Average Materials Engineers Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Materials Engineers in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area command an impressive average annual salary of $120,950. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $115,480, indicating a strong local demand for specialized engineering talent. The robust economic landscape and the presence of key industries in the region likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $120,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $164,410.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 230 Materials Engineers and a Location Quotient of 1.01, the job market in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, demonstrates a healthy and stable demand for these professionals. The concentration is just above the national average, suggesting a well-established presence of the profession without being overly saturated, pointing to consistent opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Materials Engineers in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA earns+4.7%above the national average.
$58.2
$2,326
$10,079
Materials Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the average salary for Materials Engineers in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, has experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typical in specialized engineering fields, driven by technological advancements, increasing industry needs, and inflation, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with evolving market demands.
Materials Engineers Salary Distribution in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Career progression for Materials Engineers in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, is clearly reflected in salary differentials. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight significant earning potential as one advances through junior, mid-level, and senior engineering roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $80,990 | $38.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $90,713 | $43.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $124,130 | $59.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $151,188 | $72.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $164,410 | $79 |
Detailed Materials Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$120,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$120,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $120,950 for Materials Engineers in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an engineer's salary in this region is on par with the national standard, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without the premium often associated with high-paying coastal cities.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
0.149
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Materials Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.01 for Materials Engineers in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, signifies that the concentration of these professionals in the area is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where opportunities are readily available, and the talent pool is sufficient to meet industry demands without being excessively competitive, making it a stable environment for both employers and job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Materials Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Materials Engineers Salary | $106,920↓ 12% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Hiring Materials Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Materials Engineers make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median annual salary for a Materials Engineers in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $120,950. This typically ranges from $80,990 for entry-level positions to $164,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 4.7% higher than the national median of $115,480.
Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a lucrative place for Materials Engineers?
Yes, it is a lucrative location for Materials Engineers.Materials Engineers in this area earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is at the national average, offering excellent purchasing power.
Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a good place to live for Materials Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($106,920) and others.
How does the San Diego Materials Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Materials Engineers in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, is $120,950, which is higher than the national average of $115,480.
What is the cost of living in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA for Materials Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has standard purchasing power.
How concentrated is the Materials Engineer job market in San Diego?
The job market has a Location Quotient of 1.01, indicating a concentration of Materials Engineers that is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable and balanced market.
What is the total number of Materials Engineers in the San Diego area?
There are approximately 230 Materials Engineers employed in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area with a job density of 0.149 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Materials Engineers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- All Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Management Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Browse All Jobs in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Materials Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA