Academic Advisor Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana, California$74,550 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Academic Advisor Jobs in Santa Ana

Looking for a Academic Advisor job in Santa Ana? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Academic Advisor in Santa Ana, CA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Santa Ana has a strong job market for Academic Advisors. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Academic Advisor Salary in Santa Ana

Entry Level
$48,280
Median
$74,550
Senior Level
$106,145

Academic Advisor salaries in Santa Ana are 42% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Santa Ana is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Student CounselingAcademic PlanningProblem SolvingCommunicationRecord Keeping

Academic Advisor Job Market in Santa Ana

Santa Ana, CA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Academic Advisor professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Santa Ana offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Government leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Academic Advisor roles across various sectors. The market for Academic Advisor positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Academic Advisors in Santa Ana

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Academic Advisors in Santa Ana include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Academic Advisors in Santa Ana

Living in Santa Ana as a Academic Advisor means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (142% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Housing costs are manageable for Academic Advisor salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

142
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Academic Advisor in Santa Ana

Santa Ana Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Academic Advisors in Santa Ana: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Academic Advisor professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A Academic Advisor earning $74,550 might pay approximately $5,964 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Academic Advisors

The job outlook for Academic Advisors in Santa Ana is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Santa Ana offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Student Counseling, Academic Planning, Problem Solving, Communication.

Relocating to Santa Ana

California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Academic Advisor salary in Santa Ana, CA?

The average Academic Advisor salary in Santa Ana, CA is $74,550 per year. Entry-level Academic Advisors typically start around $48,280, while experienced professionals can earn $106,145 or more. The national average for Academic Advisor roles is $52,500.

How many Academic Advisor jobs are available in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Academic Advisor professionals. Major employers hiring Academic Advisors include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Government and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Santa Ana a good city for Academic Advisors?

Santa Ana is an solid choice for Academic Advisors. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's government industry creates strong demand for education professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Academic Advisors in Santa Ana?

Top skills for Academic Advisors in Santa Ana include Student Counseling, Academic Planning, Problem Solving, Communication, Record Keeping. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Academic Advisors in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana's cost of living is significantly above the national average (142% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Santa Ana is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Academic Advisors in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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