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Automotive Engineer Salary in Sacramento, CA

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

Median Salary
$116,370
per year in Sacramento
Entry Level
$70,527
Starting salary
Senior Level
$159,862
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
141
41% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$70,527$116,370$159,862
Monthly$5,877$9,698$13,322
Biweekly$2,713$4,476$6,149
Weekly$1,356$2,238$3,074
Hourly$34$56$77

Sacramento vs National Average

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

Sacramento Salary
$116,370
COL Index: 141
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$3,970
Higher in Sacramento

Cost of Living in Sacramento

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,950
per month
Median Income
$63,456
per year
Population
525,453
residents
Rent % of Income
36.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 141 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Sacramento 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
-4%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
-2%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
-14%
Houston, TX
$126,870
+9%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
-12%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Automotive Engineer Salary in Sacramento, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a automotive engineer in Sacramento, CA is $116,370 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 141. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Sacramento's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level automotive engineer professionals in Sacramento can expect to earn around $70,527 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level automotive engineers earning approximately $159,862 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Sacramento's cost of living index of 141 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Sacramento 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 Sacramento typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,950 per month, housing represents about 20.1% 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 Sacramento, 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.