Top Paying Jobs in Merced, CA (2026)
Merced, CA has 100 jobs across diverse industries. The highest-paying occupations include Chief Executives ($197,530), Dentists, General ($163,940), Computer and Information Systems Managers ($158,700). The cost of living index is 98.28 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,503/month.
$136K
Avg. median salary
98.28
Cost of living index
$1,503
Median 2BR rent
N/A
Population
Highest paying careers in Merced
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Executives | Management | $198K | $94.97/hr |
| 2 | Dentists, General | Healthcare | $164K | $78.82/hr |
| 3 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Management | $159K | $76.3/hr |
| 4 | Human Resources Managers | Management | $156K | $75.21/hr |
| 5 | Nurse Practitioners | Healthcare | $153K | $73.61/hr |
| 6 | Pharmacists | Healthcare | $153K | $73.6/hr |
| 7 | Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | Management | $153K | $/hr |
| 8 | Physician Assistants | Healthcare | $147K | $70.45/hr |
| 9 | Education Administrators, Postsecondary | Management | $140K | $67.39/hr |
| 10 | Marketing Managers | Management | $136K | $65.45/hr |
| 11 | Software Developers | Technology | $133K | $64.12/hr |
| 12 | Lawyers | Legal | $131K | $62.85/hr |
| 13 | Financial Managers | Management | $129K | $62.07/hr |
| 14 | Registered Nurses | Healthcare | $127K | $61/hr |
| 15 | School Psychologists | Science | $126K | $60.42/hr |
| 16 | Industrial Production Managers | Management | $125K | $60.18/hr |
| 17 | Physical Therapists | Healthcare | $124K | $59.75/hr |
| 18 | Education Administrators, All Other | Management | $124K | $59.63/hr |
| 19 | Managers, All Other | Management | $121K | $58.34/hr |
| 20 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | Public Safety | $120K | $57.88/hr |
| 21 | Construction Managers | Management | $120K | $57.79/hr |
| 22 | Speech-Language Pathologists | Healthcare | $119K | $57.42/hr |
| 23 | Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | Healthcare | $117K | $56.36/hr |
| 24 | Administrative Services Managers | Management | $115K | $55.36/hr |
| 25 | Facilities Managers | Management | $115K | $55.07/hr |
Affordability snapshot: Merced
Cost of living vs. national average-1.7% less expensive
Studio apartment (FMR)$/mo
1-bedroom apartment (FMR)$/mo
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,503/mo
3-bedroom apartment (FMR)$/mo
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After federal and state taxes