
Average Salary: $137,925
This role involves using imaging equipment. Radiologic technologists take X-rays and CT scans. These images help doctors diagnose illnesses. They work in hospitals and imaging centers in the area.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $125,167
RNs play a key role in patient care. They administer medications and monitor patients. RNs work in hospitals and outpatient clinics. The city offers many RN positions in its healthcare system.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $123,697
Traveling nurses work in different locations. They provide care wherever needed. RNs and LPNs can become traveling nurses. They enjoy new experiences and varied work environments.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $118,649
Occupational therapists help people recover from injuries. They design treatment plans and exercise routines. They work in hospitals, clinics, and schools. The city offers many opportunities to help others.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $118,438
This role helps people with speech and language issues. SLPs work with patients of all ages. They develop treatment plans and therapy sessions. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics in the area.
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Program Manager
Average Salary: $92,048
Program managers oversee projects and teams. They ensure projects stay on track and meet goals. They work in various industries, including healthcare and technology. The city offers many management positions.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $91,309
Behavior analysts study and improve behavior. They work with patients to develop treatment plans. They often work in schools, clinics, and hospitals. The city offers many opportunities in this growing field.
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Automotive Technician
Average Salary: $83,959
Automotive technicians repair and maintain vehicles. They diagnose issues and perform repairs. They work in auto repair shops and dealerships. The city offers many automotive service jobs.
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Physical Therapist Assistant
Average Salary: $82,849
PTAs support physical therapists. They help patients with exercises and treatments. They work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. The city offers many positions in healthcare and therapy.
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What are the best paying jobs in Santa Cruz, CA without a degree?

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Arborist Climber
Average Salary: $54,083
This role involves climbing trees to perform maintenance. It suits those who enjoy working outdoors. Positions are available with local tree care companies.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $47,619
Maintaining parks and gardens is a key task. It offers seasonal work with city parks and resorts. These jobs are physically demanding but rewarding.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $43,829
Preparing meats for sale is a vital role. This position requires a steady hand and attention to detail. Grocery stores and butcher shops offer these opportunities.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $42,830
Cooking in fast-paced kitchens is a challenge. This role demands efficiency and teamwork. Restaurants in the area look for skilled line cooks.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $42,010
Cleaning rooms and common areas is essential. This role is ideal for those who value cleanliness and order. Local hotels and lodges offer these jobs.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $41,669
Helping servers ensures smooth dining experiences. This role is perfect for those who enjoy customer service. Many eateries seek energetic server assistants.
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Barista
Average Salary: $39,620
Making coffee and other drinks is key. This position suits those who enjoy fast-paced environments. Coffee shops around the city have openings.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $39,419
Ensuring customers have a great experience is vital. This role requires excellent communication skills. Retail and service stores offer these positions.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $38,761
Assisting in food preparation helps kitchens run smoothly. This role is great for those who like working in a team. Local dining establishments hire for this role.
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Server
Average Salary: $38,604
Taking orders and serving food to customers is essential. This role offers tips in addition to the salary. Many restaurants seek friendly servers.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Santa Cruz, CA?

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CommonSpirit Health
Average Salary: $155,915
CommonSpirit Health is a national nonprofit health system. It focuses on providing quality healthcare to all. The company offers competitive salaries and benefits.
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Joby Aviation
Average Salary: $137,348
Joby Aviation is a leader in developing electric aircraft. It aims to make air travel more sustainable and efficient. The company values innovation and employee well-being.
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County of Santa Cruz
Average Salary: $123,835
The County of Santa Cruz offers many public service jobs. It works to improve the lives of residents. The county provides a stable work environment and good benefits.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $121,461
Sutter Health is a top healthcare provider. It serves communities in Northern California. The company offers excellent salaries and a supportive work culture.
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Telecare Corporation
Average Salary: $111,756
Telecare Corporation provides mental health services. It helps many people in need. The company values its employees and offers good compensation.
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LifePoint Health
Average Salary: $108,080
LifePoint Health manages hospitals and healthcare facilities. It focuses on patient care and community health. The company values its workforce and offers competitive salaries.
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City of Santa Cruz
Average Salary: $91,631
The City of Santa Cruz offers various jobs in public service. It aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents. The city provides good benefits and a stable work environment.
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University of California - Santa Cruz
Average Salary: $84,368
UC Santa Cruz is a renowned public university. It offers many jobs in education and research. The university values intellectual curiosity and offers good salaries.
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Precision Physical Therapy & Fitness
Average Salary: $79,593
Precision Physical Therapy & Fitness focuses on patient care. It offers physical therapy and wellness services. The company values teamwork and employee satisfaction.
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Janus of Santa Cruz
Average Salary: $69,340
Janus of Santa Cruz provides senior services. It helps elderly residents live better. The company values care and offers good compensation for its workers.
How does the cost of living in Santa Cruz, CA compare to the national average?

The cost of living index in Santa Cruz, California, reveals significant insights for job seekers considering this area. Housing in Santa Cruz stands at an index of 187, which means it costs 87% more than the nationwide average. This high index reflects the area's demand for residential spaces and the associated costs. Job seekers should be aware of this substantial investment when planning their budgets.
In other categories, Santa Cruz also shows above-average costs. Groceries are 12% higher than the national average with an index of 112. Utilities follow closely at 108, indicating an 8% increase. Transportation costs are 14% higher, with an index of 114. While healthcare is slightly below average at 104, miscellaneous expenses stand at 120, which is 20% higher. These figures highlight the overall elevated cost of living in Santa Cruz compared to the national average, which stands at 100.



