Salaries in Santa Cruz, CA

1. Staff Nurse
   Average Salary: $204,510
   Staff Nurses provide care to patients in healthcare settings. They work in hospitals and clinics, often in collaboration with doctors and specialists. Key employers include local hospitals and private clinics.
   Find Staff Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

2. Software Engineer
   Average Salary: $152,387
   Software Engineers design and develop computer systems and applications. They often work in tech companies, creating software that meets user needs. Many opportunities exist in the tech sector in Santa Cruz.
   Find Software Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

3. Registered Nurse
   Average Salary: $139,788
   Registered Nurses offer direct patient care. They administer treatments and coordinate with other healthcare professionals. RNs work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and home healthcare services.
   Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

4. Radiologic Technologist
   Average Salary: $135,733
   Radiologic Technologists perform imaging procedures. They operate equipment to create diagnostic images. These professionals work in hospitals and imaging centers, aiding in accurate diagnoses.
   Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

5. Traveling Nurse
   Average Salary: $134,274
   Traveling Nurses move between healthcare facilities to fill short-term job openings. They adapt to new environments quickly. Opportunities arise in various hospitals and clinics throughout the region.
   Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

6. Speech Language Pathologist
   Average Salary: $124,255
   Speech Language Pathologists treat patients with speech or language disorders. They work in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. They help improve communication and swallowing difficulties.
   Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

7. Occupational Therapist
   Average Salary: $115,939
   Occupational Therapists help patients regain skills for daily activities. They work in rehabilitation centers and schools. They assist people recovering from injuries or dealing with disabilities.
   Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

8. Physical Therapist Assistant
   Average Salary: $88,104
   Physical Therapist Assistants support physical therapists. They help patients recover from injuries or disabilities. They work in rehabilitation centers and outpatient clinics, aiding in physical recovery.
   Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

9. Licensed Vocational Nurse
   Average Salary: $80,864
   Licensed Vocational Nurses provide basic patient care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They assist RNs and doctors, ensuring patients receive quality care.
   Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

10. Patient Service Representative
    Average Salary: $67,659
    Patient Service Representatives manage administrative tasks in healthcare. They schedule appointments and handle patient inquiries. They work in hospitals and clinics, ensuring smooth operations.
    Find Patient Service Representative jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
    

1. Groundskeeper
   Average Salary: $52,263
   Maintain the grounds of parks and facilities. Work outdoors to ensure the area is clean and attractive. Companies in the area offer training and opportunities to learn new skills.
   Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

2. Meat Cutter
   Average Salary: $44,833
   Cut and prepare meat for sale. Follow safety and quality guidelines. Local grocery stores and butcher shops offer positions with potential for growth in the field.
   Find Meat Cutter jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

3. Line Cook
   Average Salary: $44,139
   Prepare ingredients and cook food to orders. Work in a fast-paced environment. Many restaurants provide experience and the chance to learn new techniques.
   Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

4. Dishwasher
   Average Salary: $40,528
   Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Work in commercial kitchens. Many restaurants offer flexible hours and opportunities to learn more about food service.
   Find Dishwasher jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

5. Kitchen Team Member
   Average Salary: $39,968
   Assist with food preparation, cooking, and kitchen maintenance. Support chefs and cooks. Companies often provide training and opportunities for advancement.
   Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

6. Barista
   Average Salary: $39,283
   Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Work in cafés and coffee shops. Many places offer training and a chance to learn about different coffee types.
   Find Barista jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

7. Housekeeping
   Average Salary: $39,076
   Clean rooms and common areas in hotels and other facilities. Work daily to maintain cleanliness. Companies offer training and steady employment.
   Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

8. Server
   Average Salary: $38,468
   Take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. Work in a busy environment. Many restaurants offer tips and opportunities for extra income.
   Find Server jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

   
   

9. Food Service Aide
   Average Salary: $38,333
   Assist with food preparation and service. Work in schools or other food service settings. Many places offer training and the chance to learn new skills.
   Find Food Service Aide jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
   

1. CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region
   Average Salary: $158,223
   CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region offers a variety of medical and health services. They are committed to making a difference in people's lives. They pay one of the highest salaries in Santa Cruz.
   

   
   

2. Joby Aviation
   Average Salary: $139,359
   Joby Aviation is at the forefront of aerial ridesharing. They innovate with electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Joby Aviation is a great place for those in the tech and engineering fields.
   

   
   

3. Sutter Health
   Average Salary: $127,973
   Sutter Health is a healthcare network. They provide medical services in Northern California. They have a reputation for excellent patient care and pay competitive salaries.
   

   
   

4. Santa Cruz County Bank
   Average Salary: $114,362
   Santa Cruz County Bank offers banking and financial services. They are locally owned and provide personalized service. They are known for their stable and fair pay.
   

   
   

5. Lifepoint Health®
   Average Salary: $107,689
   Lifepoint Health operates community hospitals, rehabilitation, and outpatient services. They focus on patient care and staff well-being. Their salaries are among the best in the region.
   

   
   

6. Santa Cruz Community Health
   Average Salary: $103,476
   Santa Cruz Community Health provides medical, dental, and mental health services. They focus on community needs and offer excellent compensation.
   

   
   

7. Telecare Corporation
   Average Salary: $102,796
   Telecare Corporation provides behavioral health services. They focus on care for individuals with mental illness. Their salaries are competitive within the sector.
   

   
   

8. City of Santa Cruz
   Average Salary: $93,900
   The City of Santa Cruz offers various jobs in municipal services. They are a great employer for those interested in public service. They provide good salaries and benefits.
   

   
   

9. SCN BestCo
   Average Salary: $86,669
   SCN BestCo operates a retail cooperative. They offer a range of products at affordable prices. They are known for fair wages and a supportive work environment.
   

   
   

10. University of California, Santa Cruz
    Average Salary: $84,081
    The University of California, Santa Cruz offers education and research opportunities. They have a diverse faculty and staff. They provide competitive salaries and benefits.
    

The cost of living in Santa Cruz, CA, is notably higher than the nationwide average. Housing expenses in Santa Cruz stand at 180 on the cost of living index, which is 80% higher than the national average. This substantial increase makes finding affordable housing challenging for residents.

In addition to housing, groceries and transportation also see significant price hikes. The grocery index in Santa Cruz is 15% higher than the national average, while transportation costs are 20% above the norm. Utilities and healthcare costs are also elevated, at 5% and 10% higher, respectively. These factors combine to make the overall cost of living in Santa Cruz substantially greater than in many other parts of the country.