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Sales Engineers Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Sales Engineers make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$139,160
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.1% vs 2024
$146,590
Mean Salary
$139,160
Median Salary
$66.90
Hourly Rate
6,310 people work as Sales Engineers in California

Sales Engineers salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Sales Engineers salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Sales Engineers in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $78,850$78,85025th25% earn less than $102,770$102,770MedianHalf earn more than $139,160$139,16075th75% earn less than $174,510$174,51090thTop 10% earn more than $213,370$213,370

Sales Engineers in California earn a median salary of $139,160 per year ($11,596/month). This is 19.3% above the national average of $116,652. California ranks #6 out of 44 states for Sales Engineers pay. Approximately 6,310 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 3.1% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Sales Engineers

Sell business goods or services, the selling of which requires a technical background equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in engineering.

Top Skills

Speaking
4.12
Persuasion
4.12
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.54
Sales and Marketing
4.34
Engineering and Technology
4.3
English Language
4.28
Mathematics
3.79
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (57.3% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Sales Engineers in California

Salaries for Sales Engineers in California range from $78,850 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $213,370 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $102,770 and $174,510.

Median $139,160
P10: $78,850 P25: $102,770 P75: $174,510 P90: $213,370
10th
$78,850
25th
$102,770
Median
$139,160
75th
$174,510
90th
$213,370
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $78,850 $37.91 $6,570
25th Percentile $102,770 $49.41 $8,564
Median (50th) $139,160 $66.90 $11,596
75th Percentile $174,510 $83.90 $14,542
90th Percentile (Experienced) $213,370 $102.58 $17,780

Note: The mean (average) salary of $146,590 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#6
California ranks #6 of 44 states
$116,652
National avg. for Sales Engineers
+19.3%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Sales Engineers salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Sales Engineers take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Sales Engineers Data in California

Sales Engineers Salary by State

Compare Sales Engineers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Sales Engineers make in California?
The median annual salary for Sales Engineers in California is $139,160 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $146,590.
What is the salary range for a Sales Engineers in California?
Salaries for Sales Engineers in California range from $78,850 at the 10th percentile to $213,370 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $102,770 and $174,510.
What is the starting salary for a Sales Engineers in California?
Entry-level Sales Engineers positions in California typically start around $78,850 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $102,770 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Sales Engineers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 6,310 people are employed as Sales Engineers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Sales Engineers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Sales Engineers in California is approximately $66.90 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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