Average Computer Programmers Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is a highly lucrative market for Computer Programmerss. With an average annual salary of $118,760, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $118,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $166,520.
- Outlook: The current demand for Computer Programmerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 80 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Programmers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+13.1%above the national average.
$57.1
$2,284
$9,897
Computer Programmers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Computer Programmers salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 29.0%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Computer Programmers Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Computer Programmerss 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 $80,060, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $166,520.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $80,060 | $38.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $89,070 | $42.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $108,330 | $52.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $148,450 | $71.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $166,520 | $80.1 |
Detailed Computer Programmers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$118,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$118,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $118,760 to $118,760.
Job Market Context
80
Total Jobs
0.808
Per 1K Jobs
1.13
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.13, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Computer Programmers roles compared to the national norm.
80 people work as Computer Programmers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA.
Only 0.808 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Computer Programmers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Computer Programmers Salary | $159,130↑ 34% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Computer Programmers Salary | $101,670↓ 14% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Computer Programmers Salary | $130,490↑ 10% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Computer Programmers Salary | $104,160↓ 12% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Computer Programmers Salary | $97,670↓ 18% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Computer Programmerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Programmers make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Computer Programmers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $118,760. This typically ranges from $80,060 for entry-level positions to $166,520 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 13.1% higher than the national median of $105,010.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Computer Programmerss?
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is financially attractive for Computer Programmerss. The average salary of $118,760 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Computer Programmers?
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 ($159,130) and Salinas, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 80 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 0.808 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Computer Programmers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
- All Occupations Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
- Management Occupations Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
- Browse All Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer Programmers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA