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Average Lighting Technicians Salary in California

Lighting Technicians in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $82,100, significantly surpassing the national average of $70,560. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust economy, high demand for specialized technical skills, and the state's generally higher cost of living, which necessitates greater pay to attract and retain talent.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $82,100 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 60.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $134,870.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 3,330 Lighting Technicians and a Location Quotient of 2.81, California demonstrates a strong and concentrated demand for these professionals. This high quotient indicates that the state employs a disproportionately larger number of lighting technicians compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and active job market with significant opportunities.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$82,100

The average Lighting Technicians in California earns+16.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$39.5

Weekly

$1,579

Monthly

$6,842

Lighting Technicians Salary Distribution in California

The salary landscape for Lighting Technicians in California typically shows a clear progression based on experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior technicians with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings signify substantial career progression opportunities and the value placed on seasoned professionals in the state.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$47,100$22.6
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$61,575$29.6
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$74,670$35.9
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$102,625$49.3
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$134,870$64.8

Detailed Lighting Technicians Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$82,100

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$59,278

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the nominal average salary for Lighting Technicians in California is $82,100, the state's Cost of Living Index stands at 138.5, meaning it is 38.5% more expensive than the national average. This suggests that while the gross salary is high, the purchasing power may be somewhat tempered by the elevated cost of goods and services, though it generally still offers a higher real income compared to many other states.

Job Market Context

3,330

Total Jobs

0.185

Per 1K Jobs

2.81

Location Quotient

Major Hub

California has 2.8x the national concentration of Lighting Technicians jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 2.81 for Lighting Technicians in California signifies a highly concentrated job market, indicating that the state has more than double the expected number of these professionals relative to its overall workforce size compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive environment, but also a market rich with opportunities and specialized roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Lighting Technicianss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Lighting Technicians make in California?

The median annual salary for a Lighting Technicians in California is $82,100. This typically ranges from $47,100 for entry-level positions to $134,870 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 16.4% higher than the national median of $70,560.

Is California a lucrative place for Lighting Technicians?

Yes, California is a highly lucrative state for Lighting Technicians.The average salary of $82,100 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of jobs (LQ of 2.81) points to strong demand and competitive compensation.

Is California a good place to live for Lighting Technicians?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does California's average salary compare to the national average for Lighting Technicians?

California's average annual salary for Lighting Technicians is $82,100, which is considerably higher than the national average of $70,560.

What does a Location Quotient of 2.81 mean for Lighting Technicians in California?

A Location Quotient of 2.81 indicates that Lighting Technicians are more than twice as concentrated in California's workforce compared to the national average, signaling high demand and specialized industry presence.

How does the cost of living in California affect a Lighting Technician's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average. While the $82,100 salary is high, it needs to be considered in the context of higher living expenses.

What is the total number of Lighting Technicians employed in California?

There are approximately 3,330 Lighting Technicians employed in California, representing a substantial segment of the specialized workforce within the state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,330 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.185 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Lighting Technicians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California