📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Inspector and Tester Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$62,878
per year
Median
$58,618
per year
Hourly
$30.23
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$42,927
25th Percentile — Junior$54,003
50th Percentile — Median$58,618
75th Percentile — Senior$78,924
90th Percentile — Top Earners$87,895
💡 Top-earning Inspector and Testers in California make up to $87,895 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$57.0k
2021
$58.1k
2022
$59.3k
2023
$60.4k
2024
$61.6k
2025
$62.9k
2026
📈 Inspector and Tester salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.0% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Inspector and Tester Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $97,461 +55.0% High
San Diego $93,059 +48.0% High
San Jose $108,150 +72.0% High
San Francisco $116,324 +85.0% High
Fresno $67,908 +8.0% High
Sacramento $76,711 +22.0% High
Long Beach $91,173 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $67,908 +8.0% High
Anaheim $89,287 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $88,029 +40.0% High
Riverside $80,484 +28.0% High
Stockton $74,196 +18.0% High
Irvine $97,461 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $74,196 +18.0% High
Modesto $70,423 +12.0% High
Fontana $76,711 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $72,310 +15.0% High
Glendale $93,059 +48.0% High
Fremont $100,605 +60.0% High
🔍
Inspector and Tester Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Inspector and Testers. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $62,878 per year, California's Inspector and Tester salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $42,927–$54,003, while experienced Inspector and Testers can command $78,924–$87,895.

Looking ahead, the Inspector and Tester profession in California is projected to grow at 2.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Inspector and Tester salary in California is $62,878 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $44,280.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Inspector and Testers the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Inspector and Tester employment.
  • At $62,878/year, California Inspector and Tester salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $44,280/year.