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Average Production Occupations Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, professionals in Production Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $53,190. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $49,710, suggesting that local economic factors and industry demand contribute to a more favorable compensation landscape for these roles. The specific needs of the regional economy likely influence this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $53,190 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,070.
  • Outlook: The Santa Cruz-Watsonville region supports a local workforce of 4,250 individuals in Production Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.76, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated market. The presence of over 43 jobs per 1,000 workers signifies a consistent demand for skilled production labor within the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$53,190

The average Production Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+7.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.6

Weekly

$1,023

Monthly

$4,433

Production Occupations Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Career progression within Production Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville offers significant earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and years of experience can command salaries well above the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often seen across different pay percentiles, clearly signifies opportunities for substantial career and financial advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,250$17.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$39,893$19.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$47,250$22.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$66,488$32
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$78,070$37.5

Detailed Production Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$53,190

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$53,190

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $53,190 in Santa Cruz-Watsonville aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Production Occupations salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, making it a financially neutral location in terms of affordability relative to income.

Job Market Context

4,250

Total Jobs

43.056

Per 1K Jobs

0.76

Location Quotient

Below Average

Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has 0.76x the national average concentration of Production Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.76, the Production Occupations job market in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is moderately concentrated compared to the national average. This suggests that while the industry is present and provides employment opportunities, it is not a dominant sector that overwhelmingly defines the local economy. The market is likely competitive, offering a balanced environment for both employers seeking talent and individuals looking for stable production roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Production Occupations

Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Hiring Production Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Production Occupations make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?

The median annual salary for a Production Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $53,190. This typically ranges from $36,250 for entry-level positions to $78,070 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 7.0% higher than the national median of $49,710.

Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a lucrative place for Production Occupationss?

Yes, moderately so.The average salary of $53,190 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good purchasing power. While the job market concentration is slightly below average, the number of jobs per capita suggests consistent demand.

Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Production Occupations?

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 ($61,050) and Salinas, CA.

How does the Santa Cruz-Watsonville salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Production Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $53,190, which is $3,480 higher than the national average of $49,710.

What is the Cost of Living in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?

The Cost of Living Index in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is 100, which is exactly the same as the national average, indicating average affordability.

How concentrated is the Production Occupations job market in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?

The Location Quotient of 0.76 indicates that the concentration of Production Occupations jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is slightly lower than the national average.

What is the total number of Production Occupations jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?

There are approximately 4,250 individuals employed in Production Occupations within the Santa Cruz-Watsonville area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,250 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 43.056 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.