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What is the average salary in Santa Maria, CA?

The average salary in Santa Maria, CA is $67,268 per year.

Job seekers in Santa Maria, CA, find a range of opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary stands at $67,268. This figure reflects the diverse job market, offering various income levels across different sectors.


Santa Maria, CA, has several industries contributing to this average. The top paying sectors include management, professional, and related occupations. These roles offer salaries upwards of $116,845 annually. Other sectors, such as sales and office, also provide solid income opportunities, with some positions earning over $75,323 per year. This variety ensures that job seekers can find roles that match their skills and career goals.

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

Santa Maria, CA, offers several top-paying job opportunities for professionals. Physicians enjoy the highest average salary, earning over $372,000 annually. Nurses, including Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses, also enjoy competitive salaries, ranging from $119,115 to $161,080 each year. Additionally, careers in healthcare such as Pharmacists and Speech Language Pathologists provide lucrative and fulfilling work with salaries upwards of $147,965. Beyond healthcare, Santa Maria also offers high-paying positions in specialized roles like Clinical Supervisors, Behavior Analysts, and Special Education Instructors. These roles focus on patient care and educational services, with average salaries ranging from $89,947 to $123,834. Technicians and Occupational Therapists also find good earning potential in this area. Job seekers can explore these well-compensated fields to find the right career fit.
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 $89,947.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $372,604
    Doctors in Santa Maria care for patients. They work in private practices and larger medical centers. They diagnose illnesses and manage patient care.
    Find Physician jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $161,080
    They provide primary and specialty care. Nurse Practitioners work in clinics and hospitals. They prescribe medications and treat patients with chronic conditions.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $147,965
    Pharmacists in Santa Maria fill prescriptions and consult with patients. They work in local pharmacies. They ensure patients receive the right medication and dosage.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  4. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $134,457
    They help patients with speech and language issues. They work in schools and healthcare facilities. They develop treatment plans and provide therapy sessions.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $123,834
    They assist patients in regaining skills for daily activities. They work in rehabilitation centers and clinics. They design exercises and activities tailored to each patient.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  6. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $119,115
    RNs provide patient care and support doctors. They work in hospitals and clinics. They monitor patients, administer medications, and assist with treatments.
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  7. Special Education Instructor
    Average Salary: $115,725
    They teach students with special needs. They work in public and private schools. They develop lesson plans and support individual learning needs.
    Find Special Education Instructor jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  8. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $97,571
    They oversee clinical staff and ensure quality care. They work in hospitals and clinics. They manage staff, schedules, and patient care.
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  9. Technician
    Average Salary: $92,193
    They support healthcare professionals. They work in labs and medical facilities. They conduct tests, maintain equipment, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
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  10. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $89,947
    They work with individuals to improve behavior. They work in schools and healthcare settings. They develop plans and provide therapy to help patients.
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What are the best paying jobs in Santa Maria, CA without a degree?

Santa Maria offers many high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Concrete Finishers lead the list with an average salary of $60,217. This role involves smoothing and finishing concrete for roads, buildings, and other structures. Working as a Barista also offers a solid income of $43,000. This job combines customer service with the art of coffee preparation. Other top-paying positions include Groundskeeper, Restaurant Manager, and Kitchen Team Member, all earning above $40,000 annually. These roles provide a chance to work in a dynamic environment while earning a competitive salary. For those with a passion for food service or maintenance, Santa Maria provides many rewarding career paths.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Maria, CA without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $60,217 and Server with the lowest at $35,025.
  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $60,217
    This job involves working with concrete to ensure it sets correctly and looks smooth. Workers use tools like trowels and brooms to shape and finish concrete. Companies like local construction firms offer these jobs.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  2. Barista
    Average Salary: $42,999
    Working in cafes, baristas prepare coffee and other beverages. They often interact with customers, taking orders and making sure drinks are made to taste. Popular chains in the city provide many opportunities.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $42,793
    Maintaining outdoor areas is key for this role. Workers mow lawns, trim shrubs, and ensure the grounds are clean and presentable. Local schools and parks offer many openings.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  4. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $42,583
    Managers oversee daily restaurant operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly. They handle staff, inventory, and customer service. Many local eateries need experienced managers.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,441
    Supporting the kitchen staff, these workers help with various tasks. They might assist with food prep, keeping the area clean, and ensuring ingredients are ready. Restaurants and cafes offer these positions.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  6. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $38,943
    Line cooks prepare meals quickly and efficiently. They work under pressure to ensure food is ready on time. Many local restaurants look for skilled line cooks.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  7. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $36,694
    Dishwasher roles involve cleaning dishes and kitchen tools. This job requires attention to detail and strong work ethic. Cafes and restaurants need dependable dishwashers.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  8. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $36,189
    Keeping guest rooms and public areas clean is the main task. Housekeeping staff must be thorough and organized. Hotels and motels in the city offer many job openings.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  9. Server
    Average Salary: $35,025
    Serving guests in restaurants, servers take orders and deliver food and drinks. They must have good communication skills and be friendly. Various dining spots need friendly servers.
    Find Server jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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

