What is the average salary in Santa Maria, CA?
Santa Maria, CA offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in the area is $67,589. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape, providing competitive pay for many job seekers.
The salary distribution shows a mix of income levels. The highest-paying jobs earn around $202,592 annually. Other notable salaries include $187,198, $171,804, and $156,411. These figures highlight the potential for higher earnings in certain sectors. Lower-paying jobs start at around $33,260 per year. This range indicates that there are opportunities for both entry-level positions and more advanced roles. Job seekers can find positions that match their skills and experience levels.
What are the best paying jobs in Santa Maria, CA?

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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $155,405
Nurse Practitioners work in clinics and hospitals. They diagnose and treat patients. They often work with local healthcare providers.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $146,216
Pharmacists work in pharmacies. They fill prescriptions and advise patients. They often work with local pharmacies and healthcare providers.
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Construction Manager
Average Salary: $132,581
Construction Managers oversee building projects. They manage teams and budgets. They often work with local construction companies.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $126,223
Speech Language Pathologists help patients with communication. They work in clinics and schools. They often work with local healthcare providers and schools.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $116,641
Registered Nurses care for patients. They work in hospitals and clinics. They often work with local healthcare providers.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $116,256
Occupational Therapists help patients with daily tasks. They work in clinics and schools. They often work with local healthcare providers and schools.
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Clinical Supervisor
Average Salary: $93,851
Clinical Supervisors manage healthcare teams. They ensure quality care. They often work with local healthcare providers.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $92,444
Behavior Analysts study patient behavior. They create treatment plans. They often work with local healthcare providers and schools.
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Technician
Average Salary: $87,147
Technicians work with equipment. They perform maintenance and repairs. They often work with local companies and organizations.
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Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Average Salary: $83,446
Heavy Equipment Mechanics repair machinery. They work on construction sites. They often work with local construction companies.
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What are the best paying jobs in Santa Maria, CA without a degree?

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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $59,538
This role involves smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. Workers use tools and equipment to ensure the concrete is level and smooth. Companies like local construction firms offer these jobs.
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Barista
Average Salary: $42,929
Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. They work in cafes and coffee shops, often interacting with customers. Local businesses provide these opportunities.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $42,029
Managers oversee the daily operations of restaurants. They handle staff, inventory, and customer service. Many local eateries need experienced managers.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $39,022
This role involves assisting in food preparation and cooking. Workers help in the kitchen, ensuring dishes are made on time. Restaurants and cafes offer these positions.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $37,122
Housekeepers clean and maintain rooms in hotels and other lodging facilities. They ensure a clean and welcoming environment for guests. Local hotels and motels provide these jobs.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $36,989
Line cooks prepare food quickly and efficiently. They work in fast-paced kitchens, often in restaurants. Many local eateries need skilled line cooks.
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Server
Average Salary: $34,891
Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They work in a busy and dynamic environment. Restaurants and cafes offer these positions.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $34,764
Dishwasher clean and sanitize dishes and utensils. They work in the kitchen, ensuring everything is ready for the next use. Local restaurants and cafes need dishwashers.
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To Go Specialist
Average Salary: $33,923
To Go Specialists prepare and package food for customers to take away. They work in fast-food and casual dining restaurants. Many local eateries offer these jobs.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Santa Maria, CA?

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Edwards Construction Group
Average Salary: $119,522
Edwards Construction Group is a leading construction company known for its quality work and commitment to safety. They offer competitive salaries and benefits.
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City of Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $98,567
The City of Santa Maria provides a variety of jobs in public service. Employees enjoy good benefits and a stable work environment.
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CommonSpirit Health
Average Salary: $95,573
CommonSpirit Health is a health care organization that offers a range of medical services. They provide good salaries and opportunities for career growth.
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County of Santa Barbara
Average Salary: $93,037
The County of Santa Barbara offers jobs in various sectors, including public safety and administration. They provide competitive pay and benefits.
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Community Health Centers of the Central Coast
Average Salary: $88,807
This organization focuses on providing health care services to the community. They offer good salaries and a supportive work environment.
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City of Santa Maria
Average Salary: $86,945
City of Santa Maria offers jobs in public service and administration. They provide good salaries and benefits to their employees.
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Allan Hancock College
Average Salary: $82,349
Allan Hancock College is a community college that offers various educational and administrative jobs. They provide good salaries and a supportive work environment.
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Quinn Group, Inc.
Average Salary: $75,843
Quinn Group, Inc. is a construction company that offers jobs in various roles. They provide competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth.
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Safran
Average Salary: $75,837
Safran is a global high-technology group that offers jobs in aerospace and defense. They provide good salaries and benefits.
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Big Brand Tire & Service
Average Salary: $66,101
Big Brand Tire & Service is a company that offers jobs in automotive services. They provide good salaries and a supportive work environment.
How does the cost of living in Santa Maria, CA compare to the national average?

Santa Maria, California, shows a cost of living that is higher than the nationwide average in several key areas. The housing index in Santa Maria stands at 125, which is 25% higher than the national average. This means that housing costs are significantly more expensive for residents compared to the average American. Groceries in Santa Maria also have a higher cost, with an index of 105, indicating a 5% increase over the national average.
Utilities in Santa Maria are 110, which is 10% above the average. Transportation costs are also higher, with an index of 115, meaning they are 15% more expensive than the national average. Healthcare costs in Santa Maria are slightly above average, at 105, which is a 5% increase. Miscellaneous expenses also show a slight rise, with an index of 108, indicating an 8% increase. Overall, Santa Maria presents a cost of living that is notably higher in several important areas compared to the nationwide average.