Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Median annual salary $164,620 +6.2% vs national
Median hourly $79.14
10th percentile $104,110
90th percentile —
Employed locally 40
National median $155,020

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Computer Hardware Engineers
in
Santa Cruz, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $104,110
    25th
    $117,930
    50th (median)
    $164,620
    75th
    $201,400

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 2023 • Census ACS
    Computer Hardware Engineers salary vs area income 151% Median Computer Hardware Engineers salary is 51% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Computer Hardware Engineers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $197,090
    Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT $188,540
    Connecticut $188,540
    Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ $184,560
    California $179,880
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $174,070

    Nearby metros — Computer Hardware Engineers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $197,090
    California $179,880
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $172,920
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $170,570
    San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $169,230
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $164,970

    Related occupations in Santa Cruz, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Mechanical Engineers $129,190
    Civil Engineers $116,440
    Engineers, All Other $129,480
    Industrial Engineers $111,970
    Electrical Engineers $127,050
    Architectural and Civil Drafters $64,310

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Computer Hardware Engineers make per hour in Santa Cruz?

    The median hourly wage for Computer Hardware Engineers in Santa Cruz, CA is $79.14, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $103.17 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Cruz above or below average for Computer Hardware Engineers salaries?

    The median Computer Hardware Engineers salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 6.2% above the national median of $155,020. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Computer Hardware Engineers in Santa Cruz?

    Entry-level Computer Hardware Engineers (10th percentile) earn around $104,110 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $117,930.