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Automotive Engineer Salary in Brea, CA

How much does a automotive engineer make in Brea? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Brea's cost of living.

Median Salary
$201,421
per year in Brea
Entry Level
$122,073
Starting salary
Senior Level
$276,699
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
140
40% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how automotive engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Brea.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$122,073$201,421$276,699
Monthly$10,173$16,785$23,058
Biweekly$4,695$7,747$10,642
Weekly$2,348$3,873$5,321
Hourly$59$97$133

Brea vs National Average

How Brea's automotive engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Brea Salary
$201,421
COL Index: 140
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$89,021
Higher in Brea

Cost of Living in Brea

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,850
per month
Median Income
$82,234
per year
Population
48,210
residents
Rent % of Income
27.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 140 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Brea have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Automotive Engineer

Overview

Design and develop vehicles and automotive systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automotive or Mechanical Engineering

Key Skills

Vehicle DesignCADPowertrain SystemsPerformance Testing

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Automotive Engineer Salary

See Automotive Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$111,270
-45%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
-43%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
-50%
Houston, TX
$126,870
-37%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
-49%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Automotive Engineer Salary in Brea, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a automotive engineer in Brea, CA is $201,421 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 140. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Brea's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level automotive engineer professionals in Brea can expect to earn around $122,073 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level automotive engineers earning approximately $276,699 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Brea's cost of living index of 140 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Brea are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,400, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a automotive engineer's salary in Brea typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,850 per month, housing represents about 11.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Automotive Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In Brea, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.