Average Solar Photovoltaic Installers Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is a highly lucrative market for Solar Photovoltaic Installerss. With an average annual salary of $81,740, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm. Notably, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 3.63x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $81,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $108,860.
- Outlook: The current demand for Solar Photovoltaic Installerss 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 Solar Photovoltaic Installers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+42.5%above the national average.
$39.3
$1,572
$6,812
Solar Photovoltaic Installers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Solar Photovoltaic Installers salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA have remained stable with a modest increase of 9.2%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Solar Photovoltaic Installers Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Solar Photovoltaic Installerss 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 $54,050, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $108,860.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $54,050 | $26 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $61,305 | $29.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $67,440 | $32.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $102,175 | $49.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $108,860 | $52.3 |
Detailed Solar Photovoltaic Installers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$81,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$81,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $81,740 to $81,740.
Job Market Context
70
Total Jobs
0.665
Per 1K Jobs
3.63
Location Quotient
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has 3.6x the national concentration of Solar Photovoltaic Installers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
70 people work as Solar Photovoltaic Installers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA.
Only 0.665 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Solar Photovoltaic Installers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Solar Photovoltaic Installers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Solar Photovoltaic Installers Salary | $76,230↓ 7% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Solar Photovoltaic Installers Salary | $69,010↓ 16% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Solar Photovoltaic Installers Salary | $74,250↓ 9% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Solar Photovoltaic Installers Salary | $68,160↓ 17% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Solar Photovoltaic Installers Salary | $64,830↓ 21% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Solar Photovoltaic Installerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Solar Photovoltaic Installers make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Solar Photovoltaic Installers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $81,740. This typically ranges from $54,050 for entry-level positions to $108,860 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 42.5% higher than the national median of $57,380.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Solar Photovoltaic Installerss?
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is an excellent location for Solar Photovoltaic Installerss. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($81,740) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Solar Photovoltaic Installers?
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 ($76,230) 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 0.665 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Solar Photovoltaic Installers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA