Highway Maintenance Workers Salary in Salinas, CA
In Salinas, CA, highway maintenance workers earn $67,760 at the median — $32.58 an hour. The range runs from $48K at the entry level to $79K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 109.04), so that salary is closer to $62,142 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,684/month — about 60.7% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $68K get you in Salinas?
About highway maintenance workers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Salinas, CA
Entry-level highway maintenance workers (10th percentile) start around $48K. Mid-career wages sit at $68K.Top earners bring in $79K or more - a $31K spread from bottom to top.
Highway Maintenance Workers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $64K | +30% | 2,110 |
| Washington | $63K | +29% | 2,620 |
| Oregon | $63K | +28% | 1,670 |
| Alaska | $62K | +26% | 50 |
| Minnesota | $61K | +24% | 3,860 |
| North Dakota | $61K | +24% | 1,200 |
| Montana | $61K | +24% | 1,020 |
| Massachusetts | $59K | +21% | 1,840 |
| California | $58K | +19% | 7,770 |
| Illinois | $58K | +18% | 11,050 |
| Iowa | $57K | +16% | 4,400 |
| Vermont | $56K | +15% | 1,020 |
| Wisconsin | $55K | +12% | 5,530 |
| Maryland | $54K | +11% | 700 |
| Rhode Island | $54K | +10% | 600 |
Track highway maintenance workers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Salinas numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do highway maintenance workers make in Salinas, CA?
The median is $67,760 a year - that works out to about $32.58 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $48,020, and experienced highway maintenance workers can clear $78,750. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $68K enough to live in Salinas?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,461/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,684/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 60.2% 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 highway maintenance workers salary go in Salinas?
Salinas has a Regional Price Parity of 109.04 (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 highway maintenance workers salary is worth about $62,142 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do highway maintenance workers 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.