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What is the average salary in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average salary in Santa Cruz, CA is $73,043 per year.

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.

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

Santa Cruz, CA, offers a range of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. The healthcare sector stands out, with top-paying roles such as Staff Nurse, Radiologic Technologist, and Registered Nurse. These positions provide competitive salaries and contribute significantly to the community's well-being. Outside of healthcare, Program Manager roles also offer attractive compensation, averaging over $90,000 annually. Job seekers in Santa Cruz can explore these roles to find rewarding and financially stable positions. These opportunities cater to individuals seeking both professional growth and financial security.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting Staff Nurse with the highest at $201,080 and Physical Therapist Assistant with the lowest at $82,849.
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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?

Santa Cruz, CA, offers a range of well-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. For instance, an Arborist Climber earns an average salary of $54,083. Similarly, Groundskeepers can make around $47,619 annually. These jobs provide good earning potential and allow individuals to start their careers without the need for a formal degree. In Santa Cruz, other high-paying roles like Meat Cutters and Line Cooks offer average salaries of $43,829 and $42,830, respectively. Positions such as Server Assistants and Baristas also provide competitive wages, with earnings around $41,669 and $39,620. These opportunities allow job seekers to find rewarding careers while enjoying the scenic benefits of living in Santa Cruz.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Cruz, CA without a degree, highlighting Arborist Climber with the highest at $54,083 and Server with the lowest at $38,604.
  1. 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.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


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


  9. 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.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  10. 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?

Job seekers in Santa Cruz, CA, can find some of the best-paying opportunities at CommonSpirit Health and Joby Aviation. CommonSpirit Health leads with an average salary of $155,915, making it one of the top employers. Joby Aviation follows closely with an average salary of $137,348, offering another competitive option. Other notable employers in Santa Cruz include the County of Santa Cruz, Sutter Health, and Telecare Corporation. These companies provide strong salaries, with averages ranging from $123,835 to $111,756. For those seeking both a stable job and a good salary, these companies are excellent places to explore.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting CommonSpirit Health with the highest at $155,915 and Janus of Santa Cruz with the lowest at $69,340.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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, CA, is notably higher than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Specifically, housing costs are 87% more expensive, groceries are 12% higher, and transportation costs 14% above the national average. This pattern indicates significant economic variances for potential job seekers considering Santa Cruz. When examining individual categories, housing stands out with an index of 187, suggesting it is almost double the national average. Utilities, though slightly elevated by 8%, align closely with the national metric. Job seekers need to weigh these costs carefully against potential salary benefits and lifestyle preferences before relocating to Santa Cruz, CA.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Cruz, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 87% higher, groceries 12% higher, utilities 8% higher, transportation 14% higher, healthcare 4% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

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.

There are 425 job openings in Santa Cruz, CA, today!

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

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City
Overview
Santa Cruz, CA
425 Job Openings