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Average salary by job family in Santa Maria
| Management | $144,630 |
|---|---|
| Legal | $143,130 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $129,720 |
| Computer and Mathematical | $125,720 |
| Architecture and Engineering | $118,620 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | $102,430 |
| Business and Financial Operations | $99,570 |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $80,310 |
| Protective Service | $79,530 |
| Educational Instruction and Library | $78,290 |
| Community and Social Service | $73,510 |
| Construction and Extraction | $71,040 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $65,870 |
| Office and Administrative Support | $58,560 |
| Production | $55,210 |
| Sales and Related | $54,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving | $48,980 |
| Personal Care and Service | $46,390 |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $45,250 |
| Healthcare Support | $43,380 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | $43,190 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $39,030 |
Highest-paying jobs in Santa Maria
- Psychiatrists$308,520
- Family Medicine Physicians$291,490
- Physicians, All Other$277,960
- Chief Executives$237,600
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$208,790
- General Internal Medicine Physicians$203,740
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$201,470
- Natural Sciences Managers$188,630
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary$182,030
- Marketing Managers$181,920
Most common jobs in Santa Maria and what they pay
| Job | Jobs | Average salary | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | 11,020 | $37,730 | $36,230 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 6,470 | $36,960 | $34,320 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 5,930 | $41,320 | $42,940 |
| Retail Salespersons | 4,490 | $41,690 | $37,200 |
| Cashiers | 4,170 | $39,780 | $36,600 |
| Office Clerks, General | 3,630 | $58,660 | $55,620 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 3,540 | $42,600 | $35,260 |
| General and Operations Managers | 3,410 | $135,590 | $111,390 |
| Registered Nurses | 3,280 | $134,680 | $137,360 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 2,890 | $43,460 | $37,900 |
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Cost of living in Santa Maria
Prices in the Santa Maria area are 9% above the U.S. average, with a BEA price parity of 108.8 for 2024. The average local salary of $71,660 therefore buys what $65,865 would buy in a typical U.S. metro. A typical home is worth $1,005,339, 10.5 times the median household income of $95,977.
$1,005,339typical home value
$95,977median household income
108.8BEA price parity
443,975metro population
Take-home pay in Santa Maria
| Salary level | Gross | After tax | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile wage | $38,840 | $32,699 | $2,725 |
| Median wage | $51,690 | $42,419 | $3,535 |
| Average wage | $71,660 | $56,582 | $4,715 |
| 75th percentile wage | $82,590 | $63,343 | $5,279 |
Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2025 rules). California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included.
Salaries for every job in Santa Maria
Management30 jobs
- Chief Executives$238K
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$209K
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$201K
- Natural Sciences Managers$189K
- Marketing Managers$182K
- Human Resources Managers$176K
- Financial Managers$175K
- Managers, All Other$170K
- Public Relations Managers$168K
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary$161K
- Fundraising Managers$156K
- Medical and Health Services Managers$151K
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$151K
- Training and Development Managers$147K
- Construction Managers$139K
- Purchasing Managers$136K
- Industrial Production Managers$136K
- General and Operations Managers$136K
- Sales Managers$134K
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers$132K
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers$129K
- Administrative Services Managers$122K
- Facilities Managers$121K
- Education Administrators, All Other$115K
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling$96K
- Social and Community Service Managers$88K
- Lodging Managers$88K
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers$83K
- Food Service Managers$83K
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$73K
Legal3 jobs
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical32 jobs
- Psychiatrists$309K
- Family Medicine Physicians$291K
- Physicians, All Other$278K
- General Internal Medicine Physicians$204K
- Dentists, General$175K
- Nurse Practitioners$172K
- Pharmacists$162K
- Veterinarians$156K
- Physician Assistants$151K
- Optometrists$136K
- Registered Nurses$135K
- Dental Hygienists$131K
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$130K
- Speech-Language Pathologists$129K
- Physical Therapists$129K
- Occupational Therapists$122K
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists$122K
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians$113K
- Respiratory Therapists$109K
- Dietitians and Nutritionists$100K
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians$81K
- Surgical Technologists$80K
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$80K
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other$77K
- Medical Records Specialists$70K
- Psychiatric Technicians$65K
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$64K
- Opticians, Dispensing$61K
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$57K
- Pharmacy Technicians$57K
- Emergency Medical Technicians$44K
- Dietetic Technicians$42K
Computer and Mathematical16 jobs
- Computer and Information Research Scientists$173K
- Database Architects$159K
- Software Developers$158K
- Computer Network Architects$142K
- Information Security Analysts$134K
- Computer Occupations, All Other$130K
- Data Scientists$126K
- Computer Systems Analysts$123K
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$122K
- Web and Digital Interface Designers$116K
- Database Administrators$115K
- Operations Research Analysts$112K
- Computer Programmers$108K
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators$108K
- Computer Network Support Specialists$95K
- Computer User Support Specialists$81K
Architecture and Engineering19 jobs
- Computer Hardware Engineers$154K
- Engineers, All Other$143K
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$143K
- Electrical Engineers$142K
- Aerospace Engineers$138K
- Mechanical Engineers$130K
- Civil Engineers$122K
- Industrial Engineers$122K
- Environmental Engineers$121K
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$112K
- Surveyors$106K
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$92K
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$91K
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$83K
- Mechanical Drafters$83K
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$80K
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters$78K
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians$78K
- Architectural and Civil Drafters$75K
Life, Physical, and Social Science15 jobs
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$137K
- School Psychologists$130K
- Biological Scientists, All Other$123K
- Urban and Regional Planners$115K
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$114K
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$106K
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$105K
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$102K
- Chemists$95K
- Conservation Scientists$88K
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$72K
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$68K
- Forest and Conservation Technicians$68K
- Biological Technicians$67K
- Chemical Technicians$60K
Business and Financial Operations23 jobs
