Average Electrical Engineers Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The average salary for a Electrical Engineers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $129,250. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $129,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $178,590.
- Outlook: The current demand for Electrical Engineerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 120 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Electrical Engineers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+6.8%above the national average.
$62.1
$2,486
$10,771
Electrical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Electrical Engineers salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA have shown healthy growth of 12.2%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Electrical Engineers Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Electrical 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 $81,250, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $178,590.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $81,250 | $39.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $96,938 | $46.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $127,050 | $61.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $161,563 | $77.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $178,590 | $85.9 |
Detailed Electrical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$129,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$129,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $129,250 to $129,250.
Job Market Context
120
Total Jobs
1.205
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has 0.98x the national average concentration of Electrical Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
120 people work as Electrical Engineers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA.
1.205 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Electrical Engineers positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Electrical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Electrical Engineers Salary | $189,040↑ 46% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Electrical Engineers Salary | $125,300↓ 3% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Electrical Engineers Salary | $161,200↑ 25% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Electrical Engineers Salary | $113,010↓ 13% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Electrical Engineers Salary | $141,160↑ 9% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Electrical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Electrical Engineers make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Electrical Engineers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $129,250. This typically ranges from $81,250 for entry-level positions to $178,590 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 6.8% higher than the national median of $121,030.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Electrical Engineerss?
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is financially attractive for Electrical Engineerss. The average salary of $129,250 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Electrical 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 ($189,040) 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 120 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 1.205 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Electrical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA