Intro
Discover the top 10 jobs in Santa Ana, CA, a hub for innovation and opportunity. Explore in-demand careers in tech, healthcare, and finance, with a focus on job growth, salary ranges, and required skills. Find your dream job in this thriving Orange County city, from software engineers to registered nurses, and start building your future today.
Santa Ana, California, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving economy. Located in the heart of Orange County, Santa Ana is home to a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, education, technology, and manufacturing. With a strong job market and a wide range of career opportunities, Santa Ana is an attractive destination for job seekers. Here are the top 10 jobs in Santa Ana, CA, based on job market trends, salary ranges, and growth prospects.

1. Registered Nurses
Registered nurses (RNs) are in high demand in Santa Ana, particularly in the city's numerous hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities. RNs play a vital role in patient care, administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, and developing care plans. With a median salary of $104,000 per year, RNs are among the highest-paid professionals in Santa Ana.
- Median salary: $104,000 per year
- Job growth: 12% (faster than average)
- Education: Associate's degree in nursing or Bachelor's degree in nursing
Top employers:
- Kaiser Permanente
- St. Joseph Health
- Children's Hospital of Orange County
2. Software Engineers
Santa Ana is home to a thriving tech industry, with many software companies and startups operating in the city. Software engineers design, develop, and test software applications, systems, and tools. With a median salary of $124,000 per year, software engineers are among the highest-paid professionals in Santa Ana.
- Median salary: $124,000 per year
- Job growth: 21% (much faster than average)
- Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering
Top employers:
- Microsoft
- Blizzard Entertainment
3. Teachers
Teachers play a vital role in shaping the minds of future generations. In Santa Ana, teachers are in high demand, particularly in subjects like math, science, and special education. With a median salary of $83,000 per year, teachers are among the most respected professionals in the city.
- Median salary: $83,000 per year
- Job growth: 4% (as fast as average)
- Education: Bachelor's degree in education or subject-specific field
Top employers:
- Santa Ana Unified School District
- Garden Grove Unified School District
- Orange County Department of Education
4. Sales Representatives
Sales representatives are essential to the success of many businesses in Santa Ana. They build relationships with clients, identify sales opportunities, and negotiate deals. With a median salary of $62,000 per year, sales representatives are among the most in-demand professionals in the city.
- Median salary: $62,000 per year
- Job growth: 5% (as fast as average)
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Top employers:
- Verizon Wireless
- AT&T
- T-Mobile
5. Customer Service Representatives
Customer service representatives are the face of many companies in Santa Ana. They respond to customer inquiries, resolve issues, and provide support via phone, email, or chat. With a median salary of $43,000 per year, customer service representatives are among the most sought-after professionals in the city.
- Median salary: $43,000 per year
- Job growth: 2% (slower than average)
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Top employers:
- Amazon
- Convergys
- SYKES
6. Marketing Managers
Marketing managers develop and implement marketing strategies to promote products, services, or brands. In Santa Ana, marketing managers are in high demand, particularly in industries like healthcare, technology, and finance. With a median salary of $156,000 per year, marketing managers are among the highest-paid professionals in the city.
- Median salary: $156,000 per year
- Job growth: 10% (faster than average)
- Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing or business administration
Top employers:
- Kaiser Permanente
- St. Joseph Health
- Wells Fargo
7. Human Resources Managers
Human resources managers oversee the recruitment, training, and development of employees. In Santa Ana, human resources managers are in high demand, particularly in industries like healthcare, education, and manufacturing. With a median salary of $123,000 per year, human resources managers are among the highest-paid professionals in the city.
- Median salary: $123,000 per year
- Job growth: 6% (as fast as average)
- Education: Bachelor's degree in human resources or business administration
Top employers:
- Kaiser Permanente
- St. Joseph Health
- City of Santa Ana
8. Accountants
Accountants prepare and examine financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations. In Santa Ana, accountants are in high demand, particularly in industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. With a median salary of $73,000 per year, accountants are among the most respected professionals in the city.
- Median salary: $73,000 per year
- Job growth: 6% (as fast as average)
- Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance
Top employers:
- Ernst & Young
- KPMG
- Deloitte
9. Web Developers
Web developers design and build websites, applications, and other online platforms. In Santa Ana, web developers are in high demand, particularly in industries like technology, e-commerce, and digital marketing. With a median salary of $69,000 per year, web developers are among the most sought-after professionals in the city.
- Median salary: $69,000 per year
- Job growth: 13% (faster than average)
- Education: Associate's degree in web development or related field
Top employers:
- Microsoft
- Amazon
10. Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists examine patients' teeth and gums, providing preventive care and education on oral health. In Santa Ana, dental hygienists are in high demand, particularly in industries like healthcare and dentistry. With a median salary of $80,000 per year, dental hygienists are among the most respected professionals in the city.
- Median salary: $80,000 per year
- Job growth: 11% (faster than average)
- Education: Associate's degree in dental hygiene
Top employers:
- Kaiser Permanente
- St. Joseph Health
- Western Dental
What is the job market like in Santa Ana, CA?
+The job market in Santa Ana, CA, is diverse and thriving, with a range of industries, including healthcare, technology, education, and manufacturing.
What are the top-paying jobs in Santa Ana, CA?
+The top-paying jobs in Santa Ana, CA, include software engineers, marketing managers, human resources managers, and dental hygienists, with median salaries ranging from $80,000 to over $150,000 per year.
What are the fastest-growing industries in Santa Ana, CA?
+The fastest-growing industries in Santa Ana, CA, include healthcare, technology, and e-commerce, with job growth rates ranging from 10% to 21% per year.
We hope this article has provided valuable insights into the top 10 jobs in Santa Ana, CA. Whether you're a recent graduate, a career changer, or a job seeker looking for new opportunities, Santa Ana offers a diverse range of career paths to suit your skills and interests.