City
Salary

What is the average salary in Santa Maria, CA?

The average salary in Santa Maria, CA is $68,015 per year.

Santa Maria, CA offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. Many jobs provide good earnings, making it a desirable place for employment. The average yearly salary here stands at $68,015, with job roles varying widely in their pay scales.


A look at the salary distribution shows diverse income levels. For instance, the highest paying jobs can reach up to $205,400 annually. The most common salaries are slightly lower, around $127,000. Other notable salaries include $111,636, $96,009, and $80,382. This range suggests that Santa Maria has many opportunities for workers at different levels, from entry-level to highly skilled positions.

View jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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

Santa Maria, CA, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Leading the list are Nurse Practitioners, earning an average salary of $159,327. Pharmacists and Construction Managers also enjoy strong salaries, with averages of $146,444 and $134,137, respectively. These roles provide a good balance of compensation and demand, making them attractive options for those seeking financial stability and career growth. Additionally, Speech Language Pathologists, Registered Nurses, and Occupational Therapists are well-compensated in Santa Maria. They earn average salaries of $127,454, $117,342, and $117,084, respectively. These positions require specialized skills and training, making them ideal for professionals who have invested in their education and certifications. Clinical Supervisors, Behavior Analysts, Technicians, and Heavy Equipment Mechanics also offer competitive pay, with average salaries ranging from $99,301 to $82,730. These jobs provide good earning potential and opportunities for career advancement in Santa Maria.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Maria, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $159,327 and Heavy Equipment Mechanic with the lowest at $82,730.
  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $159,327
    This role provides healthcare services to patients. Nurse practitioners work in clinics and hospitals, treating minor illnesses and chronic conditions. Many healthcare facilities hire them.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  2. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $146,444
    This position fills prescriptions and provides medication advice. Pharmacists work in community and hospital settings. Key employers include local pharmacies and hospital chains.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  3. Construction Manager
    Average Salary: $134,137
    They oversee construction projects from start to finish. Managers work for construction firms and ensure projects stay on budget and on time. Local construction companies offer many opportunities.
    Find Construction Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  4. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $127,454
    They diagnose and treat speech and language issues. Working in schools and healthcare settings, these professionals help people of all ages. Local schools and clinics often hire them.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $117,342
    RNs provide patient care and support. They work in hospitals and clinics, often under the supervision of physicians. Many healthcare facilities hire nurses to meet their needs.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  6. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $117,084
    They help people improve their daily living skills. Occupational therapists work in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. Local clinics often seek qualified therapists.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  7. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $99,301
    They manage clinical staff and ensure quality care. Supervisors work in healthcare settings such as hospitals and clinics. Local healthcare facilities frequently look for experienced supervisors.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  8. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $91,290
    They assess and improve patient behavior. Behavior analysts work in schools and therapy centers. Local schools and rehabilitation centers often hire analysts to help students and clients.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  9. Technician
    Average Salary: $89,728
    They perform maintenance and repairs on machinery. Technicians work in factories and maintenance departments. Local manufacturing companies and maintenance firms seek skilled technicians.
    Find Technician jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  10. Heavy Equipment Mechanic
    Average Salary: $82,730
    They repair and maintain heavy machinery. Mechanics work in construction and manufacturing. Local construction companies and manufacturing firms need qualified mechanics.
    Find Heavy Equipment Mechanic jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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

Santa Maria, CA, offers many high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. One such job is Concrete Finisher, with an average salary of $60,583. People can also earn a good living as a Barista or Restaurant Manager, both of which pay around $42,000. These roles allow job seekers to earn well while gaining valuable experience and skills in their chosen field. Another promising option is the position of Kitchen Team Member, which pays around $40,000. Line Cooks and Server positions offer salaries of about $38,000 and $35,000, respectively. Housekeeping, Dishwasher, and Server positions also provide good earnings for those without a degree, with salaries ranging from $34,000 to $43,000. These jobs provide stable and rewarding career opportunities in Santa Maria.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Maria, CA without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $60,583 and Server with the lowest at $34,851.
  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $60,583
    A concrete finisher works on construction sites, ensuring the proper placement of concrete. They prepare and smooth the concrete using tools and machinery. This role involves working with local construction companies.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  2. Barista
    Average Salary: $42,979
    Baristas work in coffee shops, preparing beverages for customers. They often need to know a wide range of coffee drinks and can work for popular cafes in the area. This role offers a dynamic and social work environment.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  3. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $42,437
    A restaurant manager oversees the daily operations of a dining establishment. They handle staff scheduling, inventory management, and customer service. This position involves working with well-known restaurants in the community.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  4. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,289
    Kitchen team members assist in food preparation and cooking. They work closely with chefs and can learn a variety of cooking techniques. This role is often found in busy family-owned restaurants.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $37,813
    Line cooks focus on specific cooking tasks and work in fast-paced environments. They prepare ingredients and cook food quickly and efficiently. This role involves working with local eateries and fast-food chains.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $37,476
    Housekeepers clean and maintain guest rooms in hotels and motels. They ensure that rooms are tidy and well-stocked. This role requires attention to detail and is available in various hospitality establishments.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  7. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $35,049
    Dishwasher wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen environment. This role is essential in busy restaurants and cafes.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  8. Server
    Average Salary: $34,851
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They ensure a pleasant dining experience and handle cash transactions. This role is common in local restaurants and dining establishments.
    Find Server jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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

