Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators Salary in California (2026)
California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $154,907 | +55.0% | High |
| San Diego | $147,911 | +48.0% | High |
| San Jose | $171,897 | +72.0% | High |
| San Francisco | $184,889 | +85.0% | High |
| Fresno | $107,935 | +8.0% | High |
| Sacramento | $121,927 | +22.0% | High |
| Long Beach | $144,913 | +45.0% | High |
| Bakersfield | $107,935 | +8.0% | High |
| Anaheim | $141,915 | +42.0% | High |
| Santa Ana | $139,916 | +40.0% | High |
| Riverside | $127,923 | +28.0% | High |
| Stockton | $117,929 | +18.0% | High |
| Irvine | $154,907 | +55.0% | High |
| San Bernardino | $117,929 | +18.0% | High |
| Modesto | $111,933 | +12.0% | High |
| Fontana | $121,927 | +22.0% | High |
| Moreno Valley | $114,931 | +15.0% | High |
| Glendale | $147,911 | +48.0% | High |
| Fremont | $159,904 | +60.0% | High |
California is home to a very strong job market for Operating Engineers and Equipment Operatorss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $99,940 per year, California's Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators 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 $63,872–$83,752, while experienced Operating Engineers and Equipment Operatorss can command $128,482–$145,638.
Looking ahead, the Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators profession in California is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
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What is the average Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators salary in California?The average Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators salary in California is $99,940 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $70,380.
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What city in California pays Operating Engineers and Equipment Operatorss the most?San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Operating Engineers and Equipment Operatorss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
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Is California a good state for Operating Engineers and Equipment Operatorss?California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators employment.
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How does California Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators salary compare to the US average?At $99,940/year, California Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $70,380/year.