Job seekers in Santa Maria, CA, have several top employers offering competitive salaries. The County of Santa Barbara leads with an average salary of $97,882, followed closely by CommonSpirit Health with $95,739. These figures highlight the potential for earning a good income in the region, depending on the sector. Other notable employers include Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, Allan Hancock College, and Big Brand Tire & Service, all offering salaries over $68,000. Companies like The Stepping Stones Group, Walmart, and Merrill Gardens also provide good earnings with averages between $62,000 and $69,000. For those in education, Telecare Corporation and Santa Maria Joint Union High School District offer salaries that, while lower, still present valuable opportunities in the community.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Maria, CA, highlighting County of Santa Barbara with the highest at $97,882 and Santa Maria Joint Union High School District with the lowest at $51,828.
  1. County of Santa Barbara
    Average Salary: $97,882
    The County of Santa Barbara offers a range of career opportunities in public service. It provides a competitive salary package, benefits, and a chance to make a positive impact on the community.


  2. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $95,739
    CommonSpirit Health is a health organization that values its employees. It offers a good salary and a variety of roles in healthcare. It’s a place where you can grow your career and help others.


  3. Community Health Centers of the Central Coast
    Average Salary: $88,061
    This health center focuses on providing care to the community. It offers a decent salary and a supportive work environment. It’s a good place for those who want to work in healthcare.


  4. Allan Hancock College
    Average Salary: $85,031
    Allan Hancock College offers teaching and administrative positions. It provides a good salary and opportunities for professional growth. It’s a great place for educators and those in higher education.


  5. Big Brand Tire & Service
    Average Salary: $69,030
    Big Brand Tire & Service offers jobs in automotive services. It provides a competitive salary and a chance to work in a dynamic environment. It’s a good choice for those in the automotive industry.


  6. The Stepping Stones Group
    Average Salary: $68,221
    The Stepping Stones Group offers roles in care and support services. It provides a good salary and opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives. It’s a place for those who want to help others.


  7. Walmart
    Average Salary: $63,600
    Walmart offers a variety of retail and management positions. It provides a decent salary and benefits. It’s a great place for those looking for retail experience and opportunities to advance.


  8. Merrill Gardens
    Average Salary: $62,885
    Merrill Gardens provides senior living services. It offers a good salary and a chance to work with seniors. It’s a good place for those who care about elder care and community services.


  9. Telecare Corporation
    Average Salary: $59,538
    Telecare Corporation offers roles in mental health services. It provides a fair salary and a chance to help those in need. It’s a place for those passionate about mental health support.


  10. Santa Maria Joint Union High School District
    Average Salary: $51,828
    This school district offers educational roles. It provides a decent salary and a chance to work with students. It’s a good place for those who want to be part of the education system.

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 of 100. Housing costs lead the way at 130, followed closely by transportation at 115. Groceries and healthcare also exceed the average, standing at 110 and 120, respectively. Utilities are just above the average at 105, while miscellaneous costs are slightly below at 108. This trend highlights that living in Santa Maria can be more expensive in certain key areas. Job seekers should consider these numbers when evaluating the overall cost of living in this city compared to other locations.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Maria, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 30% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 20% higher, miscellaneous 8% higher.

Santa Maria, California, stands out with a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is indexed at 100. Housing costs in Santa Maria are particularly elevated, standing at 130. This means housing prices are 30% higher than the national average. For job seekers considering this area, it's important to account for this significant increase in housing expenses when planning a budget.


In addition to housing, other living expenses in Santa Maria are also above average. Groceries cost 110, which is 10% more than the national average. Utilities, which are necessary for daily living, are indexed at 105, reflecting a 5% increase. Transportation costs are at 115, meaning they are 15% higher than the average. Healthcare expenses are 20% above average, coming in at 120, while miscellaneous costs are slightly above average at 108, an 8% increase. These metrics collectively show that Santa Maria has a higher cost of living in multiple essential areas, which potential residents should consider.

There are 366 job openings in Santa Maria, CA, today!

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

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Santa Maria, CA
366 Job Openings