Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$64,500$31.01 per hour · $5,375 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Wage Percentiles in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $18.22/hr | $3,158 | $37,900 | $32,134 |
| 25th Percentile | $22.21/hr | $3,850 | $46,200 | $38,471 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $31.01/hr | $5,375 | $64,500 | $52,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $36.78/hr | $6,375 | $76,500 | $59,753 |
| 90th Percentile | $45.48/hr | $7,883 | $94,600 | $70,828 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$64,500 measures up against local economic conditions:
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Compare auto mechanics salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in California:
Frequently Asked Questions About Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Pay in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
What is the median salary for auto mechanics in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The official BLS median annual wage for auto mechanics in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $64,500, which equates to approximately $5,375 per month or $31.01 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for auto mechanics in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median hourly wage for auto mechanics in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $31.01 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $18.22/hour and one in ten earned more than $45.48/hour.
What is the pay range for auto mechanics in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
BLS wage estimates for auto mechanics in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA span from $37,900 at the 10th percentile to $46,200 at the 25th, $76,500 at the 75th, and $94,600 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do auto mechanics take home after taxes in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
On a median gross salary of $64,500, an estimated $52,071 lands in net take-home pay per year ($2,003 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in California in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $12,429 (an effective rate of 19.3%).
How much do auto mechanics make per month in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
On the median annual salary of $64,500, gross monthly income is $5,375. After federal, FICA, and California state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $4,339 per month (or $2,003 every two weeks).
Is $64,500 a good salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
At $64,500, the median salary for auto mechanics is 58.1% of the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA median household income ($111,093). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 109.9, making regional consumer goods and services 9.9% more expensive than the U.S. average.