science Illustrative sample
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
May 2024 release
Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in California
Median Annual in California
$64,784/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$31.15/hr
▲ 15% above U.S. median
groups Employed in CA
52,641
public U.S. Median
$56,160
trending_up National Outlook
+5%
Heavy Equipment Operator pay in California, explained
Heavy equipment operators in California earn a median of $64,784 per year ($31.15 per hour), which is 15% above the national median of $56,160. Entry-level workers earn around $42,758, while the most experienced heavy equipment operators reach about $94,585. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.
Heavy Equipment Operator in California: FAQ
How much do heavy equipment operators make in California?
Heavy equipment operators in California earn a median of $64,784 per year ($31.15 per hour), compared with $56,160 nationally.
Does California pay heavy equipment operators well?
At $64,784, California pays 15% above the national median for heavy equipment operators. An estimated 52,641 work in the state.