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Salary guide, May 2025

Manufacturing pay in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Manufacturing Headhunters uses the published BLS OEWS figures below. They describe the mapped occupation and area, not an individual offer.

This is what we do all day: recruit manufacturing professionals.

BLS published a median for 319 of our 368 roles here. Ranking uses exact published annual medians only. Top-coded, hourly-only and unpublished values are listed separately.

  1. CEO / President (Manufacturing)$209,080
  2. Chief Operating Officer (COO)$209,080
  3. Senior Director of Operations$209,080
  4. Manufacturing Engineering Manager$206,880
  5. Process Engineering Manager$206,880
  6. Controls / Automation Manager$206,880
  7. VP of Engineering$206,880
  8. Director of R&D$206,880
  9. Director of Manufacturing Engineering$206,880
  10. NPI Manager$206,880
  11. Capital Projects Manager$206,880
  12. Lead Manufacturing Engineer$206,880
  13. Senior Industrial Engineer$206,880
  14. Senior Packaging Engineer$206,880
  15. Director of Automation$206,880
  16. Automation Manager$206,880
  17. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)$206,880
  18. R&D Manager$206,880
  19. R&D Engineer$206,880
  20. Engineering Manager (Product)$206,880
  21. Senior Mechanical Design Engineer$206,880
  22. Lead Product Development Engineer$206,880
  23. Regulatory Affairs Manager$170,650
  24. EHS Manager$170,650
  25. EHS Director$170,650

Bars show the top 25 of 319 ranked. The table below lists all 319. Literal BLS medians, May 2025.

