Average Protective Service Occupations Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Protective Service Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, command an impressive average annual salary of $79,580. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,820, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher cost of operations or specialized skill requirements within the region that drive this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $79,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $132,700.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,120 individuals in Protective Service Occupations, Santa Cruz-Watsonville demonstrates a substantial presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.91 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of jobs indicates a stable and established market for these roles, implying consistent demand and employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Protective Service Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+81.6%above the national average.
$38.3
$1,530
$6,632
Protective Service Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Protective Service Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for security and safety professionals, and evolving industry standards likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for those in this field.
Protective Service Occupations Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Career progression within Protective Service Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville typically leads to significant salary increases. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear and rewarding career ladder.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $36,090 | $17.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $59,685 | $28.7 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $67,220 | $32.3 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $99,475 | $47.8 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $132,700 | $63.8 |
Detailed Protective Service Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$79,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$79,580
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $79,580 in Santa Cruz-Watsonville aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that your earnings in this role will likely maintain their purchasing power relative to the rest of the country, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents and potential relocators.
Job Market Context
2,120
Total Jobs
21.499
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has 0.91x the national average concentration of Protective Service Occupations 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 0.91 indicates that Protective Service Occupations are slightly less concentrated in Santa Cruz-Watsonville compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive job market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation to secure skilled professionals, though it doesn't necessarily imply a shortage of roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Protective Service Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Protective Service Occupations Salary | $79,580- 0% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Protective Service Occupations Salary | $82,570↑ 4% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Protective Service Occupations Salary | $78,580↓ 1% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Protective Service Occupations Salary | $72,190↓ 9% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Protective Service Occupations Salary | $89,100↑ 12% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Protective Service Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Protective Service Occupations make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Protective Service Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $79,580. This typically ranges from $36,090 for entry-level positions to $132,700 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 81.6% higher than the national median of $43,820.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a lucrative place for Protective Service Occupationss?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Protective Service Occupations.The average salary of $79,580 is nearly double the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially advantageous.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Protective Service 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 ($79,580) and Salinas, CA.
How does the Santa Cruz-Watsonville salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Protective Service Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $79,580, which is significantly higher than the national average of $43,820.
What is the concentration of Protective Service Occupations jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient is 0.91, indicating that the concentration of these jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $79,580 salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Protective Service Occupations jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
There are approximately 2,120 individuals employed in Protective Service 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 2,120 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 21.499 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Protective Service Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA