Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana, California$117,150 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Santa Ana

Looking for a Manufacturing Engineer job in Santa Ana? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Manufacturing Engineer in Santa Ana, CA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Santa Ana has a strong job market for Manufacturing Engineers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Manufacturing Engineer Salary in Santa Ana

Entry Level
$78,455
Median
$117,150
Senior Level
$163,300

Manufacturing Engineer salaries in Santa Ana are 42% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Santa Ana is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Process EngineeringLean ManufacturingCADQuality ControlAutomation

Manufacturing Engineer Job Market in Santa Ana

Santa Ana, CA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Manufacturing Engineer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Santa Ana offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Government leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Manufacturing Engineer roles across various sectors. The market for Manufacturing Engineer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Manufacturing Engineers in Santa Ana

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Manufacturing Engineers in Santa Ana include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Manufacturing Engineers in Santa Ana

Living in Santa Ana as a Manufacturing Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (142% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Manufacturing Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 18% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

142
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Manufacturing Engineer in Santa Ana

Santa Ana Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Manufacturing Engineers in Santa Ana: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Manufacturing Engineer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A Manufacturing Engineer earning $117,150 might pay approximately $9,372 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Manufacturing Engineers

The job outlook for Manufacturing Engineers in Santa Ana is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Santa Ana offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Process Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, CAD, Quality Control.

Relocating to Santa Ana

California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Manufacturing Engineer salary in Santa Ana, CA?

The average Manufacturing Engineer salary in Santa Ana, CA is $117,150 per year. Entry-level Manufacturing Engineers typically start around $78,455, while experienced professionals can earn $163,300 or more. The national average for Manufacturing Engineer roles is $82,500.

How many Manufacturing Engineer jobs are available in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Manufacturing Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Manufacturing Engineers include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Government and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Santa Ana a good city for Manufacturing Engineers?

Santa Ana is an solid choice for Manufacturing Engineers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's government industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Manufacturing Engineers in Santa Ana?

Top skills for Manufacturing Engineers in Santa Ana include Process Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, CAD, Quality Control, Automation. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Manufacturing Engineers in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana's cost of living is significantly above the national average (142% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Santa Ana is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Manufacturing Engineers in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

More Engineering Jobs in Santa Ana