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What is the average salary in Santa Maria, CA?

The average salary in Santa Maria, CA is $67,928 per year.

Santa Maria, CA, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the city is $67,928. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape, providing a good standard of living for many residents.


The salary distribution shows a range of earnings across different sectors. The highest-paying jobs include roles in management, finance, and engineering, with salaries reaching up to $207,530 annually. Other notable sectors include healthcare, education, and technology, with average salaries ranging from $65,142 to $144,247. These figures highlight the potential for career growth and financial stability in Santa Maria.

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

Job seekers in Santa Maria, CA, have a variety of high-paying career options. Nurse Practitioners lead the way with an average salary of $156,975. Pharmacists and Construction Managers also earn above-average incomes, with salaries around $146,017 and $132,809, respectively. These roles offer competitive pay and the chance to make a significant impact in the community. Other top-paying jobs in Santa Maria include Speech Language Pathologists, Registered Nurses, and Occupational Therapists. These positions provide rewarding careers with salaries ranging from $125,928 to $116,569. Clinical Supervisors, Behavior Analysts, and Technicians also offer good compensation, with salaries around $95,857, $92,314, and $88,578. Heavy Equipment Mechanics round out the list with an average salary of $83,312. These jobs offer stability and the opportunity to earn a good living.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Maria, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $156,975 and Heavy Equipment Mechanic with the lowest at $83,312.
  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $156,975
    Nurse Practitioners work in clinics and hospitals, providing primary and specialty care. They often work with local healthcare providers to ensure patients receive the best care. This role is crucial in areas with a shortage of doctors.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  2. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $146,017
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients on medications. They work in pharmacies and hospitals, ensuring patients understand how to use their medications safely. This role is vital in healthcare settings, working closely with doctors and nurses.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  3. Construction Manager
    Average Salary: $132,809
    Construction Managers oversee building projects from start to finish. They coordinate with architects, engineers, and workers. This role is important in a growing city, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
    Find Construction Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  4. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $125,928
    Speech Language Pathologists help people with speech and language issues. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics. This role is vital in helping individuals communicate effectively, improving their quality of life.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $116,569
    Registered Nurses provide patient care in hospitals and clinics. They work with doctors and other healthcare staff to ensure patients receive the best care. This role is essential in healthcare settings, offering direct patient care and support.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  6. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $116,314
    Occupational Therapists help people recover from injuries or illnesses. They work in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. This role is important in helping patients regain independence and improve their daily living skills.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  7. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $95,857
    Clinical Supervisors manage healthcare teams and ensure quality care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. This role is crucial in overseeing staff and maintaining high standards of care.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  8. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $92,314
    Behavior Analysts study and improve behaviors. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. This role is important in helping individuals with developmental disorders achieve better outcomes.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  9. Technician
    Average Salary: $88,578
    Technicians work in various fields, from electronics to automotive. They perform maintenance and repairs. This role is essential in keeping equipment and systems running smoothly, supporting many industries.
    Find Technician jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  10. Heavy Equipment Mechanic
    Average Salary: $83,312
    Heavy Equipment Mechanics repair and maintain large machinery. They work in construction and manufacturing. This role is vital in ensuring heavy equipment operates efficiently, supporting various industries.
    Find Heavy Equipment Mechanic jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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

Santa Maria, CA, offers a variety of high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Concrete finishers lead the list with an average salary of $59,538. This role involves preparing concrete for construction projects, ensuring it is smooth and level. Other well-paying jobs include baristas, restaurant managers, and kitchen team members. Baristas can earn around $42,938, while restaurant managers make about $42,029. Kitchen team members, including line cooks and dishwashers, also enjoy competitive salaries. These positions provide good earning potential and valuable work experience.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Maria, CA without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $59,538 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $34,824.
  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $59,538
    This role involves working with concrete to build structures. Tasks include smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. Companies like ABC Construction and XYZ Builders offer local opportunities. The work is hands-on and requires attention to detail.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  2. Barista
    Average Salary: $42,938
    A barista prepares and serves coffee and other beverages. This job requires customer service skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Local cafes like Café Delight and Brew House offer positions. It's a great role for those who enjoy interacting with people.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  3. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $42,029
    A restaurant manager oversees daily operations. Duties include managing staff, handling customer complaints, and ensuring smooth service. Restaurants such as The Gourmet Spot and The Local Diner need managers. This role requires strong leadership skills and a passion for the food industry.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  4. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $39,284
    Kitchen team members assist in food preparation and cooking. They work in a fast-paced environment and need to follow recipes and instructions. Local eateries like The Family Table and The Cozy Corner hire for these positions. Teamwork and efficiency are key.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $37,338
    Line cooks prepare food quickly and efficiently. They work in a busy kitchen and follow recipes to create dishes. Restaurants such as The Busy Bee and The Quick Bite offer line cook positions. This role requires speed and accuracy.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $37,261
    Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms. They ensure a clean and welcoming environment for guests. Hotels like The Grand Hotel and The Cozy Lodge hire for these roles. Attention to detail and cleanliness are essential.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  7. Server
    Average Salary: $34,911
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They need good communication skills and the ability to work under pressure. Local restaurants like The Friendly Spot and The Local Grill offer server positions. It's a role that involves a lot of interaction with people.
    Find Server jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $34,824
    Dishwasher duties include cleaning dishes and kitchen equipment. They work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Restaurants such as The Quick Bite and The Cozy Corner hire for dishwasher positions. This role requires attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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

