What is the average salary in Santa Maria, CA?
The average yearly salary in Santa Maria, CA, stands at 68,207 dollars. This figure provides a good overview of the earnings potential in the area. Salaries range from entry-level to higher positions across different sectors. Understanding these numbers can help job seekers set realistic salary expectations.
Here are some common salary ranges for various roles in Santa Maria:
- Entry-level: 33,700 dollars
- Early career: 48,818 dollars
- Mid-career: 63,936 dollars
- Experienced: 79,055 dollars
- Late career: 94,173 dollars
- Senior positions: 109,291 dollars
- Highly specialized roles: 124,409 dollars
- Executives: 139,527 dollars
- Top executives: 154,645 dollars
- Top industry leaders: 169,764 dollars
- Highest earners: 184,882 dollars
- Exceptional leaders: 200,000 dollars
What are the best paying jobs in Santa Maria, CA?

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Physician
Average Salary: $371,633
Physicians diagnose illnesses and treat patients. They work in hospitals and private practices, including local medical centers. They often collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care.
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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $160,079
Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care to patients. They work in clinics, hospitals, and private practices. They focus on disease prevention and health management, serving diverse patient populations.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $146,838
Pharmacists fill prescriptions and ensure safe medication use. They work in community pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. Pharmacists consult with patients and healthcare providers to optimize medication therapies.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $130,389
Speech Language Pathologists assess and treat speech and language disorders. They work in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. They help patients improve their communication skills through tailored therapy plans.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $119,561
Occupational Therapists help patients regain independence in daily activities. They work in rehabilitation centers, schools, and hospitals. Therapists design customized treatment plans to improve patients’ quality of life.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $118,097
Registered Nurses provide essential patient care across various settings. They work in hospitals, clinics, and home health. Nurses monitor patient health, administer treatments, and coordinate care with other healthcare professionals.
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Special Education Instructor
Average Salary: $114,466
Special Education Instructors teach students with disabilities. They work in public and private schools, as well as specialized facilities. Instructors create tailored lesson plans to meet each student's unique needs and goals.
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Clinical Supervisor
Average Salary: $98,987
Clinical Supervisors oversee healthcare teams and ensure quality care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Supervisors manage staff, handle patient care issues, and promote a positive work environment.
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Technician
Average Salary: $91,629
Technicians support healthcare professionals in various roles. They work in laboratories, clinics, and hospitals. Technicians perform tests, maintain equipment, and assist in patient care, ensuring smooth operations.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $89,425
Behavior Analysts assess and improve behavioral issues. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. Analysts develop and implement behavior intervention plans to help individuals achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life.
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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: $61,174
This role involves smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. Workers use tools to shape and smooth concrete. Companies often require a strong work ethic. Attention to detail and physical stamina are key.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $43,189
Managers oversee the daily operations of a restaurant. They handle staff, inventory, and customer service. A friendly demeanor and problem-solving skills are important. Experience in hospitality is a plus.
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Barista
Average Salary: $42,986
Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. They work in cafes and must know different coffee drinks. Speed and accuracy are essential. A cheerful attitude helps customers feel welcome.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $40,624
Team members assist in food preparation and cooking. They work in a fast-paced environment. Attention to detail and teamwork are crucial. Basic cooking skills are necessary.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $38,176
Line cooks prepare large quantities of food quickly. They work in busy kitchens and must handle pressure well. Speed and accuracy are important. Basic cooking skills are a must.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $37,322
Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms. They work in hotels and ensure guests have a clean environment. Attention to detail and a clean appearance are essential. Strong cleaning skills are necessary.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $35,164
Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They work in restaurants and ensure a clean workspace. Attention to detail and a strong work ethic are key. Basic cleaning skills are necessary.
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Server
Average Salary: $35,091
Servers take orders and serve food to customers. They work in restaurants and ensure guests have a pleasant dining experience. Friendly and efficient service is important. Basic math skills help with handling payments.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Santa Maria, CA?

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County of Santa Barbara
Average Salary: $96,436
The County of Santa Barbara offers various opportunities in public service. Employees enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package.
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CommonSpirit Health
Average Salary: $96,099
CommonSpirit Health provides health care services. Their employees benefit from a strong salary and comprehensive benefits.
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City of Santa Maria
Average Salary: $90,336
The City of Santa Maria offers jobs in local government. It provides a stable career with a solid salary.
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Community Health Centers of the Central Coast
Average Salary: $88,958
This organization focuses on health care for the community. It offers jobs with good salaries and benefits.
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Allan Hancock College
Average Salary: $83,655
Allan Hancock College is a higher education institution. It provides jobs in teaching and administration with a respectable salary.
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Big Brand Tire & Service
Average Salary: $68,816
This company specializes in tire and automotive services. It offers jobs with a good salary and work environment.
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The Stepping Stones Group
Average Salary: $66,024
The Stepping Stones Group provides behavioral health services. It offers a fair salary for its employees.
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Merrill Gardens
Average Salary: $64,589
Merrill Gardens focuses on senior living. It offers jobs with a solid salary and great benefits.
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CVS Health
Average Salary: $62,932
CVS Health is a health services company. It offers a good salary for its workers.
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Telecare Corporation
Average Salary: $58,649
Telecare Corporation provides community-based services. It offers jobs with a decent salary.
How does the cost of living in Santa Maria, CA compare to the national average?

Santa Maria, California, presents a cost of living index that offers both advantages and challenges for job seekers and residents. Housing costs in Santa Maria are notably higher than the nationwide average, with an index of 130. This means that housing expenses are 30% more than what people might expect to pay on average across the country. For those looking to purchase or rent a home, this is a significant factor to consider, as it could affect overall living expenses and budget planning.
Other costs in Santa Maria also show variations when compared to the national average, which is set at 100. Groceries, for example, have an index of 105, indicating a modest 5% increase. Utilities and transportation costs sit at 110 and 115, respectively, showing a 10% and 15% rise over the average. Interestingly, healthcare services are slightly below the national average with an index of 95, meaning they are 5% cheaper. Miscellaneous expenses, with an index of 120, reflect a 20% increase over the average. These varied costs provide a comprehensive view of what living in Santa Maria might entail, helping job seekers to make informed decisions about their new home.