Roles in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, ranked by exact annual median (May 2025)
RankRoleBLS occupation25thMedian75thEmploymentLQ
1CEO / President (Manufacturing)Chief Executives (11-1011)$133,610$209,080$316,6002201.71
2Chief Operating Officer (COO)Chief Executives (11-1011)$133,610$209,080$316,6002201.71
3Senior Director of OperationsChief Executives (11-1011)$133,610$209,080$316,6002201.71
4Manufacturing Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
5Process Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
6Controls / Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
7VP of EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
8Director of R&DArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
9Director of Manufacturing EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
10NPI ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
11Capital Projects ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
12Lead Manufacturing EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
13Senior Industrial EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
14Senior Packaging EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
15Director of AutomationArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
16Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
17Chief Technology Officer (CTO)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
18R&D ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
19R&D EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
20Engineering Manager (Product)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
21Senior Mechanical Design EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
22Lead Product Development EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$147,180$206,880$230,430800.54
23Regulatory Affairs ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$123,550$170,650$216,6203500.88
24EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$123,550$170,650$216,6203500.88
25EHS DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$123,550$170,650$216,6203500.88
26Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$123,550$170,650$216,6203500.88
27Environmental ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$123,550$170,650$216,6203500.88
28Process Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$123,550$170,650$216,6203500.88
29S&OP ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$123,550$170,650$216,6203500.88
30Trade Compliance ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$123,550$170,650$216,6203500.88
31Service / Aftermarket ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$123,550$170,650$216,6203500.88
32Environmental EngineerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$123,550$170,650$216,6203500.88
33Sustainability Manager / DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$123,550$170,650$216,6203500.88
34Senior EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$123,550$170,650$216,6203500.88
35EHS CoordinatorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$123,550$170,650$216,6203500.88
36Director of PlanningManagers, All Other (11-9199)$123,550$170,650$216,6203500.88
37CFO (Manufacturing)Financial Managers (11-3031)$130,860$165,800$216,6104000.75
38Corporate ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$130,860$165,800$216,6104000.75
39Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$130,860$165,800$216,6104000.75
40VP of FinanceFinancial Managers (11-3031)$130,860$165,800$216,6104000.75
41Division ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$130,860$165,800$216,6104000.75
42Assistant Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$130,860$165,800$216,6104000.75
43FP&A Manager (Operations)Financial Managers (11-3031)$130,860$165,800$216,6104000.75
44Senior Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$130,860$165,800$216,6104000.75
45Senior Cost AccountantFinancial Managers (11-3031)$130,860$165,800$216,6104000.75
46Plant HR ManagerHuman Resources Managers (11-3121)$126,570$164,570$216,4801300.94
47PLC ProgrammerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$124,210$156,910$175,7205400.51
48MES EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$124,210$156,910$175,7205400.51
49SCADA / HMI EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$124,210$156,910$175,7205400.51
50Manufacturing Systems / OT EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$124,210$156,910$175,7205400.51
51Firmware / Embedded EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$124,210$156,910$175,7205400.51
52Automation EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$128,870$141,150$166,5601501.57
53Robotics EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$128,870$141,150$166,5601501.57
54Machine Vision EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$128,870$141,150$166,5601501.57
55Product Development EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$128,870$141,150$166,5601501.57
56Applications EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$128,870$141,150$166,5601501.57
57Applications Engineering ManagerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$128,870$141,150$166,5601501.57
58QC Microbiology ManagerMedical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists (19-1042)$102,600$134,060$177,2701501.41
59Plant ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
60Plant Director / Site DirectorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
61Assistant Plant ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
62Operations ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
63Manufacturing ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
64Production ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
65Shift Manager (2nd / 3rd shift)Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
66Plant Startup / Launch ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
67Sanitation ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
68VP of Quality / Chief Quality OfficerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
69Director of QualityIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
70Quality ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
71QC ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
72Supplier Quality ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
73Quality Systems ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
74FSQA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
75FSQA DirectorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
76Food Safety Coordinator / SQF PractitionerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
77QA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
78Production SuperintendentIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
79Area ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
80Value Stream ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
81Department ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
82Sanitation SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
83Bilingual Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
84Second Shift Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
85Third Shift Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
86QC Lab ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
87Validation / CQV ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
88CAPA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
89Metrology / Calibration ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
90Lead Quality EngineerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
91Quality SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$97,670$133,890$173,9701200.76
92Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$122,080$133,560$171,230900.74
93Electrical Engineer (Plant)Electrical Engineers (17-2071)$122,080$133,560$171,230900.74
94Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$122,080$133,560$171,230900.74
95Electrical Design EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$122,080$133,560$171,230900.74
96Senior Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$122,080$133,560$171,230900.74
97Lead Controls TechnicianElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$122,080$133,560$171,230900.74
98Panel Design Engineer (UL 508A)Electrical Engineers (17-2071)$122,080$133,560$171,230900.74
99Lead Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$122,080$133,560$171,230900.74
100Controls SupervisorElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$122,080$133,560$171,230900.74
101Packaging EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$108,700$132,920$165,0701900.99
102Tooling EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$108,700$132,920$165,0701900.99
103Welding EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$108,700$132,920$165,0701900.99
104Plant EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$108,700$132,920$165,0701900.99
105Mechanical Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$108,700$132,920$165,0701900.99
106Packaging Development EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$108,700$132,920$165,0701900.99
107Plant Engineering ManagerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$108,700$132,920$165,0701900.99
108Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$108,700$132,920$165,0701900.99
109Product Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$108,700$132,920$165,0701900.99
110Product EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$108,700$132,920$165,0701900.99
111Systems EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$108,700$132,920$165,0701900.99
112CAD Designer / DrafterMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$108,700$132,920$165,0701900.99
113Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
114Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
115Industrial EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
116Yield Engineer (Semiconductor)Industrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
117Battery Cell Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
118Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
119Supplier Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
120Customer Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
121Design Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
122Validation EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
123Reliability EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
124Reliability ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
125Continuous Improvement ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
126Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
127Lean Six Sigma Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
128Director of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
129Supplier Development EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
130Lean ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
131Senior Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
132Senior Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
133Mold / Die Design EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
134Test EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
135Senior Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
136Quality Engineering ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
137Quality Systems Engineer / SpecialistIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
138Maintenance EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
139EHS EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
140VP of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
141Director of Continuous ImprovementIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
142Lean Specialist / CoordinatorIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
143Master Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
144Senior Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
145Lead Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
146Supplier Development ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
147Material Flow / Logistics EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$107,110$131,740$163,2101200.53
148VP of Sales (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$78,340$117,090$166,8705201.29
149Regional Sales Manager / Technical Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$78,340$117,090$166,8705201.29
150Director of SalesSales Managers (11-2022)$78,340$117,090$166,8705201.29
151National Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$78,340$117,090$166,8705201.29
152Key Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$78,340$117,090$166,8705201.29
153National Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$78,340$117,090$166,8705201.29
154Business Development ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$78,340$117,090$166,8705201.29
155Territory Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$78,340$117,090$166,8705201.29
156Channel / Distributor Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$78,340$117,090$166,8705201.29
157Product Manager (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$78,340$117,090$166,8705201.29
158Field Service ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$78,340$117,090$166,8705201.29
159Senior Applications EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$78,340$117,090$166,8705201.29
160Lead Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$78,340$117,090$166,8705201.29
161Traveling Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$78,340$117,090$166,8705201.29
162Facilities ManagerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$79,800$114,670$160,6101001.01
163Facilities EngineerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$79,800$114,670$160,6101001.01
164Utilities / Energy ManagerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$79,800$114,670$160,6101001.01
165VP of Supply Chain / Director of Supply ChainTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$93,430$112,570$178,7401100.79
166Supply Chain ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$93,430$112,570$178,7401100.79
167Materials ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$93,430$112,570$178,7401100.79
168Logistics ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$93,430$112,570$178,7401100.79
