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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ride Operator in California is $56,667 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Ride Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Ride Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $62,184 | $5,182 | $1,196 | $30 |
| Average | $56,667 | $4,722 | $1,090 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,292 | $4,191 | $967 | $24 |
Lucky Strike - Livermore, CA
Lucky Strike - Riverside, CA
Universal Parks - Los Angeles, CA
Bowlero Corporation - Riverside, CA
A Ride 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.
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 Ride 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:
For Ride Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Telecom sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Ride Operator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Ride Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $68,000 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Telecom | $65,167 | $31.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $62,334 | $30.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $62,334 | $30.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $62,334 | $30.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Ride 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 | $62,184 | $5,182 | $1,196 | $30 |
| Average | $56,667 | $4,722 | $1,090 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,292 | $4,191 | $967 | $24 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Ride Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Vallejo, CA
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom | Vallejo, CA
Overview:This is a seasonal position lasting for the 2026 operating season only. Seasonal associates are let go for a period of no less than 13 weeks at th... more
7 Days Ago
Lucky Strike
Vista, CA
Lucky Strike | Vista, CA
Lucky Strike - 1525 West Vista Way - Responsibilities: Operate and monitor rides and assist guests. Greet and interact with guests in a fun and professiona... more
7 Days Ago
Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Mammoth Mountain | Mammoth Lakes, CA
Mammoth Mountain Seasonal Job. At Mammoth Mountain, you will live the dream. Work and play in the majestic mountains with a free season pass that opens the... more
17 Days Ago
Siouxland Community Health Center
SIOUX CITY, IA
Siouxland Community Health Center | SIOUX CITY, IA
1 - Full-Time Position. Hours are Monday, 8am-5pm, Tuesday 8am-8pm, Wednesday 8am-1pm, Thursday and Friday 8am-5pm. Successful candidate must have solid ex... more
6 Days Ago
Walt Disney World Resort
ORLANDO, FL
Walt Disney World Resort | ORLANDO, FL
At Disney, we‘re storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through applying and developing innovative technology and opening up the bounda... more
30 Days Ago
Walt Disney World Resort
ORLANDO, FL
Walt Disney World Resort | ORLANDO, FL
At Disney, we‘re storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through applying and developing innovative technology and opening up the bounda... more
30 Days Ago
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