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What is the average salary in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average salary in Santa Cruz, CA is $69,912 per year.

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.

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

Santa Cruz offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. The top-paying jobs in the area include roles such as Radiologic Technologist, Traveling Nurse, and Registered Nurse. These positions provide excellent salaries and the chance to work in a dynamic environment. Radiologic Technologists, Traveling Nurses, and Registered Nurses lead the list with average salaries above $100,000. Other well-paying jobs include Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, and Nuclear Medicine Technologists. These roles offer competitive pay and the chance to make a significant impact in healthcare. Job seekers in Santa Cruz can find rewarding careers with strong earning potential.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting Radiologic Technologist with the highest at $137,869 and Administrator with the lowest at $78,051.
  1. 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.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


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


  4. 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.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  6. 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.
    Find Nuclear Medicine Technologist jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  9. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  10. 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?

Santa Cruz offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Arborist Climbers earn an average of $54,000 annually, providing a rewarding career in tree care. Groundskeepers also enjoy a good salary of $46,842 per year, maintaining beautiful landscapes. Other well-paying roles include Meat Cutters, earning $43,408, and Housekeeping staff, with an average salary of $42,306. These positions offer stable income and the chance to work in a variety of environments. Line Cooks, Server Assistants, and Service Team Members also provide competitive salaries, ranging from $42,148 to $39,419. These jobs are ideal for those seeking good pay without the need for a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Cruz, CA without a degree, highlighting Arborist Climber with the highest at $54,000 and Server with the lowest at $37,292.
  1. 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.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  6. 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.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Cruz, CA


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


  10. 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.
    Find Server jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Santa Cruz, CA?

Job seekers in Santa Cruz, CA, can find some of the best paying companies in the healthcare and aviation sectors. CommonSpirit Health leads with an average salary of $143,411, followed closely by Joby Aviation at $134,856. Sutter Health and Telecare Corporation also offer competitive salaries, averaging $119,590 and $118,734, respectively. Other notable employers include the County of Santa Cruz and the City of Santa Cruz, both offering salaries around $116,884 and $87,212, respectively. Wellpath and LifePoint Health provide average salaries of $107,843 and $106,423. The University of California - Santa Cruz and Precision Physical Therapy & Fitness round out the list with average salaries of $84,970 and $81,720.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting CommonSpirit Health with the highest at $143,411 and Precision Physical Therapy & Fitness with the lowest at $81,720.
  1. 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.


  2. Joby Aviation
    Average Salary: $134,856
    Joby Aviation is a pioneer in electric air taxis. They focus on sustainable and innovative transportation solutions.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. Wellpath
    Average Salary: $107,843
    Wellpath is a healthcare company. They offer correctional healthcare services and support for those in need.


  7. LifePoint Health
    Average Salary: $106,423
    LifePoint Health operates community hospitals. They aim to improve healthcare access and quality in rural areas.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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, CA has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index in Santa Cruz is 130, which is 30% higher than the national average of 100. Housing costs are notably higher, with an index of 200, indicating a significant increase in expenses for residents. Other categories like groceries, utilities, and healthcare also show elevated costs, contributing to the overall higher cost of living in Santa Cruz.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Cruz, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 110% higher, groceries 30% higher, utilities 20% higher, transportation 25% higher, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 15% higher.

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.

There are 705 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
705 Job Openings