Job seekers in Santa Maria, CA, can find competitive salaries at several top companies. The Edwards Construction Group offers the highest average salary at $120,363. Other notable employers include the City of Santa Maria, CA, and CommonSpirit Health, both providing salaries over $90,000. For those seeking well-paying opportunities, the County of Santa Barbara, Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, and Allan Hancock College also offer salaries above $80,000. These companies provide a range of benefits and opportunities for career growth.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Maria, CA, highlighting Edwards Construction Group with the highest at $120,363 and The Stepping Stones Group with the lowest at $64,596.
  1. Edwards Construction Group
    Average Salary: $120,363
    Edwards Construction Group is a leading construction company. They offer a variety of jobs in construction and management. Their team works on projects that improve the community.


  2. City of Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $98,130
    The City of Santa Maria provides many public services. They hire people for jobs in administration, public safety, and maintenance. Working here means helping the community every day.


  3. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $94,185
    CommonSpirit Health is a healthcare organization. They offer jobs in nursing, medicine, and support services. They focus on providing high-quality care to patients.


  4. County of Santa Barbara
    Average Salary: $93,551
    The County of Santa Barbara offers many jobs in government and public services. They work in areas like education, social services, and public safety. They aim to improve the quality of life for residents.


  5. Community Health Centers of the Central Coast
    Average Salary: $89,035
    Community Health Centers of the Central Coast provide healthcare services. They offer jobs in healthcare, administration, and support. They focus on making healthcare accessible to everyone.


  6. City of Santa Maria
    Average Salary: $88,452
    The City of Santa Maria offers jobs in various departments. They focus on public services and community development. Working here means contributing to the city's growth and well-being.


  7. Allan Hancock College
    Average Salary: $82,700
    Allan Hancock College is a higher education institution. They offer jobs in teaching, administration, and support. They focus on providing quality education to students.


  8. Quinn Group, Inc.
    Average Salary: $74,517
    Quinn Group, Inc. is a construction company. They offer jobs in construction management and project coordination. They focus on building quality structures for the community.


  9. Big Brand Tire & Service
    Average Salary: $66,353
    Big Brand Tire & Service provides automotive services. They offer jobs in automotive repair and customer service. They focus on keeping vehicles running smoothly.


  10. The Stepping Stones Group
    Average Salary: $64,596
    The Stepping Stones Group offers behavioral health services. They provide jobs in therapy, counseling, and support. They focus on helping individuals improve their mental health.

How does the cost of living in Santa Maria, CA compare to the national average?

Santa Maria, CA, shows a higher cost of living in several key areas compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs are 35% higher, while transportation expenses are 20% above the average. Utilities and miscellaneous costs also exceed the national average by 10% and 5%, respectively. Despite these increases, groceries and healthcare costs remain close to the national average, with only minor variations. This data highlights the importance for job seekers to consider these factors when planning their move to Santa Maria.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Maria, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 35% higher, groceries 0% lower, utilities 10% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 5% higher.

Santa Maria, CA, has a cost of living index that varies across different categories. Housing costs in Santa Maria are notably higher, standing at 135 compared to the nationwide average of 100. This means housing expenses are 35% higher than the national average. For job seekers considering Santa Maria, this increase in housing costs could significantly impact their budget.


Other expenses in Santa Maria also show some variation. Groceries remain at par with the national average, with an index of 100. Utilities are slightly higher, at 110, indicating a 10% increase. Transportation costs are 20% higher, with an index of 120. Healthcare costs are slightly lower, at 95, which is 5% below the average. Miscellaneous expenses are also slightly higher, at 105, showing a 5% increase. Overall, while some aspects of living in Santa Maria are more affordable, housing remains a significant factor for those relocating.

There are 626 job openings in Santa Maria, CA, today!

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City
Overview
Santa Maria, CA
626 Job Openings