Salaries in Santa Maria, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Santa Maria, CA?

The average salary in Santa Maria, CA is $64,841 per year.

Santa Maria, CA offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in Santa Maria is around $64,841. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers. Salaries can vary significantly depending on the industry and position.


Some of the highest-paying industries in Santa Maria include:

  • Healthcare and social assistance: $103,339
  • Professional, scientific, and technical services: $97,407
  • Finance and insurance: $89,271
  • Retail trade: $75,203
  • Manufacturing: $61,136

These figures show that certain sectors offer higher earnings. Job seekers can use this information to target industries with better pay.

View jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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

Santa Maria, CA, offers several top-paying jobs for professionals. Among these, Nurse Practitioners lead with an average salary of $149,828. Pharmacists follow closely, earning around $141,340 annually. Construction Managers also secure high salaries, averaging $131,227 per year. Other well-compensated roles include Speech Language Pathologists, who earn about $120,709, and Registered Nurses, with an average salary of $113,615. These positions reflect the strong demand for skilled professionals in healthcare and construction. Job seekers in Santa Maria can find rewarding opportunities with competitive pay in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Maria, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $149,828 and Surgical Technician with the lowest at $83,628.
  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $149,828
    Nurse Practitioners work in clinics and hospitals, providing primary and specialty care. They diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage patient care. Local healthcare facilities offer many opportunities for growth and specialization.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  2. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $141,340
    Pharmacists work in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. They fill prescriptions, advise patients on medication use, and manage pharmacy operations. Local pharmacies and healthcare providers offer a chance to make a direct impact on patient health.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  3. Construction Manager
    Average Salary: $131,227
    Construction Managers oversee building projects. They coordinate construction activities, manage budgets, and ensure projects meet safety standards. Local construction firms and development companies provide diverse opportunities for career advancement.
    Find Construction Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  4. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $120,709
    Speech Language Pathologists work with patients who have speech and language disorders. They develop treatment plans and provide therapy to improve communication skills. Local schools, clinics, and rehabilitation centers offer fulfilling work environments.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $113,615
    Registered Nurses provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They monitor patients, administer medications, and assist with medical procedures. Local healthcare facilities offer many opportunities for professional development and specialization.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  6. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $112,814
    Occupational Therapists help patients regain skills needed for daily activities. They develop treatment plans and provide therapy to improve physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities. Local rehabilitation centers and healthcare providers offer rewarding career opportunities.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  7. Construction Project Manager
    Average Salary: $101,236
    Construction Project Managers oversee the planning and execution of construction projects. They coordinate resources, manage timelines, and ensure projects meet budget and quality standards. Local construction companies offer diverse opportunities for career growth.
    Find Construction Project Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  8. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $92,810
    Behavior Analysts work with individuals to improve behavioral outcomes. They develop treatment plans and provide therapy to address behavioral challenges. Local schools, clinics, and healthcare providers offer fulfilling work environments.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  9. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $92,591
    Clinical Supervisors oversee healthcare teams and ensure quality patient care. They manage staff, coordinate services, and ensure compliance with regulations. Local healthcare facilities offer many opportunities for leadership and professional development.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  10. Surgical Technician
    Average Salary: $83,628
    Surgical Technicians assist surgeons during operations. They prepare the operating room, sterilize equipment, and help with patient care. Local hospitals and surgical centers offer stable employment and opportunities for advancement.
    Find Surgical Technician jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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

Santa Maria offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Among these, concrete finishers earn the highest average salary, making it a lucrative career path. Other well-paying roles include restaurant managers, baristas, and kitchen team members. These positions offer competitive wages and valuable work experience. Restaurant managers, for example, oversee daily operations and staff, ensuring smooth service. Baristas craft coffee drinks, providing a rewarding customer interaction. Kitchen team members prepare meals, contributing to the restaurant's success. These jobs offer good pay and the chance to develop essential skills.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Maria, CA without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $57,654 and To Go Specialist with the lowest at $33,762.
  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $57,654
    This job involves smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. Workers use tools to shape and level concrete. They work on construction sites, often for local companies. This role is essential for building roads, sidewalks, and structures.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $42,544
    A restaurant manager oversees daily operations. They handle staff, schedules, and ensure customer satisfaction. Managers work in various dining establishments, from casual cafes to fine dining. They play a key role in creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $41,388
    Baristas prepare and serve coffee drinks. They work in coffee shops, taking orders and crafting beverages. Baristas interact with customers, often creating a friendly and inviting environment. They use a variety of equipment to make different types of coffee.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  4. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $37,549
    Kitchen team members assist in food preparation. They help cooks and chefs with tasks like chopping, mixing, and plating. This role is found in restaurants and cafes. Team members work together to ensure smooth kitchen operations and timely service.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $36,689
    Line cooks prepare food in a fast-paced kitchen. They work on assembly lines, cooking meals quickly and efficiently. Line cooks use a variety of cooking methods and tools. They play a crucial role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $36,186
    Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms. They ensure a clean and comfortable environment for guests. This role is common in hotels and motels. Housekeeping workers pay attention to details, ensuring everything is in order.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  7. Server
    Average Salary: $34,612
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks. They work in restaurants and cafes, ensuring customers have a pleasant dining experience. Servers interact with guests, taking orders and delivering food. They must be friendly and efficient.
    Find Server jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $34,496
    Dishwashers clean dishes and utensils. They work in kitchens, ensuring everything is spotless. This role is essential for maintaining hygiene and efficiency in food service. Dishwashers use commercial equipment to clean and sanitize dishes.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  9. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $33,762
    To Go specialists prepare orders for customers to take away. They work in fast-food and casual dining restaurants. Specialists ensure orders are accurate and ready on time. They play a key role in the efficiency of the restaurant's service.
    Find To Go Specialist 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. Edwards Construction Group leads with an average salary of $118,702. Dignity Health and the City of Santa Maria, CA, also offer strong compensation packages, with average salaries of $95,647 and $91,706, respectively. Other notable employers include County of Santa Barbara, Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, and Allan Hancock College, all providing salaries above $78,000. These companies present excellent opportunities for those seeking both job stability and attractive pay in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Maria, CA, highlighting Edwards Construction Group with the highest at $118,702 and Big Brand Tire & Service with the lowest at $64,848.
  1. Edwards Construction Group
    Average Salary: $118,702
    Edwards Construction Group is a leading construction company known for its diverse projects and commitment to quality. They offer competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth.


  2. Dignity Health
    Average Salary: $95,647
    Dignity Health is a healthcare provider dedicated to delivering high-quality care. They offer a supportive work environment and attractive compensation packages.


  3. City of Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $91,706
    The City of Santa Maria, CA, provides essential services to the community. They offer stable employment and comprehensive benefits.


  4. County of Santa Barbara
    Average Salary: $89,654
    The County of Santa Barbara offers a range of services to residents. They provide competitive salaries and a variety of career opportunities.


  5. Community Health Centers of the Central Coast
    Average Salary: $85,842
    Community Health Centers of the Central Coast focuses on providing accessible healthcare. They offer rewarding work and a supportive team environment.


  6. City of Santa Maria
    Average Salary: $80,115
    The City of Santa Maria offers a variety of public services. They provide a stable job with good benefits and opportunities for advancement.


  7. Allan Hancock College
    Average Salary: $78,407
    Allan Hancock College is a higher education institution offering diverse academic programs. They provide a supportive work environment and competitive salaries.


  8. Safran
    Average Salary: $78,347
    Safran is a global high-technology group in the aerospace, defense, and security markets. They offer innovative projects and attractive compensation.


  9. Quinn Group, Inc.
    Average Salary: $74,910
    Quinn Group, Inc. provides a range of services and solutions. They offer a dynamic work environment and competitive pay.


  10. Big Brand Tire & Service
    Average Salary: $64,848
    Big Brand Tire & Service specializes in automotive services. They offer a stable job with opportunities for growth and development.

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

Santa Maria, CA, shows a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs are notably 47% higher, while groceries and miscellaneous expenses are around 5% above the national average. Utilities and transportation costs are slightly lower, at 5% and 10% below the average, respectively. Healthcare costs align with the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Maria, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 47% higher, groceries 5% higher, utilities 5% lower, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 5% higher.

Santa Maria, CA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. The housing index stands at 147, indicating that housing costs are 47% higher than the national average. This higher cost can significantly impact living expenses for those considering a move to Santa Maria.


Other areas also show increased costs. For instance, groceries cost 5% more than the average, with an index of 105. Utilities are slightly below the average at 95, meaning they are 5% cheaper. Transportation costs are 10% higher, with an index of 110. Healthcare costs remain at par with the national average at 100. Miscellaneous expenses also show a 5% increase, with an index of 105. These factors combine to make Santa Maria's overall cost of living notably higher than the national average.

There are 802 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
802 Job Openings