Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
The median pay for a mechanical engineering technologists and technicians in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $93,150/year ($44.78/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $61K at the entry level to $134K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $84,360 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 59.5% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $93K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (10th percentile) start around $61K. Mid-career wages sit at $93K.Top earners bring in $134K or more - a $74K spread from bottom to top.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $100K | +46% | 410 |
| New Mexico | $88K | +28% | 330 |
| Indiana | $83K | +21% | 1,750 |
| California | $82K | +20% | 3,300 |
| Rhode Island | $81K | +18% | 30 |
| Missouri | $81K | +18% | 740 |
| Connecticut | $81K | +18% | 320 |
| Nebraska | $78K | +13% | 320 |
| District of Columbia | $77K | +12% | N/A |
| Maryland | $77K | +12% | 800 |
| New York | $76K | +10% | 1,390 |
| Maine | $75K | +9% | 190 |
| Texas | $74K | +8% | 1,810 |
| Illinois | $74K | +8% | 1,470 |
| Washington | $74K | +8% | 1,040 |
Track mechanical engineering technologists and technicians salary changes
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Frequently asked questions
How much do mechanical engineering technologists and technicians make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $93,150 a year - that works out to about $44.78 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $60,890, and experienced mechanical engineering technologists and technicians can clear $134,490. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $93K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,760/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 60.5% 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 mechanical engineering 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 mechanical engineering technologists and technicians salary is worth about $84,360 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do mechanical engineering 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.