As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Thermal Spray Operator in California is $54,060 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Thermal Spray Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Thermal Spray Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $58,200 | $4,850 | $1,119 | $28 |
| Average | $54,060 | $4,505 | $1,040 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,600 | $4,133 | $954 | $24 |
FTAI Aviation - Orange, CA
CrossFire Group - Acampo, CA
Focus Staff - KEENE, NH
Focus Staff - BENNINGTON, VT
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.
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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Thermal Spray Operator | $53,260 |
| Intermediate Level Thermal Spray Operator | $54,058 |
| Senior Level Thermal Spray Operator | $55,420 |
| Specialist Level Thermal Spray Operator | $55,606 |
| Expert Level Thermal Spray Operator | $55,915 |
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 Thermal Spray Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
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 $59,505. While startup companies pay approximate $50,319.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $50,319 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $53,215 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $57,463 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $59,505 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail & Wholesale | $70,278 | $34.0 | 30% |
| MFG Nondurable | $64,872 | $31.0 | 20% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $58,200 | $4,850 | $1,119 | $28 |
| Average | $54,060 | $4,505 | $1,040 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,600 | $4,133 | $954 | $24 |
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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Extruder Operator II | $60,300 | 12% |
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator II | $53,600 | -1% |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | $50,200 | -7% |
| Milling Machine Technician II | $51,700 | -4% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Thermal Spray Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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