- Personal Financial Advisors$171K
- Loan Officers$113K
- Management Analysts$112K
- Project Management Specialists$111K
- Labor Relations Specialists$111K
- Budget Analysts$106K
- Financial and Investment Analysts$106K
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other$104K
- Logisticians$99K
- Accountants and Auditors$98K
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$96K
- Compliance Officers$95K
- Property Appraisers and Assessors$95K
- Financial Specialists, All Other$93K
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$92K
- Human Resources Specialists$92K
- Fundraisers$92K
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$90K
- Cost Estimators$89K
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents$88K
- Training and Development Specialists$83K
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners$75K
- Credit Counselors$63K
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media19 jobs
- Art Directors$122K
- Fashion Designers$112K
- Technical Writers$112K
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other$101K
- Commercial and Industrial Designers$101K
- Interpreters and Translators$93K
- Producers and Directors$92K
- Film and Video Editors$91K
- Public Relations Specialists$86K
- Interior Designers$85K
- Writers and Authors$85K
- Graphic Designers$84K
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film$81K
- Editors$78K
- Photographers$72K
- Audio and Video Technicians$70K
- Coaches and Scouts$60K
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$47K
- Floral Designers$46K
Protective Service14 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$165K
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators$130K
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$123K
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$112K
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators$95K
- Firefighters$88K
- Correctional Officers and Jailers$86K
- Transportation Security Screeners$66K
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers$64K
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers$59K
- Parking Enforcement Workers$53K
- Security Guards$45K
- Protective Service Workers, All Other$45K
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$42K
Educational Instruction and Library41 jobs
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary$182K
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary$177K
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$167K
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary$156K
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$135K
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary$135K
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary$133K
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary$129K
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary$120K
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$117K
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary$113K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$111K
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary$107K
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary$106K
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$106K
- Special Education Teachers, All Other$105K
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary$103K
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$102K
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists$99K
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School$99K
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$99K
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$98K
- Instructional Coordinators$96K
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$94K
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$86K
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$85K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary$84K
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other$82K
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary$81K
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other$81K
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$76K
- Curators$73K
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$59K
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other$59K
- Museum Technicians and Conservators$59K
- Self-Enrichment Teachers$58K
- Library Technicians$55K
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary$54K
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education$50K
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$48K
- Tutors$47K
Community and Social Service14 jobs
- Marriage and Family Therapists$93K
- Healthcare Social Workers$92K
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$90K
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$86K
- Social Workers, All Other$80K
- Clergy$79K
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$72K
- Health Education Specialists$69K
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers$64K
- Counselors, All Other$63K
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other$60K
- Community Health Workers$58K
- Social and Human Service Assistants$58K
- Rehabilitation Counselors$47K
Construction and Extraction24 jobs
- Construction and Building Inspectors$116K
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$95K
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$87K
- Sheet Metal Workers$79K
- Electricians$78K
- Carpenters$74K
- Glaziers$74K
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$72K
- Highway Maintenance Workers$70K
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers$69K
- Tapers$67K
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$66K
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers$65K
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons$63K
- Roofers$63K
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers$62K
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons$62K
- Construction Laborers$59K
- Tile and Stone Setters$59K
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance$58K
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$58K
- Helpers--Electricians$52K
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters$51K
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other$50K
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair21 jobs
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door$100K
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers$94K
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment$85K
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers$83K
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$80K
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$80K
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers$78K
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$75K
- Medical Equipment Repairers$72K
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics$71K
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers$68K
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$68K
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery$66K
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers$66K
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$62K
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$57K
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians$54K
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers$53K
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$52K
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers$44K
- Tire Repairers and Changers$42K
Office and Administrative Support39 jobs
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants$87K
- Public Safety Telecommunicators$82K
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$79K
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$73K
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks$70K
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs$67K
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other$65K
- Postal Service Clerks$65K
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$64K
- Postal Service Mail Carriers$64K
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks$64K
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators$63K
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$62K
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks$61K
- Bill and Account Collectors$60K
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks$59K
- Office Clerks, General$59K
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan$57K
- Word Processors and Typists$57K
- Procurement Clerks$57K
- Billing and Posting Clerks$57K
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other$55K
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$55K
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$55K
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$54K
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping$53K
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$53K
- File Clerks$53K
- Customer Service Representatives$53K
- Order Clerks$51K
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$50K
- Library Assistants, Clerical$49K
- Tellers$49K
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks$48K
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service$46K
- Receptionists and Information Clerks$45K
- Data Entry Keyers$43K
- Couriers and Messengers$43K
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks$41K
Production26 jobs
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$88K
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$78K
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$72K
- Machinists$62K
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$61K
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$61K
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$60K
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$60K
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$59K
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$59K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$59K
- Dental Laboratory Technicians$56K
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$56K
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic$55K
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters$54K
- Production Workers, All Other$54K
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$49K
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$47K
- Printing Press Operators$46K
- Bakers$44K
- Helpers--Production Workers$44K
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$42K
- Sewing Machine Operators$41K
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers$40K
- Food Batchmakers$40K
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials$39K
Sales and Related17 jobs
- Sales Engineers$146K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products$129K
- Insurance Sales Agents$89K
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$87K
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents$85K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$85K
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers$83K
- Advertising Sales Agents$78K
- Real Estate Sales Agents$62K
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other$59K
- Travel Agents$58K
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$56K
- Counter and Rental Clerks$49K
- Parts Salespersons$48K
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters$45K
- Retail Salespersons$42K
- Cashiers$40K
Transportation and Material Moving19 jobs
- Commercial Pilots$162K
- Traffic Technicians$75K
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors$67K
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$65K
- Airfield Operations Specialists$65K
- Bus Drivers, School$61K
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$57K
- Light Truck Drivers$51K
- Driver/Sales Workers$46K
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$45K
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$44K
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$43K
- Stockers and Order Fillers$42K
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants$41K
- Passenger Attendants$40K
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$39K
- Packers and Packagers, Hand$39K
- Material Moving Workers, All Other$38K
- Parking Attendants$38K
Personal Care and Service17 jobs
- Animal Trainers$63K
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$62K
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$62K
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$59K
- Residential Advisors$50K
- Skincare Specialists$50K
- Tour and Travel Guides$49K
- Concierges$46K
- Recreation Workers$45K
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other$43K
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$43K
- Animal Caretakers$42K
- Childcare Workers$42K
- Manicurists and Pedicurists$40K
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops$38K
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$37K
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants$37K
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance9 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$62K
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$60K
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners$53K
- Pest Control Workers$50K
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation$46K
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$45K
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other$44K
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$43K
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$42K
Healthcare Support15 jobs
- Occupational Therapy Assistants$87K
- Physical Therapist Assistants$85K
- Phlebotomists$60K
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$56K
- Massage Therapists$55K
- Medical Equipment Preparers$55K
- Dental Assistants$54K
- Medical Assistants$52K
- Medical Transcriptionists$49K
- Orderlies$49K
- Nursing Assistants$48K
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$45K
- Pharmacy Aides$44K
- Physical Therapist Aides$41K
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides$37K
Food Preparation and Serving Related15 jobs
- Chefs and Head Cooks$70K
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$53K
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$49K
- Cooks, Restaurant$44K
- Bartenders$43K
- Waiters and Waitresses$43K
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$42K
- Cooks, Fast Food$42K
- Fast Food and Counter Workers$41K
- Food Preparation Workers$41K
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other$41K
- Cooks, Short Order$40K
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$39K
- Dishwashers$39K
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$38K
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Salary in Santa Maria: questions
What is a good salary in Santa Maria?
Half of all workers in the Santa Maria metro earn less than $51,690 and the average is $71,660. Earning more than $82,590 puts you in the top quarter of local wages.
How much do you need to earn in Santa Maria to match a $70,751 salary elsewhere?
About $76,976, because prices here are 9% above the U.S. average (BEA price parity 108.8).
What are the highest-paying jobs in Santa Maria?
Psychiatrists ($308,520), Family Medicine Physicians ($291,490), Physicians, All Other ($277,960).
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. Area Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA (42200), all occupations and 433 individual jobs.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Population and median household income: Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2023.
- Home value: Zillow Home Value Index.
- Take-home pay: Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2025 rules). California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included.
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.