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Thermal Spray Operator Salary in the United States

How much does a Thermal Spray Operator make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Thermal Spray Operator in the United States is $49,010 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, a Thermal Spray Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $56,193
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $44,970 to $52,770
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,292
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View as table View as graph 25% $44,970 10% $41,292 90% $56,193 75% $52,770 $49,010 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Thermal Spray Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $52,770 $4,398 $1,015 $25
Average $49,010 $4,084 $943 $24
25th Percentile $44,970 $3,748 $865 $22
Check out Thermal Spray Operator Job Openings in the United States
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Thermal Spray Set

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Production Supervisor

Component Repair Technologies - Mentor, OH

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Key Factors That Influence Thermal Spray Operator Salaries

A Thermal Spray Operator'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 Thermal Spray Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Thermal Spray Operator'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $48,286
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $49,010
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $50,245
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $50,413
  • Expert (over 8 years): $50,694
Levels Salary
Entry Level Thermal Spray Operator$48,286
Intermediate Level Thermal Spray Operator$49,010
Senior Level Thermal Spray Operator$50,245
Specialist Level Thermal Spray Operator$50,413
Expert Level Thermal Spray Operator$50,694
$48,286 0 yr
$49,010 < 2 yrs
$50,245 2-4 yrs
$50,413 5-8 yrs
$50,694 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Thermal Spray Operators

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: $61,820
  • San Francisco: $61,140
  • Oakland: $59,850

What Skills Can Increase a Thermal Spray Operator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 13.43% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Tendering (Mentioned in 2.45% Job Postings): Tendering is the process by which an organisation who is in need of goods/services invites other parties to submit a proposal or bid to provide these goods/services.
  • Business Model (Mentioned in 1.67% Job Postings): The term business model refers to a company's plan for making a profit. It identifies the products or services the business plans to sell, its identified target market, and any anticipated expenses.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 13.43%
Tendering 2.45%
Business Model 1.67%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Thermal Spray Operator's salary.
  • Business Acumen: Can increase your salary by up to 24%.
  • Verbal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
  • Business Model: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Business Acumen
$60,772
24%
Verbal Communication
$58,812
20%
Business Model
$56,852
16%
Analysis
$55,871
14%
Initiative
$55,381
13%
Decision Making
$54,891
12%
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Thermal Spray Operator Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Thermal Spray Operator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $53,947. While startup companies pay approximate $45,619.

Thermal Spray Operator Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$45,619
Growth Stage51~500$48,244
Established501~5000$52,095
Enterprise5000+$53,947

Thermal Spray Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Thermal Spray Operator roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Retail & Wholesale, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Thermal Spray Operator positions in MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Thermal Spray Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Thermal Spray Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Retail & Wholesale$63,713$31.030%
MFG Nondurable$58,812$28.020%

Thermal Spray Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Thermal Spray Operator'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 July 01, 2026

Thermal Spray Operator Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Thermal Spray Operator, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Thermal Spray Operator Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Extruder Operator II $54,600 11%
Plastic Injection Molding Operator II $48,600 -1%
Intermediate Machine Operator $45,500 -7%
Milling Machine Technician II $46,900 -4%

Salary Trends for Thermal Spray Operator

Salaries for a Thermal Spray Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,256 in 2023 to around $37,727 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Thermal Spray Operator salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Thermal Spray Operator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$38,256
2024
$37,980
2025
$37,727
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $38,256
2024 $37,980
2025 $37,727
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Thermal Spray Operator

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Thermal Spray Operator

Here are companies hiring for Thermal Spray Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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