As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cathodic Protection Technician I in the United States is $66,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Cathodic Protection Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cathodic Protection Technician I | 0-1 years | $66,749 |
| Cathodic Protection Technician II | 1-3 years | $80,304 |
| Cathodic Protection Technician III | 3-5 years | $89,268 |
| Cathodic Protection Technician IV | 5-7 years | $99,060 |
| Cathodic Protection Supervisor | 7+ years | $132,358 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cathodic Protection Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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 $77,834. While startup companies pay approximate $65,916.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $65,916 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $69,693 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $75,191 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $77,834 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | $100,200 | $48.0 | 50% |
| Mining | $86,840 | $42.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $86,840 | $42.0 | 30% |
| Chemical & Petrochemical | $83,500 | $40.0 | 25% |
| Marine & Shipping | $76,820 | $37.0 | 15% |
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 August 01, 2026For a Cathodic Protection Technician I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Cathodic Protection Technician II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $80,400 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Salaries for a Cathodic Protection Technician I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $67,133 in 2023 to around $64,064 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cathodic Protection Technician I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $67,133 |
| 2024 | $65,357 |
| 2025 | $64,064 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Oil & Gas industry offers the highest average compensation for Cathodic Protection Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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