Average Machinists Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Machinists in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $70,510, significantly outpacing the national average of $57,000. This elevated compensation is often a reflection of the region's high-tech industrial landscape and the specialized skills required for advanced manufacturing roles prevalent in Silicon Valley.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $70,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $103,760.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,830 Machinists and a Location Quotient of 0.83, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara area presents a stable, albeit slightly below national average concentration, job market for these skilled professionals. The presence of a substantial workforce indicates ongoing demand, suggesting a robust environment for experienced Machinists seeking opportunities within this technologically advanced region.
Salary Overview
The average Machinists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earns+23.7%above the national average.
$33.9
$1,356
$5,876
Machinists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Machinists in a dynamic economic hub like San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara have seen consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for skilled labor in advanced manufacturing, and the overall economic prosperity of the region, leading to higher average earnings.
Machinists Salary Distribution in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
The salary progression for Machinists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential available as Machinists advance their expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $42,600 | $20.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $52,883 | $25.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $62,870 | $30.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $88,138 | $42.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $103,760 | $49.9 |
Detailed Machinists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $70,510 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the absolute salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, indicating that the higher wages are balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,830
Total Jobs
1.617
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has 0.83x the national average concentration of Machinists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests that while Machinists are employed in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area, the concentration of these roles is slightly lower than the national average. This indicates a competitive market where demand exists, but perhaps not to the extent seen in more heavily industrialized national regions, requiring skilled professionals to highlight their unique qualifications.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Machinists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Machinists Salary | $59,140↓ 16% | 26 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Machinists Salary | $72,990↑ 4% | 42 mi |
| Salinas, CA Machinists Salary | $53,860↓ 24% | 47 mi |
| Modesto, CA Machinists Salary | $57,210↓ 19% | 53 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Machinists Salary | $50,130↓ 29% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Machinists make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Machinists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $70,510. This typically ranges from $42,600 for entry-level positions to $103,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 23.7% higher than the national median of $57,000.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a lucrative place for Machinists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Machinists.Machinists in this region earn significantly above the national average salary. While the cost of living is also at the national average, the higher nominal wage provides a strong financial standing.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a good place to live for Machinists?
The Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($59,140) and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA.
What is the average salary for a Machinist in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The average annual salary for a Machinist in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $70,510.
How does the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Machinist salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($70,510) is substantially higher than the national average ($57,000).
What is the Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 100, which is the national average.
How concentrated is the Machinist job market in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA compared to the nation?
The concentration of Machinists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.83, is slightly below the national average concentration.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,830 employees in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area with a job density of 1.617 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Machinists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA