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Average Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians Salary in California

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $95,090, significantly surpassing the national average of $84,770. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust aerospace industry, high demand for specialized skills, and the state's overall economic landscape, which necessitates higher pay to attract and retain top talent.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $95,090 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $130,780.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 900 individuals in this specialized field, California demonstrates a substantial presence in aerospace technology. The Location Quotient of 0.84 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a healthy but not oversaturated market. This balance points to a stable demand for skilled professionals, ensuring a consistent job market for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$95,090

The average Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians in California earns+12.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$45.7

Weekly

$1,829

Monthly

$7,924

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians Salary Distribution in California

Career progression for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians in California typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on accumulated knowledge and advanced skill sets in this technical field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$62,930$30.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$71,318$34.3
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$96,370$46.3
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$118,863$57.1
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$130,780$62.9

Detailed Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$95,090

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$68,657

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the nominal average salary of $95,090 in California appears attractive, it must be considered within the context of the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that everyday expenses are approximately 38.5% higher than the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of this salary, while still substantial, is somewhat tempered by the higher cost of goods and services, requiring careful financial planning for residents.

Job Market Context

900

Total Jobs

0.05

Per 1K Jobs

0.84

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.84x the national average concentration of Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.84 indicates that Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians are employed in California at a rate slightly lower than the national average relative to the overall workforce. This suggests that while the state has a significant aerospace sector, the proportion of these specific roles is not disproportionately high compared to other states. The market is competitive, but not necessarily saturated, offering opportunities for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians make in California?

The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians in California is $95,090. This typically ranges from $62,930 for entry-level positions to $130,780 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 12.2% higher than the national median of $84,770.

Is California a lucrative place for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicianss?

Yes, California offers a lucrative environment for these professionals.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the state's strong aerospace industry supports demand. However, the high cost of living should be factored into overall financial well-being.

Is California a good place to live for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

What is the average salary for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians in California?

The average annual salary for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians in California is $95,090.

How does California's salary compare to the national average?

California's average salary of $95,090 is notably higher than the national average of $84,770 for this profession.

What is the Cost of Living Index in California?

California has a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, which is 38.5% higher than the national average.

How concentrated is the job market for these roles in California?

The Location Quotient of 0.84 indicates a concentration slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced job market with consistent demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 900 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.05 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.