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Materials Engineer Salary in Solvang, CA

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

Median Salary
$164,165
per year in Solvang
Entry Level
$99,853
Starting salary
Senior Level
$225,093
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
118
18% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how materials engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Solvang.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$99,853$164,165$225,093
Monthly$8,321$13,680$18,758
Biweekly$3,841$6,314$8,657
Weekly$1,920$3,157$4,329
Hourly$48$79$108

Solvang vs National Average

How Solvang's materials engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Solvang Salary
$164,165
COL Index: 118
National Average
$108,690
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$55,475
Higher in Solvang

Cost of Living in Solvang

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,450
per month
Median Income
$52,821
per year
Population
5,820
residents
Rent % of Income
32.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 118 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Solvang have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Materials Engineer

Overview

Develop and test new materials for industrial applications.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or Engineering

Key Skills

Materials ScienceTesting & AnalysisProcess DevelopmentProblem Solving

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Materials Engineer Salary

See Materials Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$137,650
-16%
Los Angeles, CA
$119,580
-27%
Chicago, IL
$97,760
-40%
Houston, TX
$147,080
-10%
Phoenix, AZ
$109,390
-33%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Materials Engineer Salary in Solvang, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a materials engineer in Solvang, CA is $164,165 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 118. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Solvang's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level materials engineer professionals in Solvang can expect to earn around $99,853 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level materials engineers earning approximately $225,093 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Solvang's cost of living index of 118 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Solvang are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $108,690, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a materials engineer's salary in Solvang typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,450 per month, housing represents about 10.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Materials Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Solvang, 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.