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Hourly Wage for Cathodic Protection Technician I Salary in the United States

What is the hourly salary range of Cathodic Protection Technician I?

As of October 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Cathodic Protection Technician I in the United States is $32, which translates to an annual salary of about $66,800.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $37 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $30 to $35 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $28 per hour

Key Factors That Influence Cathodic Protection Technician I Salaries

A Cathodic Protection Technician I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Cathodic Protection Technician Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cathodic Protection Technician I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Cathodic Protection Technician I (0-1 years): $66,757
  • Cathodic Protection Technician II (1-3 years): $80,316
  • Cathodic Protection Technician III (3-5 years): $89,273
  • Cathodic Protection Technician IV (5-7 years): $99,079
  • Cathodic Protection Supervisor (7+ years): $132,367
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Cathodic Protection Technician I0-1 years$66,757
Cathodic Protection Technician II1-3 years$80,316
Cathodic Protection Technician III3-5 years$89,273
Cathodic Protection Technician IV5-7 years$99,079
Cathodic Protection Supervisor7+ years$132,367

Top Paying Cities for Cathodic Protection Technician Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $84,300
  • San Francisco: $83,300
  • Oakland: $81,600

Cathodic Protection Technician I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Cathodic Protection Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $77,572. While startup companies pay approximate $65,784.

Cathodic Protection Technician I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $65,784
Growth Stage 51~500 $69,525
Established 501~5000 $74,936
Enterprise 5000+ $77,572

Cathodic Protection Technician I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Cathodic Protection Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Oil & Gas and Mining sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Cathodic Protection Technician positions in Government / Public Works or Water & Wastewater typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cathodic Protection Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Cathodic Protection Technician I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Oil & Gas$100,200$48.050%
Mining$86,840$42.030%
Aerospace & Defense$86,840$42.030%
Chemical & Petrochemical$83,500$40.025%
Marine & Shipping$76,820$37.015%

Cathodic Protection Technician I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cathodic Protection Technician I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$62,100
Average $66,800/year
$72,400
$5,175
Average $5,567/month
$6,033
$1,194
Average $1,285/week
$1,392
$30
Average $32/hour
$35
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $72,400 $6,033 $1,392 $35
Average $66,800 $5,567 $1,285 $32
25th Percentile $62,100 $5,175 $1,194 $30

Most common benefits for Cathodic Protection Technician I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Cathodic Protection Technician I

Here are companies hiring for Cathodic Protection Technician I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Cathodic Protection Technician I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Cathodic Protection Technician I?

The Oil & Gas industry offers the highest average compensation for Cathodic Protection Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. What does a cathodic protection technician do?

Cathodic protection technicians install, maintain, and repair systems that prevent corrosion of metal surfaces in structures like buildings, pipelines, and bridges. The salary for this role ranges from $65,400 to $83,500, with a median salary of $74,600, reflecting the importance of their work in protecting infrastructure.

3. How do I become a cathodic protection technician?

To become a Cathodic Protection Technician, you need to fulfill work experience and education requirements, typically a bachelor's degree in physical sciences or engineering. Complete the necessary courses, pass the required exams, and submit your application. As a technician, you can expect a salary ranging from $65,400 to $83,500, with a median salary of $74,600.

4. What are the qualifications for cathodic protection?

To become a Cathodic Protection Technician, candidates typically need relevant certifications and experience in corrosion control. The salary for this role ranges from $65,400 to $83,500, with a mid-point of $74,600. Advancement opportunities include roles such as Senior Technician, Specialist, or Engineer, each requiring higher qualifications and expertise.

5. Can technicians make 100k?

Pay for Cathodic Protection Technicians typically ranges from $65,400 to $83,500, depending on experience and skill level. While some highly experienced technicians may approach the upper end of this range, reaching $100k is uncommon. Benefits often include traditional health insurance and other incentives based on performance.

6. Can you make 300k a year in tech?

While top tech roles can command salaries above $300k, positions like Cathodic Protection Technician typically offer a salary range of $65,400 to $83,500. High-paying roles in tech, such as CTO or Principal Software Architect, are more likely to reach or exceed that figure, especially in major cities or remote opportunities.

7. How much does cathodic protection cost?

The cost of cathodic protection systems, such as those using magnesium anodes, is approximately $50,000 for installation. This system significantly reduces repair costs by 95% and requires no maintenance. Additionally, replacing 1 km of main with PVC costs around $400,000. For professionals in this field, salaries range from $65,400 to $83,500, with a midpoint of $74,600.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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