In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders earn an average annual salary of $43,340. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $43,630, indicating a stable compensation landscape for this role within the region. Local economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in aligning these wages with broader national trends.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,910.
- Outlook: The Santa Cruz-Watsonville area supports a local workforce of 420 Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders. With a Location Quotient of 1.72, this occupation is significantly more concentrated in this region than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for these skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns-0.7%below the national average.
$20.8
$833
$3,612
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that, mirroring national trends, salaries for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased industry demand, and the need for specialized skills in manufacturing and production.
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Career progression for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles with greater responsibility. As operators gain experience and acquire specialized skills, their earning potential increases significantly, with higher percentiles reflecting advanced expertise and a proven track record in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,250 | $17.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,505 | $15.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $41,750 | $20.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $54,175 | $26 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $49,910 | $24 |
Detailed Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $43,340 in Santa Cruz-Watsonville aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of goods and services in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
4.28
Per 1K Jobs
1.72
Location Quotient
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has 1.7x the national concentration of Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.72 signifies that Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders are 72% more concentrated in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville area compared to the national average. This indicates a strong local industry presence and a potentially competitive market for talent, where employers may actively seek out experienced individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary | $48,650↑ 12% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary | $44,640↑ 3% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary | $51,360↑ 19% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary | $56,290↑ 30% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary | $52,050↑ 20% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenderss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $43,340. This typically ranges from $36,250 for entry-level positions to $49,910 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 0.7% lower than the national median of $43,630.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a lucrative place for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenderss?
Yes, it is a stable market for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders.The average salary is nearly identical to the national average, and the high concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.72) suggests consistent demand within the region.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders?
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 ($48,650) and Salinas, CA.
How does the local workforce size affect job availability?
A local workforce of 420 indicates a substantial presence of these roles, suggesting a healthy job market with opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.72 mean for job seekers?
An LQ of 1.72 means the occupation is more than 70% more common in Santa Cruz-Watsonville than the national average, indicating specialized local demand and potentially more job openings relative to the general workforce.
How does the Cost of Living in Santa Cruz-Watsonville compare nationally?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Santa Cruz-Watsonville is exactly at the national average, meaning your $43,340 salary will have average purchasing power.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for this role?
While specific data isn't provided, it's standard for experienced Packaging and Filling Machine Operators to earn more than entry-level workers, with higher salary percentiles reflecting advanced skills and seniority.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 4.28 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA