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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Applications Engineer in California is $118,908 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, a Senior Applications Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Senior Applications Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $130,419 | $10,868 | $2,508 | $63 |
| Average | $118,908 | $9,909 | $2,287 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,527 | $9,044 | $2,087 | $52 |
CesiumAstro - El Segundo, CA
Samsung Semiconductor - San Jose, CA
SmithRx - Bodega Bay, CA
Radiant Industries - El Segundo, CA
A Senior Applications Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Senior Applications Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Technical... Level Senior Applications Engineer | $83,400 |
| Technical... Level Senior Applications Engineer | $107,551 |
| Senior Ap... Level Senior Applications Engineer | $118,061 |
| Technical... Level Senior Applications Engineer | $149,817 |
| Technical... Level Senior Applications Engineer | $169,461 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Senior Applications Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Senior Applications Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Senior Applications Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Senior Applications Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $142,689 | $69.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $140,311 | $67.0 | 18% |
| Biotechnology | $136,744 | $66.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $133,177 | $64.0 | 12% |
| Financial Services | $130,799 | $63.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Senior Applications Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $130,419 | $10,868 | $2,508 | $63 |
| Average | $118,908 | $9,909 | $2,287 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,527 | $9,044 | $2,087 | $52 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Senior Applications Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Shield AI
San Diego, CA
Shield AI | San Diego, CA
Senior Engineer, Software Autonomy ApplicationsFounded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting ser... more
8 Days Ago
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
Sunnyvale, CA
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor | Sunnyvale, CA
Job Description. Job Description. At Alpha and Omega Semiconductor (AOS), we design, develop and globally supply a broad range of power semiconductors, inc... more
8 Days Ago
YO AI Labs
Milpitas, CA
YO AI Labs | Milpitas, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Description. Job title. Senior Principal Applications Engineer. Experience. 5-14 Years. Location. Milpitas, USA. Job ... more
8 Days Ago
Fox Point Recruitment LLc
Milpitas, CA
Fox Point Recruitment LLc | Milpitas, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title: Senior Principal Applications Engineer – Mass Spectrometry. Location. Industry. Manufacturing/Industrial/Produ... more
9 Days Ago
Siemens AG
San Diego, CA
Siemens AG | San Diego, CA
A global technology leader is seeking an experienced Applications Engineer based in San Diego, CA. You will engage with top-tier customers and lead the del... more
6 Days Ago
Imperative Care
Campbell, CA
Imperative Care | Campbell, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Title: Sr Software Engineer, Applications. This position is based in our Campbell, California offices. This position is o... more
7 Days Ago
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