Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
The median pay for a aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $103,200/year ($49.61/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $89K at the entry level to $153K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $93,461 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 54.8% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $103K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians (10th percentile) start around $89K. Mid-career wages sit at $103K.Top earners bring in $153K or more - a $64K spread from bottom to top.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $106K | +33% | 480 |
| Alaska | $106K | +33% | N/A |
| Nevada | $99K | +24% | 120 |
| California | $96K | +21% | 900 |
| Maryland | $93K | +17% | 270 |
| Texas | $83K | +4% | 660 |
| North Carolina | $83K | +4% | 110 |
| Connecticut | $81K | +2% | 100 |
| Massachusetts | $81K | +2% | 40 |
| Florida | $80K | +0% | 1,590 |
| Virginia | $80K | +0% | 150 |
| South Carolina | $79K | -1% | 50 |
| Utah | $79K | -2% | 250 |
| Ohio | $77K | -4% | 1,020 |
| Kansas | $76K | -5% | 650 |
Track aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $103,200 a year - that works out to about $49.61 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $88,700, and experienced aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians can clear $152,870. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $103K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,271/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 55.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians salary is worth about $93,461 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.