Average Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The average salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $165,340. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $165,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $248,010.
- Outlook: The current demand for Computer Hardware Engineerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 40 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Hardware Engineers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+4.4%above the national average.
$79.5
$3,180
$13,778
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Historical trend data for Computer Hardware Engineers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is limited, but current market signals indicate a stable demand environment.
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Computer Hardware Engineerss in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, 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 $104,110, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $248,010.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $104,110 | $50.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $124,005 | $59.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $164,620 | $79.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $206,675 | $99.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $248,010 | $119.2 |
Detailed Computer Hardware Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$165,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$165,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $165,340 to $165,340.
Job Market Context
40
Total Jobs
0.394
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has 0.80x the national average concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
40 people work as Computer Hardware Engineers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA.
Only 0.394 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Computer Hardware Engineers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer Hardware Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $203,400↑ 23% | 26 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $185,080↑ 12% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Computer Hardware Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Hardware Engineers make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $165,340. This typically ranges from $104,110 for entry-level positions to $248,010 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 4.4% higher than the national median of $158,430.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Computer Hardware Engineerss?
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is financially attractive for Computer Hardware Engineerss. The average salary of $165,340 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Computer Hardware Engineers?
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 ($203,400) 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 40 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 0.394 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer Hardware Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA