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Automotive Engineer Salary in Pasadena, TX

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

Median Salary
$126,870
per year in Pasadena
Entry Level
$76,891
Starting salary
Senior Level
$174,286
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$76,891$126,870$174,286
Monthly$6,408$10,573$14,524
Biweekly$2,957$4,880$6,703
Weekly$1,479$2,440$3,352
Hourly$37$61$84

Pasadena vs National Average

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

Pasadena Salary
$126,870
COL Index: 102
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$14,470
Higher in Pasadena

Cost of Living in Pasadena

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$55,234
per year
Population
158,370
residents
Rent % of Income
30.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Pasadena 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
-12%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
-10%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
-21%
Houston, TX
$126,870
0%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
-19%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Automotive Engineer Salary in Pasadena, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a automotive engineer in Pasadena, TX is $126,870 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Pasadena's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level automotive engineer professionals in Pasadena can expect to earn around $76,891 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level automotive engineers earning approximately $174,286 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Pasadena's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Pasadena 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 Pasadena typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 13.2% 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 Pasadena, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.