169Warehouse Manager / Distribution Center ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$93,430$112,570$178,7401100.79
170Chief Supply Chain OfficerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$93,430$112,570$178,7401100.79
171Category Manager (Direct Materials)Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$93,430$112,570$178,7401100.79
172Inventory Control ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$93,430$112,570$178,7401100.79
173Senior Production PlannerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$93,430$112,570$178,7401100.79
174Senior BuyerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$93,430$112,570$178,7401100.79
175Director of LogisticsTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$93,430$112,570$178,7401100.79
176Transportation ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$93,430$112,570$178,7401100.79
177Warehouse SupervisorTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$93,430$112,570$178,7401100.79
178Shipping & Receiving ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$93,430$112,570$178,7401100.79
179Project Engineer / Capital Projects ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$78,500$106,780$134,1804400.65
180Program ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$78,500$106,780$134,1804400.65
181Safety Specialist / CoordinatorOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$89,370$106,430$126,820700.8
182Industrial HygienistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$89,370$106,430$126,820700.8
183Environmental Permitting SpecialistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$89,370$106,430$126,820700.8
184VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$74,670$105,360$158,0601,7700.8
185VP of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$74,670$105,360$158,0601,7700.8
186Regional VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$74,670$105,360$158,0601,7700.8
187General Manager (Manufacturing)General and Operations Managers (11-1021)$74,670$105,360$158,0601,7700.8
188Director of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$74,670$105,360$158,0601,7700.8
189EVP / SVP OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$74,670$105,360$158,0601,7700.8
190Division / Business Unit General ManagerGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$74,670$105,360$158,0601,7700.8
191Director of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$74,670$105,360$158,0601,7700.8
192Formulation ChemistChemists (19-2031)$69,600$95,840$118,160701.32
193Quality Auditor / Lead AuditorCompliance Officers (13-1041)$65,810$86,510$124,4102000.76
194Document Control ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$65,810$86,510$124,4102000.76
195Regulatory Compliance ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$65,810$86,510$124,4102000.76
196Cost AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$72,220$84,920$108,9407400.81
197Cost Accounting ManagerAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$72,220$84,920$108,9407400.81
198Senior Cost AnalystAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$72,220$84,920$108,9407400.81
199Inventory AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$72,220$84,920$108,9407400.81
200Maintenance ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,510$80,820$102,2502700.69
201Director of MaintenanceFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,510$80,820$102,2502700.69
202Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,510$80,820$102,2502700.69
203Maintenance & Engineering ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,510$80,820$102,2502700.69
204Asset Management / CMMS ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,510$80,820$102,2502700.69
205Tool Room ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,510$80,820$102,2502700.69
206Lead Maintenance TechnicianFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,510$80,820$102,2502700.69
207Senior Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,510$80,820$102,2502700.69
208Lead Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$59,510$80,820$102,2502700.69
209Industrial Refrigeration (Ammonia) TechnicianHeating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021)$62,020$78,330$97,0702100.82
210Buyer / Senior BuyerBuyers and Purchasing Agents (13-1020)$55,590$77,250$98,8002600.82
211Industrial ElectricianElectricians (47-2111)$61,460$76,610$96,4103300.7
212Production SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$58,210$74,690$95,5602700.63
213Line LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$58,210$74,690$95,5602700.63
214Shift SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$58,210$74,690$95,5602700.63
215Packaging SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$58,210$74,690$95,5602700.63
216Production Team LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$58,210$74,690$95,5602700.63
217CNC Machining SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$58,210$74,690$95,5602700.63
218Welding SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$58,210$74,690$95,5602700.63
219Packaging Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$58,210$74,690$95,5602700.63
220Field Service EngineerIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
221Industrial Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
222Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
223Line TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
224Maintenance MechanicIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
225Multi-Craft Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
226Hydraulic / Fluid Power TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
227Boiler Operator / Stationary Engineer (Plant Utilities)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
228Predictive Maintenance (PdM) TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
229Forklift / Material Handling Equipment TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
230Maintenance Technician AIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
231Maintenance Technician BIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
232Maintenance Technician CIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
233Traveling MillwrightIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
234Filler OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
235Packaging OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
236End-of-Line Operator (palletizer and robot cell)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
237Lead Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$62,400$70,790$77,3101000.34
238Maintenance Planner / SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$53,470$67,530$82,9402400.98
239Production Planner / Master SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$53,470$67,530$82,9402400.98
240Inventory Control SpecialistProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$53,470$67,530$82,9402400.98
241Demand PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$53,470$67,530$82,9402400.98
242Supply PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$53,470$67,530$82,9402400.98
243Production SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$53,470$67,530$82,9402400.98
244Bioprocess TechnicianBiological Technicians (19-4021)$48,660$66,240$80,110501.23
245Logistics SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$48,680$59,880$77,6203200.82
246Shipping SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$48,680$59,880$77,6203200.82
247CNC Setup MachinistComputer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators (51-9161)$46,560$59,280$73,530700.63
248QC Lab TechnicianChemical Technicians (19-4031)$48,160$57,390$60,500400.98
249CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$44,450$51,420$67,010700.38
2505-Axis CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$44,450$51,420$67,010700.38
251Swiss CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$44,450$51,420$67,010700.38
252CNC Machine OperatorMachinists (51-4041)$44,450$51,420$67,010700.38
253Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM) MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$44,450$51,420$67,010700.38
254Manual MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$44,450$51,420$67,010700.38
255EDM Machinist (Wire and Sinker)Machinists (51-4041)$44,450$51,420$67,010700.38
256CNC Grinder / Precision GrinderMachinists (51-4041)$44,450$51,420$67,010700.38
257Lead MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$44,450$51,420$67,010700.38
258Machinist AMachinists (51-4041)$44,450$51,420$67,010700.38
259Machinist BMachinists (51-4041)$44,450$51,420$67,010700.38
260Machinist CMachinists (51-4041)$44,450$51,420$67,010700.38
261Senior CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$44,450$51,420$67,010700.38
262Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$46,850$51,210$70,0102600.69
263Quality TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$46,850$51,210$70,0102600.69
264CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$46,850$51,210$70,0102600.69
265Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$46,850$51,210$70,0102600.69
266Food Safety / QA TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$46,850$51,210$70,0102600.69
267First Article InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$46,850$51,210$70,0102600.69
268Receiving / Source InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$46,850$51,210$70,0102600.69
269Metrology TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$46,850$51,210$70,0102600.69
270Microbiology Lab TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$46,850$51,210$70,0102600.69
271Environmental Monitoring TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$46,850$51,210$70,0102600.69
272Lead Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$46,850$51,210$70,0102600.69
273Senior CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$46,850$51,210$70,0102600.69
274Production Welder (MIG)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,070$50,840$62,400900.35
275TIG WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,070$50,840$62,400900.35
276Code Welder (ASME / Pressure Vessel)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,070$50,840$62,400900.35
277Welder-FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,070$50,840$62,400900.35
278Fitter / Layout FitterWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,070$50,840$62,400900.35
279Sheet Metal FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,070$50,840$62,400900.35
280Laser / Plasma / Waterjet Cutting OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,070$50,840$62,400900.35
281Heat Treat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,070$50,840$62,400900.35
282Plating / Anodizing TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,070$50,840$62,400900.35
283Industrial Painter / Powder Coat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,070$50,840$62,400900.35
284Foundry Molder / Melt OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,070$50,840$62,400900.35
285Lead WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$46,070$50,840$62,400900.35
286Electronics Assembler / SoldererElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$41,780$49,280$64,4701400.91
287Wire Harness & Cable AssemblerElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$41,780$49,280$64,4701400.91
288SMT TechnicianElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$41,780$49,280$64,4701400.91
289Control Panel BuilderElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$41,780$49,280$64,4701400.91
290Shipping & Receiving LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$40,720$48,340$58,0904100.78
291Hazmat Shipping SpecialistShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$40,720$48,340$58,0904100.78
292Warehouse LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$40,720$48,340$58,0904100.78
293Skilled Material Handler (ERP / MRP transactions, line feeding)Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$40,720$48,340$58,0904100.78
294Production / Material ExpediterShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$40,720$48,340$58,0904100.78
295Kitting LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$40,720$48,340$58,0904100.78
296Inventory Control LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$40,720$48,340$58,0904100.78
297Certified Forklift OperatorIndustrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051)$40,290$46,530$50,1202700.56
298Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
299Setup TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
300Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
301Battery Cell Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
302CIP TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
303Skilled Machine OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
304Utility / Relief OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
305Production Trainer (OJT Trainer)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
306Senior Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
307Lead Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
308Converting Operator (slitter, laminator, bag machine, die cutter)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
309Batch Maker / CompounderProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
310Paper Machine Operator (Machine Tender)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
311Industrial Wastewater Treatment OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
312Solid Dose Operator (granulation, compression, encapsulation, coating)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
313Retort / Thermal Process OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
314Brewer / Cellar OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
315Senior Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
316Lead Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$44,880$46,340$57,730600.37
317Flexographic Press OperatorPrinting Press Operators (51-5112)$38,650$43,480$49,190700.75
318Sanitation TechnicianJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$37,540$40,780$51,3301,5101.08
319Sanitation LeadJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$37,540$40,780$51,3301,5101.08

