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First Article Inspector Salary in California

How much does a First Article Inspector make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a First Article Inspector in California is $69,964 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

However, a First Article Inspector's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $82,799
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $63,609 to $76,682
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $57,824
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence First Article Inspector Salaries

A First Article Inspector'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 First Article Inspector Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a First Article Inspector'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): $60,214
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $69,470
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $82,491
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $109,749
  • Expert (over 8 years): $84,303
Levels Salary
Inventory... Level First Article Inspector$60,214
First Art... Level First Article Inspector$69,470
Inventory... Level First Article Inspector$82,491
Inventory... Level First Article Inspector$109,749
Inventory... Level First Article Inspector$84,303
View as Graph

How Do First Article Inspector 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 First Article Inspectors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $70,230.
  • California: $69,964.
  • Massachusetts: $69,031.

Top Paying Cities for First Article Inspectors

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:

  • Los Angeles: $70,084
  • West Hollywood: $70,033
  • Dodgertown: $70,084

First Article Inspector Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For First Article Inspector roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 85% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, First Article Inspector positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view First Article Inspector as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a First Article Inspector

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$97,949$47.040%
Internet$87,455$42.025%
Biotechnology$83,956$40.020%
Insurance$80,458$39.015%
Energy & Utilities$76,960$37.010%

First Article Inspector Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a First Article Inspector'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
$63,609
Average $69,964/year
$76,682
$5,301
Average $5,830/month
$6,390
$1,223
Average $1,345/week
$1,475
$31
Average $34/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $76,682 $6,390 $1,475 $37
Average $69,964 $5,830 $1,345 $34
25th Percentile $63,609 $5,301 $1,223 $31

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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