Computer Programmer Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Writes, tests, and maintains code that runs software systems and applications.
Santa Cruz-Watsonville ranks #43 of 530 U.S. metro areas for computer programmer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $19,114 above the national average.
Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $80,434 | $61,320 | +$19,114 | +31.2% |
| Level II | $99,507 | $78,293 | +$21,214 | +27.1% |
| Level III (Mid) | $118,560 | $95,267 | +$23,293 | +24.5% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $137,634 | $112,240 | +$25,394 | +22.6% |
Other metros in California
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $102,877 | $186,826 | $159,120 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $84,157 | $153,317 | $130,499 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $77,168 | $150,571 | $126,339 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $69,722 | $146,494 | $121,160 |
| El Centro | $71,739 | $144,622 | $120,557 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average computer programmer salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The average computer programmer salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $118,768 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Santa Cruz-Watsonville at rank #43 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level computer programmers earn in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
Entry-level computer programmers (Level I) in Santa Cruz-Watsonville earn $80,434 per year. Level II (early career) earns $99,507, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Santa Cruz-Watsonville compare to the national average for computer programmer salaries?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville ranks #43 of 530 U.S. metro areas for computer programmer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $19,114 above the national average. The national average computer programmer salary is $95,436, while Santa Cruz-Watsonville workers average $118,768 — a difference of +24% overall.
Data source: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers nationwide to collect wage data by occupation and geography. The four experience levels reflect DOL standardized tiers. Data reflects the most recently published survey cycle. SOC code: 15-1251.