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Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in California

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$89,120
Median Annual Salary
$93,680
Mean Salary
$89,120
Median Salary
$42.85
Hourly Rate
36,040 people work as Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in California

About This Job: Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

Top Skills

Operation and Control
4.12
Operations Monitoring
3.25
Equipment Maintenance
3.25
Monitoring
3.12
Active Listening
3.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Mechanical
3.56
English Language
3.33
Public Safety and Security
3.13
Mathematics
2.81
Administration and Management
2.78
Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma (1.4% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in California

Salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in California range from $54,730 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $131,200 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $65,840 and $122,570.

Median $89,120
P10: $54,730 P25: $65,840 P75: $122,570 P90: $131,200
10th
$54,730
25th
$65,840
Median
$89,120
75th
$122,570
90th
$131,200
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $54,730 $26.31 $4,560
25th Percentile $65,840 $31.65 $5,486
Median (50th) $89,120 $42.85 $7,426
75th Percentile $122,570 $58.93 $10,214
90th Percentile (Experienced) $131,200 $63.08 $10,933

Note: The mean (average) salary of $93,680 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

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What does this salary really buy? See Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary by State

Compare Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

Hawaii $105,440 Illinois $96,980 New Jersey $84,170 New York $80,260 Washington $79,190 Minnesota $78,580 Connecticut $76,690 Rhode Island $76,030 Alaska $75,000 Massachusetts $72,800

View all 50 states →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in California?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in California is $89,120 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $93,680.
What is the salary range for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in California?
Salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in California range from $54,730 at the 10th percentile to $131,200 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $65,840 and $122,570.
What is the starting salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in California?
Entry-level Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators positions in California typically start around $54,730 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $65,840 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 36,040 people are employed as Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in California is approximately $42.85 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS