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What is the average salary in Santa Maria, CA?

The average salary in Santa Maria, CA is $68,207 per year.

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

Santa Maria, CA offers several top-paying jobs for skilled professionals. Physicians lead the pack with an average salary of over $371,000 annually. Other high-paying positions include roles such as Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Speech Language Pathologists, all offering competitive earnings. Clinical and healthcare professions dominate the list of highest-paying jobs in Santa Maria. For example, Occupational Therapists, Registered Nurses, and Special Education Instructors all make substantial salaries. These careers not only provide financial rewards but also offer fulfilling work in the community. Job seekers with the right qualifications can find excellent opportunities in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Maria, CA, highlighting Physician with the highest at $371,633 and Behavior Analyst with the lowest at $89,425.
  1. 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.
    Find Physician jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  6. 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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  7. 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.
    Find Special Education Instructor jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  8. 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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  9. 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.
    Find Technician jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  10. 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.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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

Job seekers in Santa Maria, CA, looking to earn well without a college degree have several good options. The top paying jobs in the area include Concrete Finisher, Restaurant Manager, and Barista. These roles offer competitive wages and valuable experience. Concrete Finishers earn the highest average salary at $61,174. Restaurant Managers and Baristas follow closely with salaries around $43,000 and $43,000, respectively. Other jobs such as Kitchen Team Member, Line Cook, and Server also provide solid earning potential. These positions offer a chance to gain experience and build a career.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Maria, CA without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $61,174 and Server with the lowest at $35,091.
  1. 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.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  6. 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.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Server jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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

Companies in Santa Maria, CA offer a variety of salary opportunities. The County of Santa Barbara leads with an average salary of $96,436, followed closely by CommonSpirit Health at $96,099. Other top-paying employers include the City of Santa Maria, paying $90,336, and Community Health Centers of the Central Coast with $88,958. These numbers highlight strong earning potentials in sectors like government, healthcare, and education. Allan Hancock College and Big Brand Tire & Service also provide competitive salaries. Companies like The Stepping Stones Group, Merrill Gardens, CVS Health, and Telecare Corporation offer average salaries ranging from $64,589 to $68,816. These figures show that Santa Maria has several employers ready to reward skilled workers with good pay.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Maria, CA, highlighting County of Santa Barbara with the highest at $96,436 and Telecare Corporation with the lowest at $58,649.
  1. 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.


  2. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $96,099
    CommonSpirit Health provides health care services. Their employees benefit from a strong salary and comprehensive benefits.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. The Stepping Stones Group
    Average Salary: $66,024
    The Stepping Stones Group provides behavioral health services. It offers a fair salary for its employees.


  8. Merrill Gardens
    Average Salary: $64,589
    Merrill Gardens focuses on senior living. It offers jobs with a solid salary and great benefits.


  9. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $62,932
    CVS Health is a health services company. It offers a good salary for its workers.


  10. 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?

The cost of living index in Santa Maria, CA, stands at 112, which is 12% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This elevated index indicates that residents in Santa Maria face higher expenses in most categories compared to the national standard. For example, housing costs are 30% above average, while groceries, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses also show increases, though healthcare costs remain relatively lower. Specifically, Santa Maria’s housing index at 130 shows a significant 30% hike, making it one of the higher-cost areas. Transportation costs also reflect a 15% increase, followed by utilities at 10% and miscellaneous expenses at 20%. Groceries and healthcare, however, are closer to the national average, with groceries at 5% higher and healthcare at 5% lower.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Maria, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 30% higher, groceries 5% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 20% higher.

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.

There are 577 job openings in Santa Maria, CA, today!

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

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City
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Santa Maria, CA
577 Job Openings