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Applications Engineering Manager Salary in California

How much does an Applications Engineering Manager make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Applications Engineering Manager in California is $177,659 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $85.

However, an Applications Engineering Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $195,887
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $160,648 to $187,200
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $145,159
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Applications Engineering Manager Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Applications Engineering Manager Salaries

An Applications Engineering Manager'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.

How Experience Level Affects Applications Engineering Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Applications Engineering Manager'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $96,631
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $144,299
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $175,671
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $202,318
  • Expert (over 8 years): $226,044
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Engineering Supervisor less than 1 year $96,631
Engineering Senior Supervisor 1-2 years $144,299
Applications Engineering Manager 2-4 years $175,671
Engineering Senior Manager 5-8 years $202,318
Engineering Director over 8 years $226,044

How Do Applications Engineering Manager Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Applications Engineering Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $178,336.
  • California: $177,659.
  • Massachusetts: $175,291.

Top Paying Cities for Applications Engineering Manager

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:

  • Los Angeles: $177,965
  • West Hollywood: $177,836
  • Dodgertown: $177,964

Applications Engineering Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Applications Engineering Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Applications Engineering Manager positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Applications Engineering Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Applications Engineering Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $239,840 $115.0 35%
Financial Services $230,957 $111.0 30%
Energy & Utilities $213,191 $102.0 20%
Biotechnology $204,308 $98.0 15%
Pharmaceuticals $204,308 $98.0 15%

Applications Engineering Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Applications Engineering Manager'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$160,648
Average $177,659/year
$187,200
$13,387
Average $14,805/month
$15,600
$3,089
Average $3,417/week
$3,600
$77
Average $85/hour
$90
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $187,200 $15,600 $3,600 $90
Average $177,659 $14,805 $3,417 $85
25th Percentile $160,648 $13,387 $3,089 $77

Find Your Next Applications Engineering Manager Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Applications Engineering Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • KLA | Milpitas, CA

    Marketing Applications Engineering

    KLA | Milpitas, CA

    Job TitleKLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Confidential | San Francisco, CA

    Vice President of Engineering Applications

    Confidential | San Francisco, CA

    Vice President of Engineering, Applications. About the Company. Builds a proactive smart assistant for everyday users with reliable AI workflows. Industry.... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Confidential | San Diego, CA

    Vice President of Engineering Applications

    Confidential | San Diego, CA

    Vice President of Engineering, Applications. About the Company. Builds a proactive smart assistant for everyday users with reliable AI workflows. Industry.... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Confidential | Los Angeles, CA

    Vice President of Engineering Applications

    Confidential | Los Angeles, CA

    Vice President of Engineering, Applications. About the Company. Builds a proactive smart assistant for everyday users with reliable AI workflows. Industry.... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Confidential | San Jose, CA

    Vice President of Engineering Applications

    Confidential | San Jose, CA

    Vice President of Engineering, Applications. About the Company. Builds a proactive smart assistant for everyday users with reliable AI workflows. Industry.... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Relativity Space | Long Beach, CA

    Sr CAD Administrator Engineering Applications

    Relativity Space | Long Beach, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle wil... more

    6 Days Ago

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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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