Mechanical Engineers Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The median pay for a mechanical engineers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $129,190/year ($62.11/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $83K at the entry level to $205K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 109.9), so that salary is closer to $117,552 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $4,214/month — about 55.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $129K get you in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
About mechanical engineers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Entry-level mechanical engineers (10th percentile) start around $83K. Mid-career wages sit at $129K.Top earners bring in $205K or more - a $123K spread from bottom to top.
Mechanical Engineers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $141K | +38% | 1,690 |
| District of Columbia | $130K | +27% | 590 |
| Alaska | $130K | +27% | 530 |
| California | $126K | +24% | 27,090 |
| Massachusetts | $123K | +20% | 9,430 |
| Wyoming | $117K | +14% | 300 |
| Rhode Island | $115K | +13% | 1,400 |
| Louisiana | $114K | +11% | 1,650 |
| Maryland | $112K | +9% | 6,330 |
| Washington | $109K | +7% | 9,350 |
| Texas | $108K | +6% | 18,790 |
| New Jersey | $107K | +5% | 4,440 |
| Connecticut | $107K | +4% | 5,310 |
| Delaware | $106K | +4% | 530 |
| South Carolina | $105K | +3% | 5,060 |
Track mechanical engineers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Santa Cruz-Watsonville numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median is $129,190 a year - that works out to about $62.11 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $82,650, and experienced mechanical engineers can clear $205,330. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $129K enough to live in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,575/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $4,214/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 55.6% 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 engineers salary go in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville has a Regional Price Parity of 109.9 (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 engineers salary is worth about $117,552 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do mechanical engineers 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.