What should you know about not published by BLS?

Materials Engineer, Metallurgist / Metallurgical Engineer, Injection Molding Process Engineer, Extrusion Process Engineer, MS&T Engineer, Food Scientist, Purchasing Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Sales Engineer, CNC Programmer, Tool and Die Maker, Mold Maker, Robotic Welding Technician, Press Brake Operator, Die Setter (Stamping), Electromechanical / Mechatronics Technician, Millwright, PLC / Controls Technician, Robotics Technician, Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) Technician, Skilled Mechanical Assembler, Aircraft Structures Assembler, Composite Technician, Injection Molding Technician, Extrusion Technician, Chemical Operator, GMP Manufacturing Technician, Food Process Operator, Semiconductor Fab Technician, Semiconductor Equipment Technician, Calibration Technician, NDT Technician, Overhead Crane Operator & Rigger, Procurement Manager, Polymer / Plastics Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Tech Transfer Engineer, Product Development Scientist, Director of Procurement, Commodity Manager, Inside Sales Engineer, Proposal / Quotation Engineer, Electronics Test Technician, Machine Builder (equipment OEM assembly fitter), Cleanroom Assembler (Medical Device), Senior Electronics Test Technician, Lead Mechanical Assembler, Control Room (DCS) Operator, Aseptic Fill Operator.

