Average Chemists Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The average salary for a Chemists in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $97,480. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $97,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $154,710.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chemistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 30 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chemists in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+3.7%above the national average.
$46.9
$1,875
$8,123
Chemists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Chemists salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA have shown healthy growth of 17.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chemists Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Chemistss in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.7x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $58,240, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $154,710.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $58,240 | $28 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $73,110 | $35.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $86,800 | $41.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $121,850 | $58.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $154,710 | $74.4 |
Detailed Chemists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$97,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$97,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $97,480 to $97,480.
Job Market Context
30
Total Jobs
0.341
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has 0.63x the national average concentration of Chemists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
30 people work as Chemists in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA.
Only 0.341 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chemists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chemists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Chemists Salary | $125,590↑ 29% | 26 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Chemists Salary | $125,060↑ 28% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Chemists Salary | $81,950↓ 16% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Chemists Salary | $105,520↑ 8% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Chemistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chemists make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Chemists in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $97,480. This typically ranges from $58,240 for entry-level positions to $154,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 3.7% higher than the national median of $94,000.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Chemistss?
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is financially attractive for Chemistss. The average salary of $97,480 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Chemists?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($125,590) and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 0.341 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chemists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA