As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Operator III in California is $75,006 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Computer Operator III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Computer Operator III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $85,310 | $7,109 | $1,641 | $41 |
| Average | $75,006 | $6,251 | $1,442 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,613 | $5,551 | $1,281 | $32 |
Johnson Controls - Folsom , CA
Scientific Research Corporation - San Diego, CA
Valiant Integrated Services - Lemoore, CA
Saalex - naval air station point mugu, CA
A Computer Operator III'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 Computer Operator III'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 Computer Operator III | $71,248 |
| Intermediate Level Computer Operator III | $71,875 |
| Senior Level Computer Operator III | $73,127 |
| Specialist Level Computer Operator III | $75,006 |
| Expert Level Computer Operator III | $78,851 |
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 Computer Operator IIIs. 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:
Understanding how a Computer Operator III'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 | $85,310 | $7,109 | $1,641 | $41 |
| Average | $75,006 | $6,251 | $1,442 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,613 | $5,551 | $1,281 | $32 |
For a Computer Operator III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Computer Operations Shift Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $100,956 - a projected growth of 35% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Computer Operator III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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