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 the area is $69,912. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape, where different industries contribute to the overall salary range.
The salary distribution shows a wide range of earnings. The most common salary falls between $34,000 and $49,005. Other notable salary brackets include $64,009 to $79,014 and $94,018 to $109,023. These figures highlight the potential for growth and the variety of roles available in Santa Cruz.
What are the best paying jobs in Santa Cruz, CA?

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Radiologic Technologist
Average Salary: $137,869
Radiologic Technologists work in hospitals and clinics. They use imaging equipment to help doctors diagnose and treat patients. Many work with companies like Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $123,388
Traveling Nurses move from place to place, working in different hospitals and clinics. They provide care for patients in various settings. Many find work with agencies like Aya Healthcare and TravelNurseSource.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $119,449
Registered Nurses care for patients in hospitals and clinics. They work with doctors and other healthcare providers. Many work for Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health. They ensure patients receive the best care possible.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $116,615
Occupational Therapists help patients recover from injuries or illnesses. They work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. They use exercises and activities to improve patients' daily living skills. Many work with companies like Select Medical and Encompass Health.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $113,844
Speech Language Pathologists help patients with speech and language problems. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics. They use exercises and therapy to improve communication skills. Many work with companies like Soliant and ProCare Therapy.
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Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Average Salary: $93,406
Nuclear Medicine Technologists use imaging equipment to help doctors diagnose and treat patients. They work in hospitals and clinics. They prepare and administer radioactive materials. Many work with companies like Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $93,186
Behavior Analysts work with patients to improve their behavior. They often work in schools and clinics. They use therapy and training to help patients. Many work with companies like Autism Behavioral Services and The Autism Center.
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Program Manager
Average Salary: $91,296
Program Managers oversee programs in various organizations. They ensure programs run smoothly and meet goals. They work in healthcare, education, and non-profits. Many work with companies like Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health.
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Physical Therapist Assistant
Average Salary: $80,117
Physical Therapist Assistants help patients recover from injuries or illnesses. They work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. They assist Physical Therapists with exercises and therapy. Many work with companies like Select Medical and Encompass Health.
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Administrator
Average Salary: $78,051
Administrators manage the operations of organizations. They ensure everything runs smoothly. They work in healthcare, education, and non-profits. Many work with companies like Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health.
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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: $54,000
Arborists work with trees, trimming and pruning them. They often work for landscaping companies. This job requires physical strength and safety training.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $46,842
Groundskeepers maintain parks and recreational areas. They work for city parks or private properties. This role involves landscaping and equipment operation.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $43,408
Meat cutters work in grocery stores and butcher shops. They slice and package meat. This job requires attention to detail and knowledge of meat cuts.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $42,306
Housekeepers clean and maintain rooms in hotels and motels. They ensure a tidy environment for guests. This role involves using cleaning products and equipment.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $42,148
Line cooks work in fast-paced kitchens, preparing meals quickly. They often work in restaurants and cafes. This job requires culinary skills and teamwork.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $41,002
Server assistants help servers in restaurants. They take orders and serve food. This role involves customer service and attention to detail.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $39,419
Service team members work in various settings, ensuring customer satisfaction. They often work in retail or service industries. This job requires good communication skills.
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Barista
Average Salary: $39,092
Baristas prepare coffee and other beverages in cafes. They interact with customers and take orders. This role involves knowledge of coffee brewing and customer service.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $38,438
Kitchen team members assist in food preparation and cooking. They work in restaurants or catering services. This job requires teamwork and culinary skills.
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Server
Average Salary: $37,292
Servers work in restaurants, taking orders and serving food. They interact with customers and ensure a pleasant dining experience. This role involves good communication and customer service skills.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Santa Cruz, CA?

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CommonSpirit Health
Average Salary: $143,411
CommonSpirit Health is a leading healthcare provider. They offer a range of medical services and are known for their commitment to patient care.
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Joby Aviation
Average Salary: $134,856
Joby Aviation is a pioneer in electric air taxis. They focus on sustainable and innovative transportation solutions.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $119,590
Sutter Health is a not-for-profit healthcare network. They provide high-quality medical services to communities in Northern California.
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Telecare Corporation
Average Salary: $118,734
Telecare Corporation offers mental health services. They are dedicated to helping individuals with mental health challenges lead fulfilling lives.
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County of Santa Cruz
Average Salary: $116,884
The County of Santa Cruz provides various public services. They focus on community well-being and local development.
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Wellpath
Average Salary: $107,843
Wellpath is a healthcare company. They offer correctional healthcare services and support for those in need.
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LifePoint Health
Average Salary: $106,423
LifePoint Health operates community hospitals. They aim to improve healthcare access and quality in rural areas.
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City of Santa Cruz
Average Salary: $87,212
The City of Santa Cruz manages local government services. They focus on enhancing the quality of life for residents.
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University of California - Santa Cruz
Average Salary: $84,970
UC Santa Cruz is a public university. It offers a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities.
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Precision Physical Therapy & Fitness
Average Salary: $81,720
Precision Physical Therapy & Fitness provides physical therapy services. They help patients recover from injuries and improve their physical health.
How does the cost of living in Santa Cruz, CA compare to the national average?

Santa Cruz, California, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Santa Cruz stands at 200, which is double the national average of 100. This means that housing costs in Santa Cruz are twice as high as the average cost across the country. For job seekers considering Santa Cruz, this significant increase in housing costs is a crucial factor to weigh.
Other expenses in Santa Cruz also exceed the national average. Groceries cost 20% more, with an index of 120. Utilities are 10% higher, at 110, while healthcare costs are 15% above average, with an index of 115. Transportation costs are slightly higher, at 105, which is 5% more than the national average. Miscellaneous expenses, such as entertainment and personal care, are 30% higher, with an index of 130. These figures highlight that while Santa Cruz offers a desirable lifestyle, it comes with a higher financial commitment across various sectors.