State figures for California

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Area: Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA. Official area tables. Released 2026-05-15. LQ is employment concentration, not a wage index.

Reading this wage estimate

What does this data mean for your opening?

In the Santa Cruz-Watsonville metro, the CEO / President (Manufacturing) position carries a median salary of $209,080. For manufacturing occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause.

Nationally, this occupation shows a median of $213,990 with a middle band width of $226,660. Communications equipment manufacturing lists a national benchmark of $409,320. For manufacturing occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, OEWS measures straight-time gross wages, not pure base salary or total compensation. Commissions and production bonuses are included; overtime, shift differentials, nonproduction bonuses and benefits are excluded.

Manufacturing Engineering Managers in this area earn a median of $206,880. For manufacturing occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. Nationally, the median is $171,270 with a middle band width of $73,140. In aerospace product and parts manufacturing, the national median benchmark is $192,800. The local employment level remains steady, suggesting strong interest in technical and engineering oversight.

Regulatory Affairs Managers report a median salary of $170,650. For manufacturing occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. The national median for managers, all other is $141,900 with a band width of $83,420. National Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing lists a $202,090 median. This mapping is broad and may not account for the niche regulatory requirements in the regional medical instrument sector.

For manufacturing occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. Nationally, this occupation records a $45,780 median with a middle band width of $18,350. The national benchmark for furniture manufacturing is $66,800. This is part of the broader printing press operator occupational grouping.

For manufacturing occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. Nationally, janitorial occupations report a $36,840 median with a band width of $11,820. Iron and steel mills show a national median of $52,820. These results align with broader facility-cleaning data and should be evaluated in the context of specific regional facility requirements.

Which pay questions should you settle before hiring?

Related recruiting or pay page · Related wage comparison 1 · Related wage comparison 2 · Related wage comparison 3 · Related wage comparison 4 · Related wage comparison 5 · Related wage comparison 6 · Related wage comparison 7 · Related wage comparison 8 · Related wage comparison 9 · Data methodology

What does the medianChange represent for the Regulatory Affairs Manager?

For manufacturing occupations in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause.

Why is the local median for Manufacturing Engineering Managers higher than the national median?

The local engineering labor market is influenced by a high concentration of high-tech firms, which typically pushes the median above the national engineering management average.

Are the Flexographic Press Operator wages specific to flexographic machinery?

The wages are categorized under general printing press operator occupations. They reflect a broad group and do not specifically differentiate wages for flexographic press expertise.

Related recruiting or pay page · Related wage comparison 1 · Related wage comparison 2 · Related wage comparison 3 · Related wage comparison 4 · Related wage comparison 5 · Related wage comparison 6 · Related wage comparison 7 · Related wage comparison 8 · Related wage comparison 9 · Data methodology

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