Automotive Engineers Salary in California
Automotive Engineers in California earn a median of $130,900 a year, +26% compared with the U.S. median. Figures are for the broader BLS group “Mechanical Engineers”.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $130,900
- vs. U.S. median
- +26% ($104,110)
- Rank among states
- 3 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 30,530
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $82,070; the top 10% earn over $203,620. Nationally the range is $73,990 to $164,340.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Aerospace Engineers$157,620 median in California
- Wind Energy Engineers$130,850 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Materials Engineers$128,470 median in California
- Mechatronics Engineers$130,850 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers$158,130 median in California
- Materials Scientists$177,030 median in California
Automotive Engineers pay in California
How much do automotive engineers make in California?
The median is $130,900 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $82,070 and the top 10% earn over $203,620. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for automotive engineers?
On pay alone it ranks 3 of 51 (+26% vs. the national median of $104,110). Living costs are not included.