What is the average salary in Santa Monica, CA?
Salaries in Santa Monica, CA, offer a range of opportunities for job seekers. The average yearly salary stands at $84,163, reflecting a competitive pay environment. Industries with the highest representation of jobs also tend to offer better compensation packages. The distribution of jobs across various sectors helps to understand salary potential in each field.
Different sectors pay differently, with some offering higher salaries than others. Here are the top sectors in Santa Monica and their average salaries:
- Computer and mathematical occupations pay $225,000
- Management occupations pay $207,795
- Life, physical, and social science occupations pay $190,589
- Architecture and engineering occupations pay $173,384
- Business and financial operations occupations pay $156,178
- Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations pay $138,973
- Production occupations pay $121,767
- Construction and extraction occupations pay $104,562
- Sales and related occupations pay $87,356
- Office and administrative support occupations pay $70,151
- Service occupations pay $52,945
- Other occupations pay $35,740
What are the best paying jobs in Santa Monica, CA?

-
Solution Architect
Average Salary: $194,846
This role involves designing solutions for complex business problems. It requires a deep understanding of the industry and technology. Major employers include tech giants and local start-ups.
Find Solution Architect jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $190,003
This professional provides advanced nursing care. They often work in hospitals or clinics, ensuring patients receive high-quality treatment. Local healthcare providers rely on their expertise.
Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Pharmacist
Average Salary: $184,865
This position involves dispensing medication and advising patients. Pharmacists work in retail pharmacies or hospitals, ensuring safe and effective drug use.
Find Pharmacist jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Automotive Consultant
Average Salary: $181,767
They help customers find the right vehicle. Consultants work in dealership showrooms, matching customer needs with the right products.
Find Automotive Consultant jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Software Engineer
Average Salary: $178,379
This role involves designing and developing software solutions. Engineers work in tech companies, creating innovative products that meet user needs.
Find Software Engineer jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Product Manager
Average Salary: $169,118
This professional leads product development. They work closely with engineering and marketing teams to ensure successful product launches.
Find Product Manager jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Business Developer
Average Salary: $159,486
This position focuses on growing the business. Developers identify new markets and partnerships, driving growth for their company.
Find Business Developer jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Director
Average Salary: $157,839
This executive role involves overseeing operations. Directors set strategic goals and ensure the company meets its objectives.
Find Director jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Average Salary: $141,978
This specialist operates imaging equipment. They work in medical facilities, assisting in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Find Nuclear Medicine Technologist jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $136,004
This role involves patient care and medical support. Nurses work in hospitals and clinics, ensuring patients receive the care they need.
Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Monica, CA
What are the best paying jobs in Santa Monica, CA without a degree?

-
Beauty Consultant
Average Salary: $45,289
Help customers find the right beauty products. Work in a vibrant retail environment. Companies like Ulta Beauty offer this role.
Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Service Team Member
Average Salary: $45,079
Provide excellent service to guests. Work in high-end hotels. Experience with companies like Hilton or Hyatt.
Find Service Team Member jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Server Assistant
Average Salary: $44,385
Help servers with dining services. Work in popular restaurants. Experience in busy eateries is valuable.
Find Server Assistant jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Housekeeping
Average Salary: $44,009
Keep rooms clean and tidy. Work in hotels or resorts. Companies like Marriott or Wyndham offer these roles.
Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Line Cook
Average Salary: $43,357
Prepare meals quickly in a kitchen. Work in busy restaurants. Companies like In-N-Out or local eateries offer these roles.
Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $43,071
Organize activities for guests. Work in community centers or hotels. Companies like YMCA offer these roles.
Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $42,982
Assist in meal preparation. Work in restaurants or cafes. Companies like Panera Bread or local diners offer these roles.
Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Server
Average Salary: $42,048
Serve food and drinks to customers. Work in restaurants or cafes. Experience in busy eateries is valuable.
Find Server jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Barista
Average Salary: $41,488
Prepare coffee and other drinks. Work in coffee shops. Companies like Starbucks offer these roles.
Find Barista jobs in Santa Monica, CA
-
Dishwasher
Average Salary: $39,475
Clean dishes and kitchen tools. Work in restaurants. Experience in busy kitchens is valuable.
Find Dishwasher jobs in Santa Monica, CA
Which companies offer the top salaries in Santa Monica, CA?

-
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Average Salary: $183,755
AWS, a subsidiary of Amazon, provides cloud computing services. Job seekers can find roles in tech and engineering that offer high salaries.
-
Kite Pharma
Average Salary: $173,362
Kite Pharma focuses on cancer immunotherapy. Employees often work in research and development, with salaries reflecting the high-demand nature of the field.
-
Roku
Average Salary: $157,629
Roku is a streaming platform that offers various tech positions. It is known for its competitive pay and innovative work environment.
-
Amazon
Average Salary: $154,551
Amazon offers a variety of roles across tech, logistics, and retail. It is one of the largest employers in the tech industry, with salaries that match its stature.
-
The Walt Disney Company
Average Salary: $129,627
Disney provides roles in entertainment, media, and hospitality. It offers high salaries and a dynamic work culture.
-
Activision
Average Salary: $122,753
Activision is a video game publisher and developer. It offers lucrative positions for those in the gaming industry.
-
Legacy Personnel, Inc.
Average Salary: $119,538
Legacy Personnel provides staffing services across various industries. It offers competitive pay for its employees.
-
LAcarGUY
Average Salary: $119,064
LAcarGUY is a car dealership that offers positions in sales and service. It provides a stable salary for those in the automotive field.
-
Red Bull
Average Salary: $109,498
Red Bull is an energy drink company with roles in marketing and sales. It offers attractive salaries for its employees.
-
FIGS
Average Salary: $106,332
FIGS offers scrubs and workwear for healthcare professionals. It provides jobs in fashion and retail, with salaries reflecting the quality of its products.
How does the cost of living in Santa Monica, CA compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Santa Monica, CA, significantly surpasses the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing, in particular, shows a dramatic increase with an index of 258. This means housing costs in Santa Monica are more than double the national average. People looking for jobs in Santa Monica should be aware that their housing expenses will likely be higher than in many other parts of the country.
Other categories also reflect elevated costs. For example, groceries have an index of 120, indicating a 20% increase over the national average. Utilities are also 18% higher, with an index of 118. Transportation costs are 32% above the average, at 132. Healthcare, though still a major expense, is relatively more affordable with an index of 105, only 5% above the national average. Miscellaneous costs, including items like clothing and entertainment, have an index of 150, showing a 50% increase over the national average. These figures highlight the overall higher cost of living in Santa Monica.



