SalaryNode

Average Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA

In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, professionals in Transportation and Material Moving Occupations earn an average annual salary of $47,520. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,350, suggesting localized economic factors or specific industry demands influence compensation within this region. The cost of living in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is precisely at the national average, meaning the nominal salary's purchasing power aligns with the rest of the country.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $47,520 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $66,100.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 11,650 individuals in Transportation and Material Moving Occupations, and a Location Quotient of 0.65, the job market in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara indicates a concentration slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the sector is present and employs a significant number of people, it is not as dominant a feature of the local economy compared to national trends, implying a stable but not rapidly expanding demand.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$47,520

The average Transportation and Material Moving Occupations in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns-1.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.9

Weekly

$914

Monthly

$3,960

Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA

Within the Transportation and Material Moving Occupations field in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, salary progression is a key factor. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career ladder and opportunities for substantial income growth through skill development and tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$34,990$16.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$35,640$17.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$41,230$19.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$59,400$28.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$66,100$31.8

Detailed Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$47,520

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$47,520

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $47,520 in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, is directly comparable to the national average when considering the local Cost of Living Index, which stands at 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability for individuals relocating to or residing in the area.

Job Market Context

11,650

Total Jobs

57.747

Per 1K Jobs

0.65

Location Quotient

Below Average

Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has 0.65x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.65 for Transportation and Material Moving Occupations in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara signifies that this sector is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are job opportunities, the market is not saturated, and the demand might be more specialized or influenced by specific local industries rather than broad national economic drivers. Professionals in this field may find a moderately competitive environment with opportunities for those possessing in-demand skills.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Transportation and Material Moving Occupations make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?

The median annual salary for a Transportation and Material Moving Occupations in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $47,520. This typically ranges from $34,990 for entry-level positions to $66,100 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 1.7% lower than the national median of $48,350.

Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a lucrative place for Transportation and Material Moving Occupationss?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $47,520 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating no substantial financial advantage.

Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Transportation and Material Moving Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA ($49,370) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.

How does the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary of $47,520 in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is slightly lower than the national average of $48,350 for Transportation and Material Moving Occupations.

What is the Cost of Living like in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?

Santa Maria-Santa Barbara has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly on par with the national average, meaning expenses are neither higher nor lower than the typical US city.

Is there high demand for Transportation and Material Moving jobs in this area?

The Location Quotient of 0.65 suggests that this sector is less concentrated in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other industries.

How many people work in Transportation and Material Moving in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?

Approximately 11,650 individuals are employed in Transportation and Material Moving Occupations within the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,650 employees in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 57.747 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.