Average Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The average salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $173,640. 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 1.58x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $173,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 58.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $217,460.
- Outlook: The current demand for Computer Hardware Engineerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 160 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Hardware Engineers in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns+9.6%above the national average.
$83.5
$3,339
$14,470
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Computer Hardware Engineers salaries in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 58.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The earning potential for Computer Hardware 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 $104,650, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $217,460.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $104,650 | $50.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $130,230 | $62.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $164,970 | $79.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $217,050 | $104.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $217,460 | $104.5 |
Detailed Computer Hardware Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$173,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$173,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $173,640 to $173,640.
Job Market Context
160
Total Jobs
0.776
Per 1K Jobs
1.58
Location Quotient
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has 1.6x the national concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
160 people work as Computer Hardware Engineers in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA.
Only 0.776 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $130,970↓ 25% | 85 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $136,130↓ 22% | 88 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Hiring Computer Hardware Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Hardware Engineers make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $173,640. This typically ranges from $104,650 for entry-level positions to $217,460 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 9.6% higher than the national median of $158,430.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place for Computer Hardware Engineerss?
Yes, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is an excellent location for Computer Hardware Engineerss. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($173,640) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Computer Hardware 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 ($130,970) 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 160 employees in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 0.776 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 Maria-Santa Barbara, CA