Average Aerospace Engineers Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The average salary for a Aerospace Engineers in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $138,660. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.46x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $138,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $190,930.
- Outlook: The current demand for Aerospace Engineerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 130 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Aerospace Engineers in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns-2.0%below the national average.
$66.7
$2,667
$11,555
Aerospace Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Aerospace Engineers salaries in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 33.4%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Aerospace Engineers Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The earning potential for Aerospace Engineerss in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $101,810, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $190,930.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $101,810 | $48.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $103,995 | $50 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $129,230 | $62.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $173,325 | $83.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $190,930 | $91.8 |
Detailed Aerospace Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$138,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$138,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $138,660 to $138,660.
Job Market Context
130
Total Jobs
0.649
Per 1K Jobs
1.46
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.46, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Aerospace Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
130 people work as Aerospace Engineers in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA.
Only 0.649 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Aerospace Engineers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Aerospace Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Aerospace Engineers Salary | $133,050↓ 4% | 85 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Aerospace Engineers Salary | $132,490↓ 4% | 88 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Hiring Aerospace Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Aerospace Engineers make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineers in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $138,660. This typically ranges from $101,810 for entry-level positions to $190,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 2.0% lower than the national median of $141,460.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place for Aerospace Engineerss?
Yes, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($138,660), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Aerospace Engineerss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Aerospace Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bakersfield-Delano, CA ($133,050) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 130 employees in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 0.649 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Aerospace Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA