Average Machinists Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The average salary for a Machinists in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $59,140. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,100.
- Outlook: The current demand for Machinistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 70 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Machinists in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+3.8%above the national average.
$28.4
$1,137
$4,928
Machinists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Machinists salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA have remained stable with a modest increase of 3.4%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Machinists Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Machinistss 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 $43,010, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $79,100.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $43,010 | $20.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $44,355 | $21.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $52,500 | $25.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $73,925 | $35.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $79,100 | $38 |
Detailed Machinists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $59,140 to $59,140.
Job Market Context
70
Total Jobs
0.71
Per 1K Jobs
0.37
Location Quotient
At 0.37x, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has a notably lower concentration of Machinists jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
70 people work as Machinists in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA.
Only 0.71 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Machinists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Machinists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Machinists Salary | $70,510↑ 19% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Machinists Salary | $53,860↓ 9% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Machinists Salary | $72,990↑ 23% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Machinists Salary | $57,210↓ 3% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Machinists Salary | $66,890↑ 13% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Machinistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Machinists make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Machinists in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $59,140. This typically ranges from $43,010 for entry-level positions to $79,100 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 3.8% higher than the national median of $57,000.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Machinistss?
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is financially attractive for Machinistss. The average salary of $59,140 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Machinists?
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 ($70,510) 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 70 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 0.71 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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA