Average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, professionals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations earn an average annual salary of $44,080. This figure surpasses the national average of $41,160, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. The unique agricultural and coastal landscape of the region likely contributes to this higher compensation, reflecting specialized local demand and operational needs.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,020.
- Outlook: The Santa Cruz-Watsonville area demonstrates a notable concentration of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations, with a total local workforce of 610 individuals in this sector. The Location Quotient of 2.15 signifies that this field is more than twice as prevalent here compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and established job market for these professions.
Salary Overview
The average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+7.1%above the national average.
$21.2
$848
$3,673
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and the increasing demand for skilled labor in agricultural and resource-based industries. This upward trajectory is likely influenced by factors such as inflation, increased productivity, and evolving market demands for local produce and resources.
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Career progression within Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership responsibilities can command substantially higher salaries, reflecting the value of their expertise and years of dedicated service in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,870 | $17.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,060 | $15.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $37,940 | $18.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,100 | $26.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $63,020 | $30.3 |
Detailed Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,080 in Santa Cruz-Watsonville aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that while the nominal pay is higher than the national average for this occupation, the cost of living does not inflate or deflate its real value significantly.
Job Market Context
610
Total Jobs
6.169
Per 1K Jobs
2.15
Location Quotient
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has 2.1x the national concentration of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.15, Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations are significantly more concentrated in Santa Cruz-Watsonville than the national average. This indicates a strong local demand and a specialized labor market where these roles are highly valued and more prevalent, potentially leading to greater job security and opportunities for those with relevant skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $48,220↑ 9% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $41,630↓ 6% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $54,010↑ 23% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $42,580↓ 3% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $49,720↑ 13% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $44,080. This typically ranges from $35,870 for entry-level positions to $63,020 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 7.1% higher than the national median of $41,160.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a lucrative place for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation for these roles.The average salary of $44,080 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially favorable location.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations?
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 ($48,220) and Salinas, CA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $44,080, which is notably higher than the national average of $41,160.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 2.15?
An LQ of 2.15 means that Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations are more than twice as concentrated in Santa Cruz-Watsonville compared to the national average, indicating a strong local industry presence.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the $44,080 salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the total local workforce number suggest?
A local workforce of 610 in this sector indicates a substantial number of individuals employed in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations within the Santa Cruz-Watsonville area, reinforcing the sector's local importance.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 6.169 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA