Salaries in Santa Cruz, CA
What is the average salary in Santa Cruz, CA?
Santa Cruz, CA offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary for jobs in Santa Cruz is around $64,669. This figure provides a good overview of the earning potential in the area. Salaries can vary widely based on the job type and experience level.
Here are some average salaries for different job categories in Santa Cruz:
- Entry-level positions: $33,500
- Mid-level positions: $47,815
- Senior positions: $62,131
- Managerial positions: $76,446
- Executive positions: $90,762
- Specialized roles: $105,077
- High-level specialized roles: $119,393
- Top-tier specialized roles: $133,708
- Executive-level specialized roles: $148,024
- High-executive specialized roles: $162,339
- Top-executive specialized roles: $176,655
- CEO-level specialized roles: $190,970
What are the best paying jobs in Santa Cruz, CA?

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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $182,888
This role involves providing primary and specialty care. It requires a master's degree in nursing. Many healthcare facilities offer this position. Clinics and hospitals in the area provide excellent opportunities.
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Radiologic Technologist
Average Salary: $136,234
This job involves operating medical imaging equipment. It requires an associate's degree. Many local hospitals and imaging centers need skilled professionals. They offer competitive salaries and benefits.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $115,853
Traveling nurses provide care in various locations. This role requires flexibility and strong clinical skills. Many agencies offer assignments in the area. They provide good pay and travel benefits.
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What are the best paying jobs in Santa Cruz, CA without a degree?

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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $47,631
Maintaining the grounds of parks, schools, and businesses. Working for local government or private companies. Requires attention to detail and physical stamina.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $42,247
Preparing cuts of meat for sale. Working in grocery stores or butcher shops. Requires knowledge of meat cuts and customer service skills.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $40,443
Preparing food in a fast-paced kitchen. Working in restaurants and cafes. Requires strong cooking skills and the ability to work under pressure.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $40,414
Helping servers with tasks like seating guests and clearing tables. Working in restaurants. Requires good communication and teamwork skills.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $40,380
Cleaning and maintaining rooms in hotels or motels. Working for hospitality companies. Requires attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
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Barista
Average Salary: $37,665
Preparing coffee and other beverages. Working in coffee shops. Requires knowledge of coffee types and customer service skills.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $37,344
Assisting in food preparation and cooking. Working in restaurants. Requires teamwork and basic cooking skills.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $36,607
Helping customers with their orders and inquiries. Working in fast food or casual dining restaurants. Requires good communication and customer service skills.
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Food Service Aide
Average Salary: $36,557
Assisting with food preparation and serving. Working in schools or hospitals. Requires basic food handling skills and attention to detail.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $36,156
Cleaning dishes and kitchen equipment. Working in restaurants. Requires attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Santa Cruz, CA?

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Joby Aviation
Average Salary: $129,273
Joby Aviation is a pioneer in electric air taxis. They focus on sustainable and efficient air travel.
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Dignity Health
Average Salary: $122,298
Dignity Health is a healthcare provider with a focus on patient care and community health.
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Telecare Corporation
Average Salary: $119,811
Telecare Corporation offers mental health and social services, helping people live more independently.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $113,903
Sutter Health is a not-for-profit healthcare network providing medical services to Northern California.
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Wellpath
Average Salary: $109,036
Wellpath provides healthcare services to individuals in correctional and community settings.
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County of Santa Cruz
Average Salary: $107,096
The County of Santa Cruz offers a range of public services to its residents, including education and public safety.
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Hearts and Hands Post Acute Care & Rehab Center
Average Salary: $103,583
This center provides post-acute care and rehabilitation services to help patients recover from illness or surgery.
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ProCare Therapy
Average Salary: $97,541
ProCare Therapy offers physical, occupational, and speech therapy services to help patients regain their abilities.
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City of Santa Cruz
Average Salary: $84,729
The City of Santa Cruz provides various municipal services to its residents, including public safety and recreation.
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University of California - Santa Cruz
Average Salary: $83,091
UC Santa Cruz is a public university known for its academic programs and research in various fields.
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 housing index in Santa Cruz stands at 175, which is 75% higher than the national average. This significant increase reflects the high demand and limited supply of housing in the area, making it one of the most expensive aspects of living there.
Other expenses also show a rise in Santa Cruz. The grocery index is 15% higher at 115, while utilities are 5% higher at 105. Transportation costs are 20% above the national average, with an index of 120. Healthcare costs are slightly above average at 5%, with an index of 105. Miscellaneous expenses, which include items like clothing and entertainment, are 10% higher at 110. These figures highlight the overall higher cost of living in Santa Cruz compared to the rest of the country.