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Underground Utility Locator I Salary in the United States

How much does an Underground Utility Locator I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Underground Utility Locator I in the United States is $43,370 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, an Underground Utility Locator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $51,566
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,620 to $47,660
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,206

Key Factors That Influence Underground Utility Locator I Salaries

An Underground Utility Locator 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 Underground Utility Locator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Underground Utility Locator 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $43,090
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $43,818
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $44,459
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $44,651
  • Expert (over 8 years): $44,779
Levels Salary
Entry Level Underground Utility Locator I$43,090
Intermediate Level Underground Utility Locator I$43,818
Senior Level Underground Utility Locator I$44,459
Specialist Level Underground Utility Locator I$44,651
Expert Level Underground Utility Locator I$44,779

How Do Underground Utility Locator I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Underground Utility Locator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $48,020.
  • California: $47,840.
  • Massachusetts: $47,200.

Top Paying Cities for Underground Utility Locator 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: $54,710
  • San Francisco: $54,110
  • Oakland: $52,970

Underground Utility Locator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Underground Utility Locator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $47,721. While startup companies pay approximate $40,441.

Underground Utility Locator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $40,441
Growth Stage 51~500 $42,751
Established 501~5000 $46,106
Enterprise 5000+ $47,721

Underground Utility Locator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Underground Utility Locator 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 September 01, 2026
$39,620
Average $43,370/year
$47,660
$3,302
Average $3,614/month
$3,972
$762
Average $834/week
$917
$19
Average $21/hour
$23
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $47,660 $3,972 $917 $23
Average $43,370 $3,614 $834 $21
25th Percentile $39,620 $3,302 $762 $19

Underground Utility Locator I Salary Growth & Career Path

For an Underground Utility Locator I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Field Utility Line Locator II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $68,800 - a projected growth of 59% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Underground Utility Locator I

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

Common company salaries for Underground Utility Locator I

Here are companies hiring for Underground Utility Locator I 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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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