Home / City Job Salaries / Environmental Engineer in Watsonville

Environmental Engineer Salary in Watsonville, CA

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

Median Salary
$163,222
per year in Watsonville
Entry Level
$99,279
Starting salary
Senior Level
$223,800
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
130
30% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how environmental engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Watsonville.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$99,279$163,222$223,800
Monthly$8,273$13,602$18,650
Biweekly$3,818$6,278$8,608
Weekly$1,909$3,139$4,304
Hourly$48$78$108

Watsonville vs National Average

How Watsonville's environmental engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Watsonville Salary
$163,222
COL Index: 130
National Average
$98,090
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$65,132
Higher in Watsonville

Cost of Living in Watsonville

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$50,234
per year
Population
54,113
residents
Rent % of Income
40.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 130 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Watsonville have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Environmental Engineer

Overview

Develop solutions for environmental pollution and sustainability.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Environmental ScienceRegulatory ComplianceSustainabilityProject Management

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +20% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Environmental Engineer Salary

See Environmental Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,040
-36%
Los Angeles, CA
$119,780
-27%
Chicago, IL
$107,550
-34%
Houston, TX
$110,500
-32%
Phoenix, AZ
$93,390
-43%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a environmental engineer salary in Watsonville.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Watsonville.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Watsonville.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Watsonville, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a environmental engineer in Watsonville, CA is $163,222 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 130. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Watsonville's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level environmental engineer professionals in Watsonville can expect to earn around $99,279 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level environmental engineers earning approximately $223,800 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Watsonville's cost of living index of 130 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Watsonville are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $98,090, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a environmental engineer's salary in Watsonville typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 12.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Environmental Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 20% over the next decade. In Watsonville, 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.