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Average Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in California

Computer and Mathematical Occupations in California command an impressive average annual salary of $149,800, significantly outpacing the national average of $119,220. This substantial difference is driven by California's robust technology sector, high demand for specialized skills, and the concentration of leading tech companies within the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $149,800 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $218,590.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 739,540 individuals in Computer and Mathematical Occupations, California demonstrates a significant concentration of talent, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.22. This suggests that these roles are more prevalent in California than the national average, pointing towards a strong and active job market with consistent demand for professionals in this field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$149,800

The average Computer and Mathematical Occupations in California earns+25.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$72

Weekly

$2,881

Monthly

$12,483

Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary Distribution in California

Salaries within Computer and Mathematical Occupations in California typically scale significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, but as professionals gain expertise and advance through mid-level to senior roles, their earning potential increases substantially. The widening salary gap across different experience levels reflects clear career progression pathways and the high value placed on seasoned expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$67,090$32.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$112,350$54
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$136,030$65.4
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$187,250$90
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$218,590$105.1

Detailed Computer and Mathematical Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$149,800

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$108,159

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the average annual salary of $149,800 in California is considerably high, it's crucial to consider 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, while the nominal salary is attractive, the purchasing power needs careful evaluation when considering relocation or budgeting within the state.

Job Market Context

739,540

Total Jobs

40.954

Per 1K Jobs

1.22

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.22, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Computer and Mathematical Occupations roles compared to the national norm.

California's Location Quotient of 1.22 for Computer and Mathematical Occupations signifies a job market that is 22% more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a robust and competitive environment where these roles are abundant and highly sought after, suggesting ample opportunities for skilled professionals but also a potentially competitive landscape for new entrants.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Computer and Mathematical Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Computer and Mathematical Occupations make in California?

The median annual salary for a Computer and Mathematical Occupations in California is $149,800. This typically ranges from $67,090 for entry-level positions to $218,590 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 25.7% higher than the national median of $119,220.

Is California a lucrative place for Computer and Mathematical Occupationss?

Yes, California is a highly lucrative state for Computer and Mathematical Occupations.The average salary of $149,800 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of tech jobs (LQ of 1.22) further underscores the lucrative nature of these roles in the state.

Is California a good place to live for Computer and Mathematical Occupations?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($106,540) and Visalia, CA.

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

The average annual salary for Computer and Mathematical Occupations in California is $149,800, which is substantially higher than the national average of $119,220.

What does the Location Quotient of 1.22 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 1.22 indicates that Computer and Mathematical Occupations are 22% more concentrated in California than the national average, suggesting a strong job market and high demand for these professionals.

How does the cost of living affect the real value of the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power of $149,800 is reduced due to higher living expenses.

What is the total number of workers in these fields in California?

There are approximately 739,540 individuals employed in Computer and Mathematical Occupations in California, reflecting a large and active workforce in these sectors.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 739,540 employees in the California area with a job density of 40.954 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.