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Materials Engineer Salary in Watsonville, CA

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

Median Salary
$180,860
per year in Watsonville
Entry Level
$110,007
Starting salary
Senior Level
$247,984
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
130
30% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$110,007$180,860$247,984
Monthly$9,167$15,072$20,665
Biweekly$4,231$6,956$9,538
Weekly$2,116$3,478$4,769
Hourly$53$87$119

Watsonville vs National Average

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

Watsonville Salary
$180,860
COL Index: 130
National Average
$108,690
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$72,170
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 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
-24%
Los Angeles, CA
$119,580
-34%
Chicago, IL
$97,760
-46%
Houston, TX
$147,080
-19%
Phoenix, AZ
$109,390
-40%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Materials Engineer Salary in Watsonville, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a materials engineer in Watsonville, CA is $180,860 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 materials engineer professionals in Watsonville can expect to earn around $110,007 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level materials engineers earning approximately $247,984 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 $108,690, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a materials engineer's salary in Watsonville typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 11.3% 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 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.