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Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$83,130
Median Annual Salary
▲
+4.6% vs 2024
$94,440
Mean Salary
$83,130
Median Salary
$39.97
Hourly Rate
1,400 people work as Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in California
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in California earn a median salary of $83,130 per year ($6,927/month).
This is 42.0% above the national average of $58,553.
California ranks #5 out of 50 states for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators pay.
Approximately 1,400 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 4.6% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
Operate equipment used for applying concrete, asphalt, or other materials to road beds, parking lots, or airport runways and taxiways or for tamping gravel, dirt, or other materials. Includes concrete and asphalt paving machine operators, form tampers, tamping machine operators, and stone spreader operators.
Top Skills
Operations Monitoring
3.62
Operation and Control
3.38
Monitoring
3.25
Critical Thinking
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Building and Construction
3.65
Mechanical
3.26
Mathematics
2.77
Physics
2.74
Public Safety and Security
2.74
Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma
(41.0% of workers)
Salary Range: Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in California
Salaries for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in California range from $56,980 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $130,120 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $64,270 and $126,640.
How much do Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators make in California?
The median annual salary for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in California is $83,130 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $94,440.
What is the salary range for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in California?
Salaries for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in California range from $56,980 at the 10th percentile to $130,120 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $64,270 and $126,640.
What is the starting salary for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in California?
Entry-level Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators positions in California typically start around $56,980 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $64,270 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,400 people are employed as Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in California is approximately $39.97 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 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.
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