Overview Salaries

Salaries in Santa Monica, CA

Updated on May 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Santa Monica, CA?

The average salary in Santa Monica, CA is $83,762 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Santa Monica, CA, showing an average salary of $83,762 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Santa Monica, CA, showing an average salary of $6,980 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Santa Monica, CA, showing an average salary of $1,611 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Santa Monica, CA, showing an average salary of $40 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In Santa Monica, CA, job seekers can expect competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary for workers here stands at $83,762. This figure highlights the region’s robust job market and the opportunities available for skilled professionals.


Salaries vary based on the industry and the role. Top-paying sectors include business and finance, offering an average of $224,400 per year. Other high-paying sectors include technology, healthcare, and real estate. Job seekers will find a range of positions with salaries above the average, making Santa Monica an attractive place for employment. A clear understanding of these salary ranges can help job seekers make informed career choices.

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

In Santa Monica, several career paths offer high salaries. Jobs like Nurse Practitioner and Pharmacist top the list with average salaries of around $189,748 and $181,209 respectively. These roles provide not only financial rewards but also the chance to make a significant impact on people's health and well-being. For those in technology, Software Engineers earn a robust average of $172,971. Meanwhile, professionals in automotive and business roles, such as Automotive Consultant and Business Developer, also see strong compensation. These careers, along with others like Product Manager and Nuclear Medicine Technologist, highlight the diverse opportunities available for job seekers looking for both job satisfaction and a high salary in Santa Monica. Each of these roles demands specific skills and knowledge, making them appealing to skilled professionals.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Monica, CA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $189,748 and Care Manager with the lowest at $118,936.

  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $189,748
    The role involves diagnosing and treating patient conditions. Working with healthcare teams, NPs provide primary and specialty care. Key employers include major hospitals and specialized clinics.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  2. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $181,209
    Pharmacists prepare and dispense prescription medications. They advise patients on drug interactions. They work in pharmacies, hospitals, and retail settings, often for large chains or independent stores.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  3. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $172,971
    Software engineers design and develop software systems. They work with coding languages and debug existing programs. They find roles in tech companies, startups, and large firms focusing on software solutions.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  4. Automotive Consultant
    Average Salary: $172,359
    Consultants advise clients on purchasing vehicles. They understand market trends and vehicle features. They work for dealerships and automotive firms, using their expertise to assist in making informed decisions.
    Find Automotive Consultant jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  5. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $141,809
    Product managers oversee product lifecycles. They define product visions and guide development. They work in tech and consumer goods companies, collaborating with cross-functional teams.
    Find Product Manager jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  6. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
    Average Salary: $139,020
    Technologists prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals. They operate imaging equipment and analyze results. They work in hospitals and medical facilities, ensuring accurate patient diagnosis.
    Find Nuclear Medicine Technologist jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  7. Business Developer
    Average Salary: $136,110
    Developers identify business opportunities. They analyze market trends and form partnerships. They work for companies looking to expand, focusing on strategy and growth.
    Find Business Developer jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  8. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $134,820
    RNs provide and coordinate patient care. They work with doctors and other healthcare staff. They find jobs in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, ensuring quality patient care.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  9. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $133,050
    Pathologists diagnose and treat speech and language disorders. They work with patients of all ages. They find roles in schools, hospitals, and private practices, helping individuals improve communication skills.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  10. Care Manager
    Average Salary: $118,936
    Care managers coordinate patient care services. They work with healthcare providers and families. They find roles in hospitals and healthcare facilities, ensuring patients receive the best care.
    Find Care Manager jobs in Santa Monica, CA

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

Santa Monica, CA, offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. For example, Restaurant Managers earn an average of $85,833 annually. They oversee restaurant operations, ensuring smooth service and efficient staff management. Other well-paying roles include Kitchen Managers, earning around $65,647 per year, and Beauty Consultants, who can make about $48,944 annually. These positions demand strong management skills, customer service abilities, and relevant experience. They provide opportunities for career growth in a vibrant city.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Santa Monica, CA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $85,833 and Server with the lowest at $41,065.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $85,833
    Work in bustling eateries. Oversee kitchen and service staff. Ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  2. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $65,647
    Manage kitchen staff. Oversee food preparation. Ensure dishes meet quality standards in high-end restaurants.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  3. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $48,944
    Help customers choose skincare products. Offer personalized beauty advice. Work in popular beauty stores in the area.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $44,343
    Maintain clean and orderly rooms. Follow cleaning protocols. Ensure guest satisfaction in luxury hotels.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $43,719
    Serve food and drinks. Ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work in busy cafes and eateries.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  6. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $42,947
    Organize recreational activities. Engage with community members. Promote fitness and wellness in recreational centers.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  7. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $42,589
    Help servers with their tasks. Ensure tables are clean. Provide a smooth dining experience in restaurants.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  8. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $42,546
    Prepare food quickly and efficiently. Follow recipes and maintain food quality. Work in fast-paced kitchen environments.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  9. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,124
    Support kitchen operations. Assist in food preparation. Work in busy restaurant kitchens.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  10. Server
    Average Salary: $41,065
    Take orders and serve food. Interact with customers. Ensure a pleasant dining experience.
    Find Server jobs in Santa Monica, CA

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

Companies in Santa Monica, CA, offer competitive salaries to attract top talent. Amazon Web Services leads with an average salary of $181,070. Other top-paying companies include GoodRx at $176,315, Kite Pharma at $173,859, Pete Health at $172,604, and Roku at $157,919. These companies provide promising career opportunities with attractive compensation packages. Job seekers in Santa Monica will find several companies with high average salaries. Amazon.com offers $151,684, AstraZeneca pays $138,226, and The Walt Disney Company provides $126,707. Activision and Syneos Health Commercial Solutions also present solid salary options at $125,251 and $116,632, respectively. These figures reflect the strong job market in Santa Monica for those seeking well-paying positions.
Graph displaying company salaries in Santa Monica, CA, highlighting Amazon Web Services with the highest at $181,070 and Syneos Health Commercial Solutions with the lowest at $116,632.

  1. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $181,070
    Amazon Web Services leads in cloud computing. They offer scalable and secure cloud services.


  2. GoodRx
    Average Salary: $176,315
    GoodRx helps people save on prescriptions. They connect users with discounts at local pharmacies.


  3. Kite Pharma
    Average Salary: $173,859
    Kite Pharma focuses on cancer treatments. They develop innovative therapies for patients.


  4. Pete Health
    Average Salary: $172,604
    Pete Health provides health management services. They use data to improve patient care and outcomes.


  5. Roku
    Average Salary: $157,919
    Roku is a streaming platform. They make it easy for users to watch TV and movies.


  6. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $151,684
    Amazon is a global e-commerce leader. They offer a wide range of products and services.


  7. AstraZeneca
    Average Salary: $138,226
    AstraZeneca is a biopharmaceutical company. They develop and sell medicines worldwide.


  8. The Walt Disney Company
    Average Salary: $126,707
    The Walt Disney Company creates entertainment content. They produce films, TV shows, and theme park experiences.


  9. Activision
    Average Salary: $125,251
    Activision develops video games. They create popular titles for various gaming platforms.


  10. Syneos Health Commercial Solutions
    Average Salary: $116,632
    Syneos Health provides commercial solutions for the healthcare industry. They focus on clinical research and consulting.

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

Santa Monica, CA, shows a significantly higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing, for example, is 138% more expensive, making it one of the most costly areas to live in the U.S. When considering groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses, Santa Monica still shows a higher cost, averaging around 124% of the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Santa Monica, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 138% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 8% higher, transportation 33% higher, healthcare 16% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

Santa Monica, California, has a higher cost of living than the nationwide average. Housing costs stand at 238 on the index, which is 138% higher than the average. This makes finding affordable housing a significant challenge for many people. Job seekers must consider this high expense when planning their budgets.


Other costs in Santa Monica also exceed the national average. Groceries cost 15% more, utilities are 8% higher, and transportation costs are 33% above the average. Healthcare expenses also rise, with a 16% higher index. These increases mean Santa Monica residents spend more on everyday needs compared to the average American. Understanding these costs helps job seekers make informed decisions about living in this vibrant city.

There are 950 job openings in Santa Monica, CA, today!

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Discover what it's like to work in Santa Monica, CA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
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Santa Monica, CA
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