How Much Does a Backhoe Operator Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Backhoe Operator in California is $86,190. While Salary.com is seeing that Backhoe Operator salary in CA can go up to $108,427 or down to $56,458, but most earn between $70,627 and $97,830. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Similar Job Salaries to Backhoe Operator by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
MP Nexlevel, LLC
BACKHOE OPERATOR
$69,146/yr
$58,372
$79,920
RANGE: $58,372 - $79,920
$66,002/yr
$55,120
$76,883
RANGE: $55,120 - $76,883
Matrix
IPTW Backhoe Operator
$49,233/yr
$42,560
$55,906
RANGE: $42,560 - $55,906
AM Ortega
Operator- Backhoe- San Diego, CA
$61,844/yr
$52,648
$71,041
RANGE: $52,648 - $71,041
$66,536/yr
$56,983
$76,088
RANGE: $56,983 - $76,088
$56,417/yr
$47,626
$65,207
RANGE: $47,626 - $65,207
$48,420/yr
$41,286
$55,553
RANGE: $41,286 - $55,553
IPS Powerful People
Backhoe Operator
$109,441/yr
$95,668
$123,213
RANGE: $95,668 - $123,213
Garrett Construction Company
Backhoe Operator
$57,136/yr
$47,716
$66,556
RANGE: $47,716 - $66,556

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Backhoe Operator Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Backhoe Operator can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Backhoe Operator job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Backhoe Operator jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Backhoe Operator positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Backhoe Operator salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Backhoe Operator salary is $98,560 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Backhoe Operator salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Backhoe Operator in California is $86,190, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Backhoe Operator jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Backhoe Operator jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $98,560 $8,213 $1,895 $47
Santa Clara $98,560 $8,213 $1,895 $47
Fremont $98,373 $8,198 $1,892 $47
San Francisco $97,591 $8,133 $1,877 $47
Daly City $97,591 $8,133 $1,877 $47
Berkeley $95,427 $7,952 $1,835 $46
Oakland $95,427 $7,952 $1,835 $46
Hayward $95,270 $7,939 $1,832 $46
Antioch $90,035 $7,503 $1,731 $43
Vallejo $87,909 $7,326 $1,691 $42

What Does a Backhoe Operator Do?

You can learn to become a backhoe operator on-the-job under the tutelage of a seasoned professional, by attending a trade school, or through an apprenticeship.
Updated December 22, 2021
Plant operators take on the role of operator for a range of specialised heavy machinery and vehicles, such as backhoes, bulldozers, loaders and forklifts.
Updated October 14, 2021
As safety begins with visibility, JCB backhoes feature the best all round visibility for the operator of any backhoe on the market.
Updated December 18, 2021
Not only do backhoe operators have more employment options than a dozer operator, the work they perform from the cab is more varied thanks to all of the attachments that can be installed on either end of a backhoe.
Updated December 05, 2021
Although operation of these two features doesn't mirror excavator and wheel loader operation exactly, the processes are similar enough to enable the backhoe operator to become adept quickly at using these two types of heavy equipment.
Updated December 03, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Backhoe Operator Salaries

What is the average of a Backhoe Operator in California?

The Backhoe Operator salary range is from $70,627 to $97,830, and the average Backhoe Operator salary is $86,190/year in California. The Backhoe Operator's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Backhoe Operator salary in the United States?

The Backhoe Operator salary in San Jose, CA is $98,560 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Backhoe Operator's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Backhoe Operator.

What is the growth rate of the Backhoe Operator's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Backhoe Operator or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Backhoe Operator.