Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in California
Also called: Operating Engineers
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in California earn a median of $87,160 a year, +46% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $87,160
- vs. U.S. median
- +46% ($59,850)
- Rank among states
- 4 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 36,020
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $52,760; the top 10% earn over $132,210. Nationally the range is $42,190 to $101,090.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining$74,500 median in California
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners$55,220 median in California
- Pile Driver Operators$110,340 median in California
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas$66,910 median in California
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators$71,170 median in California
- Helpers--Extraction Workers$51,720 median in California
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay in California
How much do operating engineers and other construction equipment operators make in California?
The median is $87,160 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $52,760 and the top 10% earn over $132,210. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators?
On pay alone it ranks 4 of 51 (+46% vs. the national median of $59,850). Living costs are not included.