Some of the best-paying companies in Santa Maria, CA, offer competitive salaries to their employees. The City of Santa Maria stands out with an average salary of $99,785. Similarly, the County of Santa Barbara provides a robust average salary of $96,288. These figures make these organizations attractive to job seekers looking for good compensation. Other notable employers include CommonSpirit Health, which offers an average salary of $94,559, and Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, with an average salary of $89,554. Additionally, Allan Hancock College, with its average salary of $82,633, provides a decent earning potential. Companies such as Big Brand Tire & Service, Merrill Gardens, and The Stepping Stones Group also offer salaries in the high $60,000s. Walmart, while not the highest payer, offers a starting point with an average salary of $60,703. These companies present good opportunities for those seeking well-compensated roles.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Maria, CA, highlighting City of Santa Maria, CA with the highest at $99,785 and Walmart with the lowest at $60,703.
  1. City of Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $99,785
    The City of Santa Maria offers various job opportunities with competitive salaries. Employees benefit from comprehensive health and retirement plans.


  2. County of Santa Barbara
    Average Salary: $96,288
    Working for the County of Santa Barbara provides stability and benefits. The county offers a wide range of positions, from administrative roles to specialized fields.


  3. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $94,559
    CommonSpirit Health is a health care leader offering rewarding positions. Employees enjoy a variety of benefits, including health coverage and retirement options.


  4. Community Health Centers of the Central Coast
    Average Salary: $89,554
    Community Health Centers provide essential services to the community. They offer competitive salaries and a supportive work environment.


  5. Allan Hancock College
    Average Salary: $82,633
    Allan Hancock College offers educational roles with good compensation. It is an ideal place for those interested in teaching and academic support.


  6. Big Brand Tire & Service
    Average Salary: $68,363
    Big Brand Tire & Service provides auto repair services with fair compensation. It offers a practical work environment with opportunities for growth.


  7. Merrill Gardens
    Average Salary: $65,603
    Merrill Gardens focuses on senior living with a caring environment. Salaries are fair, and employees benefit from a supportive community.


  8. The Stepping Stones Group
    Average Salary: $65,235
    The Stepping Stones Group offers behavioral health services. It provides a supportive atmosphere with a competitive salary structure.


  9. Walmart
    Average Salary: $60,703
    Walmart provides a range of retail positions with competitive wages. Employees benefit from various retail perks and opportunities for advancement.

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. Specifically, the cost of living index for Santa Maria is 116, which is 16% higher than the average of 100. Housing stands out with a significant 44% increase over the average, making it the most expensive category in this comparison. Exploring further, Santa Maria's groceries, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs also exceed the national average, with increases of 10%, 5%, and 2%, respectively. Utilities and transportation remain relatively close to the average, with utilities at 98 and transportation at 95. Overall, Santa Maria presents a living environment where several expenses surpass the national norm.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Maria, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 44% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 2% lower, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 2% higher.

When comparing the cost of living in Santa Maria, California, to the nationwide average, the index figures reveal some notable differences. The housing cost in Santa Maria stands at 144, which is 44% higher than the national average of 100. This suggests that housing expenses for residents and newcomers in Santa Maria are significantly above the average costs seen across the United States.


In contrast, while some categories like groceries at 110 and healthcare at 105 show slight increases, others such as utilities at 98, transportation at 95, and miscellaneous at 102 remain relatively close to the national average. This varied distribution indicates that while Santa Maria might be more expensive in certain areas, it is competitive or even lower in others. Understanding these specific indices can help potential residents make informed decisions about where they might best manage their living expenses.

There are 515 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
515 Job Openings