Salaries in Santa Cruz, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average salary in Santa Cruz, CA is $64,669 per year.

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
Job seekers can find competitive salaries in Santa Cruz, making it a desirable place for career growth and development.

View jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

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

Santa Cruz, CA, offers a variety of high-paying jobs for professionals. Nurse practitioners lead the way with an average salary of $182,888. Radiologic technologists and traveling nurses also earn above-average wages, with salaries around $136,234 and $115,853, respectively. These roles provide excellent opportunities for those seeking a good income in a vibrant community. Other top-paying jobs in Santa Cruz include occupational therapists, registered nurses, and sales managers. Occupational therapists earn about $115,624, while registered nurses make around $113,448. Sales managers can expect to earn approximately $109,574. These positions offer a mix of healthcare, sales, and therapy services, catering to a diverse range of skills and interests.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $182,888 and Traveling Nurse with the lowest at $115,853.
  1. 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.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

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

Santa Cruz offers a variety of high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Positions such as groundskeeper, meat cutter, and line cook provide competitive salaries. These roles offer a chance to earn a good income while gaining valuable experience in different industries. Groundskeepers can earn up to $47,631 annually, while meat cutters and line cooks also enjoy salaries above $40,000. These jobs provide stability and opportunities for career growth. They allow individuals to support themselves while exploring different career paths.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Cruz, CA without a degree, highlighting Groundskeeper with the highest at $47,631 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $36,156.
  1. 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.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $37,665
    Preparing coffee and other beverages. Working in coffee shops. Requires knowledge of coffee types and customer service skills.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  7. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $37,344
    Assisting in food preparation and cooking. Working in restaurants. Requires teamwork and basic cooking skills.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  9. 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.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  10. 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.
    Find Dishwasher 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. Joby Aviation, Dignity Health, and Telecare Corporation lead the way with average salaries above $100,000. These companies offer competitive compensation packages, making them attractive options for professionals seeking higher earnings. Santa Cruz residents can find rewarding opportunities with companies like Sutter Health, Wellpath, and the County of Santa Cruz, which also offer salaries well above the local average. These employers provide stable and lucrative career paths, ensuring job seekers can achieve a good work-life balance while earning a solid income.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting Joby Aviation with the highest at $129,273 and University of California - Santa Cruz with the lowest at $83,091.
  1. Joby Aviation
    Average Salary: $129,273
    Joby Aviation is a pioneer in electric air taxis. They focus on sustainable and efficient air travel.


  2. Dignity Health
    Average Salary: $122,298
    Dignity Health is a healthcare provider with a focus on patient care and community health.


  3. Telecare Corporation
    Average Salary: $119,811
    Telecare Corporation offers mental health and social services, helping people live more independently.


  4. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $113,903
    Sutter Health is a not-for-profit healthcare network providing medical services to Northern California.


  5. Wellpath
    Average Salary: $109,036
    Wellpath provides healthcare services to individuals in correctional and community settings.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. ProCare Therapy
    Average Salary: $97,541
    ProCare Therapy offers physical, occupational, and speech therapy services to help patients regain their abilities.


  9. 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.


  10. 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 overall cost of living index in Santa Cruz is 125%, indicating a 25% increase over the average. Housing costs are notably higher, at 75% above the national average, making it a significant factor in the overall cost of living.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Cruz, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 75% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 10% higher.

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.

There are 772 job openings in Santa Cruz, CA, today!

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

Discover what it's like to work in Santa Cruz, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Santa Cruz, CA
772 Job Openings