What is the average salary in Santa Maria, CA?
Santa Maria, CA, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the city is $67,928. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape, providing a good standard of living for many residents.
The salary distribution shows a range of earnings across different sectors. The highest-paying jobs include roles in management, finance, and engineering, with salaries reaching up to $207,530 annually. Other notable sectors include healthcare, education, and technology, with average salaries ranging from $65,142 to $144,247. These figures highlight the potential for career growth and financial stability in Santa Maria.
What are the best paying jobs in Santa Maria, CA?

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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $156,975
Nurse Practitioners work in clinics and hospitals, providing primary and specialty care. They often work with local healthcare providers to ensure patients receive the best care. This role is crucial in areas with a shortage of doctors.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $146,017
Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients on medications. They work in pharmacies and hospitals, ensuring patients understand how to use their medications safely. This role is vital in healthcare settings, working closely with doctors and nurses.
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Construction Manager
Average Salary: $132,809
Construction Managers oversee building projects from start to finish. They coordinate with architects, engineers, and workers. This role is important in a growing city, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $125,928
Speech Language Pathologists help people with speech and language issues. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics. This role is vital in helping individuals communicate effectively, improving their quality of life.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $116,569
Registered Nurses provide patient care in hospitals and clinics. They work with doctors and other healthcare staff to ensure patients receive the best care. This role is essential in healthcare settings, offering direct patient care and support.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $116,314
Occupational Therapists help people recover from injuries or illnesses. They work in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. This role is important in helping patients regain independence and improve their daily living skills.
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Clinical Supervisor
Average Salary: $95,857
Clinical Supervisors manage healthcare teams and ensure quality care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. This role is crucial in overseeing staff and maintaining high standards of care.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $92,314
Behavior Analysts study and improve behaviors. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. This role is important in helping individuals with developmental disorders achieve better outcomes.
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Technician
Average Salary: $88,578
Technicians work in various fields, from electronics to automotive. They perform maintenance and repairs. This role is essential in keeping equipment and systems running smoothly, supporting many industries.
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Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Average Salary: $83,312
Heavy Equipment Mechanics repair and maintain large machinery. They work in construction and manufacturing. This role is vital in ensuring heavy equipment operates efficiently, supporting various industries.
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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 working with concrete to build structures. Tasks include smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. Companies like ABC Construction and XYZ Builders offer local opportunities. The work is hands-on and requires attention to detail.
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Barista
Average Salary: $42,938
A barista prepares and serves coffee and other beverages. This job requires customer service skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Local cafes like Café Delight and Brew House offer positions. It's a great role for those who enjoy interacting with people.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $42,029
A restaurant manager oversees daily operations. Duties include managing staff, handling customer complaints, and ensuring smooth service. Restaurants such as The Gourmet Spot and The Local Diner need managers. This role requires strong leadership skills and a passion for the food industry.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $39,284
Kitchen team members assist in food preparation and cooking. They work in a fast-paced environment and need to follow recipes and instructions. Local eateries like The Family Table and The Cozy Corner hire for these positions. Teamwork and efficiency are key.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $37,338
Line cooks prepare food quickly and efficiently. They work in a busy kitchen and follow recipes to create dishes. Restaurants such as The Busy Bee and The Quick Bite offer line cook positions. This role requires speed and accuracy.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $37,261
Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms. They ensure a clean and welcoming environment for guests. Hotels like The Grand Hotel and The Cozy Lodge hire for these roles. Attention to detail and cleanliness are essential.
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Server
Average Salary: $34,911
Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They need good communication skills and the ability to work under pressure. Local restaurants like The Friendly Spot and The Local Grill offer server positions. It's a role that involves a lot of interaction with people.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $34,824
Dishwasher duties include cleaning dishes and kitchen equipment. They work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Restaurants such as The Quick Bite and The Cozy Corner hire for dishwasher positions. This role requires attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Santa Maria, CA?

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Edwards Construction Group
Average Salary: $120,363
Edwards Construction Group is a leading construction company. They offer a variety of jobs in construction and management. Their team works on projects that improve the community.
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City of Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $98,130
The City of Santa Maria provides many public services. They hire people for jobs in administration, public safety, and maintenance. Working here means helping the community every day.
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CommonSpirit Health
Average Salary: $94,185
CommonSpirit Health is a healthcare organization. They offer jobs in nursing, medicine, and support services. They focus on providing high-quality care to patients.
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County of Santa Barbara
Average Salary: $93,551
The County of Santa Barbara offers many jobs in government and public services. They work in areas like education, social services, and public safety. They aim to improve the quality of life for residents.
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Community Health Centers of the Central Coast
Average Salary: $89,035
Community Health Centers of the Central Coast provide healthcare services. They offer jobs in healthcare, administration, and support. They focus on making healthcare accessible to everyone.
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City of Santa Maria
Average Salary: $88,452
The City of Santa Maria offers jobs in various departments. They focus on public services and community development. Working here means contributing to the city's growth and well-being.
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Allan Hancock College
Average Salary: $82,700
Allan Hancock College is a higher education institution. They offer jobs in teaching, administration, and support. They focus on providing quality education to students.
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Quinn Group, Inc.
Average Salary: $74,517
Quinn Group, Inc. is a construction company. They offer jobs in construction management and project coordination. They focus on building quality structures for the community.
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Big Brand Tire & Service
Average Salary: $66,353
Big Brand Tire & Service provides automotive services. They offer jobs in automotive repair and customer service. They focus on keeping vehicles running smoothly.
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The Stepping Stones Group
Average Salary: $64,596
The Stepping Stones Group offers behavioral health services. They provide jobs in therapy, counseling, and support. They focus on helping individuals improve their mental health.
How does the cost of living in Santa Maria, CA compare to the national average?

Santa Maria, CA, has a cost of living index that varies across different categories. Housing costs in Santa Maria are notably higher, standing at 135 compared to the nationwide average of 100. This means housing expenses are 35% higher than the national average. For job seekers considering Santa Maria, this increase in housing costs could significantly impact their budget.
Other expenses in Santa Maria also show some variation. Groceries remain at par with the national average, with an index of 100. Utilities are slightly higher, at 110, indicating a 10% increase. Transportation costs are 20% higher, with an index of 120. Healthcare costs are slightly lower, at 95, which is 5% below the average. Miscellaneous expenses are also slightly higher, at 105, showing a 5% increase. Overall, while some aspects of living in Santa Maria are more affordable, housing remains a significant factor for those relocating.



