Average Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, professionals in Transportation and Material Moving Occupations earn an average annual salary of $48,220. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $48,350, indicating a stable compensation landscape. Local economic factors and the specific demands of the region's industries likely contribute to this parity.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $68,410.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,270 individuals in Transportation and Material Moving Occupations, Santa Cruz-Watsonville presents a moderately sized employment sector. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests that this field is slightly less concentrated here than the national average, implying a steady but not overwhelmingly dominant presence of these roles within the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Transportation and Material Moving Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns-0.3%below the national average.
$23.2
$927
$4,018
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's generally assumed that salaries within Transportation and Material Moving Occupations have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for logistics, and evolving industry standards, suggesting a positive outlook for wage progression in this sector.
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Career progression within Transportation and Material Moving Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville offers significant earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while experienced professionals and those in specialized roles can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries underscores the value of accumulated experience and skill development in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,460 | $17 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,165 | $17.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $44,100 | $21.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $60,275 | $29 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $68,410 | $32.9 |
Detailed Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,220 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 directly comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial environment for individuals considering relocation or residing in the area.
Job Market Context
6,270
Total Jobs
63.459
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has 0.72x the national average concentration of Transportation and Material Moving 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 0.72 for Transportation and Material Moving Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville indicates that this sector is present but not a dominant industry compared to the national average. While there are ample opportunities, the market is not oversaturated, suggesting a healthy balance between job availability and the number of professionals in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary | $55,780↑ 16% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary | $45,030↓ 7% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary | $61,080↑ 27% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary | $49,680↑ 3% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary | $50,630↑ 5% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Transportation and Material Moving Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Transportation and Material Moving Occupations make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Transportation and Material Moving Occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $48,220. This typically ranges from $35,460 for entry-level positions to $68,410 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 0.3% lower than the national median of $48,350.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a lucrative place for Transportation and Material Moving Occupationss?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $48,220 is nearly identical to the national average of $48,350, and the Cost of Living Index is also at the national average. This suggests comparable earning potential and purchasing power.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Transportation and Material Moving 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 ($55,780) and Salinas, CA.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 6,270 indicates a substantial presence of these roles, suggesting consistent demand and opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals within the Santa Cruz-Watsonville area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.72 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.72, implies that Transportation and Material Moving Occupations are less concentrated in Santa Cruz-Watsonville compared to the national average. This could mean a less competitive market for certain roles, but also potentially fewer specialized positions.
How does the Cost of Living affect the $48,220 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $48,220 salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville offers the same purchasing power as the national average salary. It is neither significantly boosted nor diminished by local living expenses.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers in this field locally?
With 63.459 jobs per 1,000 workers, Transportation and Material Moving Occupations represent a notable segment of the local employment landscape, indicating a steady demand for these services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,270 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 63.459 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Transportation and Material Moving Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA