City
Salary

What is the average salary in Santa Maria, CA?

The average salary in Santa Maria, CA is $68,011 per year.

Santa Maria, CA, offers a diverse job market with a variety of salaries. The average yearly salary in Santa Maria is $68,011. This figure includes a wide range of industries, each with its own pay scale. Knowing this can help job seekers set realistic expectations and goals.

Different industries in Santa Maria have different salary ranges. For example, jobs in healthcare and education pay well, often above the average salary. Technology and engineering roles also offer competitive salaries. Those interested in retail or food service might see lower average pay, but these sectors still provide opportunities for growth and advancement. Understanding these differences can help job seekers choose a field that matches their career aspirations and financial needs.

View jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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

Santa Maria offers many job opportunities with top-tier salaries, particularly in healthcare. Physicians lead the way with an average salary of over $372,000. Other high-paying roles include Nurse Practitioners and Pharmacists, both earning over $160,000 and $148,000 respectively. These jobs require specialized skills and training but offer excellent compensation. Additionally, roles such as Speech Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists provide strong salaries, with averages of over $131,000 and $121,000 annually. Registered Nurses and Special Education Instructors also enjoy good earnings, often above $115,000. These positions demand dedication and expertise, but they also promise financial stability and rewarding careers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Maria, CA, highlighting Physician with the highest at $372,604 and Behavior Analyst with the lowest at $88,780.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $372,604
    Doctors diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in hospitals and clinics. Physicians play a key role in patient care.
    Find Physician jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $160,634
    Nurse practitioners offer primary and specialty care. They work in various healthcare settings. This role requires strong communication and assessment skills.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $148,145
    Pharmacists dispense medications and offer advice on their use. They work in pharmacies and healthcare facilities. This role requires attention to detail and patient interaction.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  4. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $131,143
    They treat speech and language problems. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics. This role helps improve communication skills.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $121,407
    Occupational therapists help people with injuries or disabilities. They work in various settings, including schools and hospitals. They focus on improving daily living skills.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  6. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $118,498
    RNs provide and coordinate patient care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and schools. This role requires compassion and strong clinical skills.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  7. Special Education Instructor
    Average Salary: $115,506
    Special education instructors teach students with special needs. They work in schools and support students' learning. This role needs patience and adaptability.
    Find Special Education Instructor jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  8. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $98,475
    Supervisors manage clinical staff and ensure quality care. They work in healthcare facilities. This role involves leadership and problem-solving skills.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  9. Technician
    Average Salary: $91,400
    Technicians support healthcare professionals. They work in labs and other medical settings. This role requires technical skills and attention to detail.
    Find Technician jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  10. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $88,780
    Behavior analysts help improve behaviors. They work in schools, clinics, and homes. This role involves observation and developing treatment plans.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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

For job seekers in Santa Maria, CA, several high-paying positions do not require a college degree. Concrete Finishers lead the pack with an average salary of around $60,318 per year, offering a rewarding career in construction. Restaurant Managers can also find good pay, earning about $43,029 annually, managing operations and ensuring customer satisfaction. Other top-paying roles include Baristas, Groundskeepers, and Kitchen Team Members, all providing salaries above $41,000. These jobs offer stability and growth opportunities, making them attractive choices for those without a degree. Positions like Line Cooks, Housekeeping, Dishwashers, and Servers also provide decent incomes, ranging from $35,000 to $43,000 a year. These careers combine skill development with competitive wages.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Maria, CA without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $60,318 and Server with the lowest at $35,138.
  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $60,318
    This role involves smoothing, finishing, and repairing concrete surfaces. You will work with construction teams to ensure quality and durability. This job often requires physical stamina and attention to detail.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $43,029
    Manage the daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure a smooth dining experience. This role can be found in various local eateries, providing exposure to the food service industry.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $42,999
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages in coffee shops. Develop skills in customer service and beverage preparation. This position offers a chance to connect with the community and work in a dynamic environment.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  4. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $42,618
    Maintain the grounds and landscape of properties. Tasks include mowing, pruning, and general maintenance. This job requires working outdoors and ensuring a pleasant environment for both residential and commercial properties.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,014
    Assist in food preparation and kitchen duties. Work in a fast-paced environment to support the kitchen staff. This role provides a solid foundation in food service operations and teamwork.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  6. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $38,233
    Prepare ingredients, cook meals, and follow recipes. Work quickly and efficiently to meet demand. This position is ideal for those who enjoy cooking and working in a busy kitchen.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $37,803
    Clean and maintain guest rooms and public areas in hotels or residential properties. Ensure a clean and welcoming environment for guests. This job involves regular cleaning and attention to detail.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $35,657
    Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Ensure all items are clean and properly stored. This position requires manual labor and attention to cleanliness in a fast-paced setting.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  9. Server
    Average Salary: $35,138
    Provide table service, take orders, and deliver food and beverages to customers. Interact with guests and ensure a pleasant dining experience. This role enhances customer service skills and teamwork abilities.
    Find Server jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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

Job seekers in Santa Maria, CA, can find some of the best-paying companies in various sectors. The County of Santa Barbara, CommonSpirit Health, and the City of Santa Maria lead the way with average salaries over $90,000. These employers offer competitive pay, making them attractive choices for professionals seeking good compensation. Other notable employers include Community Health Centers of the Central Coast and Allan Hancock College, which also offer salaries above $80,000. Companies like Big Brand Tire & Service, The Stepping Stones Group, and Merrill Gardens provide solid mid-range salaries, while CVS Health and Walmart round out the list with options for those starting or transitioning in their careers. These companies provide a range of opportunities to suit different experience levels.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Maria, CA, highlighting County of Santa Barbara with the highest at $96,052 and Walmart with the lowest at $61,763.
  1. County of Santa Barbara
    Average Salary: $96,052
    The County of Santa Barbara offers a variety of jobs in public service. They focus on health, safety, and community support. Employees often enjoy good benefits and a positive work environment.


  2. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $95,865
    CommonSpirit Health is a leading health care provider. They have many roles available in hospitals and clinics. This company values its employees and offers competitive pay and benefits.


  3. City of Santa Maria
    Average Salary: $92,724
    The City of Santa Maria provides many job opportunities in government. They offer jobs in public safety, administration, and more. Employees here enjoy job security and good benefits.


  4. Community Health Centers of the Central Coast
    Average Salary: $88,823
    Community Health Centers focus on providing health care services. They offer jobs in medical care, administration, and support. This company is known for its supportive work environment.


  5. Allan Hancock College
    Average Salary: $84,208
    Allan Hancock College is an educational institution offering various jobs in teaching and administration. They value education and offer a supportive work environment.


  6. Big Brand Tire & Service
    Average Salary: $69,146
    Big Brand Tire & Service provides automotive repair services. They offer jobs in mechanics, customer service, and management. This company is known for its skilled workforce.


  7. The Stepping Stones Group
    Average Salary: $66,861
    The Stepping Stones Group provides in-home care services. They offer jobs in care assistance, administration, and support. This company values its caregivers and offers good pay.


  8. Merrill Gardens
    Average Salary: $63,994
    Merrill Gardens focuses on senior living and care. They offer jobs in care assistance, administration, and support. This company values its caregivers and offers a supportive work environment.


  9. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $63,291
    CVS Health provides pharmacy and health services. They offer jobs in pharmacy, administration, and support. Employees here enjoy good benefits and opportunities for advancement.


  10. Walmart
    Average Salary: $61,763
    Walmart is a leading retailer offering many jobs in sales, management, and support. They value their employees and offer competitive pay and benefits.

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

Santa Maria, CA has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 114. This indicates that living expenses in Santa Maria are 14% higher than the national average. Specifically, housing costs the most, at 30% above the national average, while healthcare costs are 5% below the average. Job seekers should consider these factors when evaluating potential opportunities in the area.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Maria, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 30% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 15% higher.

Santa Maria, California, features a cost of living index that varies from the national average of 100. Housing stands out as significantly higher, with an index of 130, indicating a 30% increase in expenses compared to the nationwide average. Job seekers relocating to Santa Maria should expect to allocate 30% more of their budget to housing.


Other areas also see costs above the national average. For groceries, the index stands at 110, meaning a 10% higher price than the national average. Utilities are 5% higher, with an index of 105. Transportation costs are also 20% higher, indexed at 120. Healthcare costs, however, are slightly lower, with an index of 95, representing a 5% reduction compared to the national average. Miscellaneous expenses mirror the general trend, with an index of 115, suggesting a 15% higher expenditure.

There are 557 job openings in Santa Maria, CA, today!

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

Discover what it's like to work in Santa Maria, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Santa Maria, CA
557 Job Openings