How Much Does a Heavy Machine Operator Make in California?

Updated March 01, 2025
As of March 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Heavy Machine Operator in California is $53,042. While Salary.com is seeing that Heavy Machine Operator salary in CA can go up to $65,466 or down to $41,183, but most earn between $46,835 and $59,545. 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 Heavy Machine Operator by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Classic Salads
Machine Operator/Heavy Labor
$81,645/yr
$72,062
$91,228
RANGE: $72,062 - $91,228
Classic Salads
Machine Operator/Heavy Labor - Night
$81,645/yr
$72,062
$91,228
RANGE: $72,062 - $91,228
MEC Environmental Inc
Demolition Worker / Heavy Machine Operator
$65,769/yr
$56,734
$74,804
RANGE: $56,734 - $74,804
Fresno Valves & Castings, Inc.
MACHINE OPERATOR (MACHINE SHOP)
$53,792/yr
$46,561
$61,023
RANGE: $46,561 - $61,023
$81,636/yr
$70,404
$92,867
RANGE: $70,404 - $92,867
$62,080/yr
$54,877
$69,284
RANGE: $54,877 - $69,284
Monster Energy
Machine Operator
$72,677/yr
$62,242
$83,112
RANGE: $62,242 - $83,112
White Cap
MACHINE OPERATOR
$73,928/yr
$63,757
$84,099
RANGE: $63,757 - $84,099
$75,112/yr
$66,492
$83,733
RANGE: $66,492 - $83,733

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Heavy Machine 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 Heavy Machine 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 Heavy Machine Operator job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Heavy Machine Operator jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Heavy Machine Operator positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Heavy Machine Operator salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Heavy Machine Operator salary is $60,351 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Heavy Machine Operator salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Heavy Machine Operator in California is $53,042, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Heavy Machine Operator jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Heavy Machine 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 $60,351 $5,029 $1,161 $29
Santa Clara $60,351 $5,029 $1,161 $29
Fremont $60,255 $5,021 $1,159 $29
San Francisco $60,111 $5,009 $1,156 $29
Daly City $60,111 $5,009 $1,156 $29
Berkeley $58,668 $4,889 $1,128 $28
Oakland $58,668 $4,889 $1,128 $28
Hayward $58,572 $4,881 $1,126 $28
Antioch $55,398 $4,617 $1,065 $27
Vallejo $54,100 $4,508 $1,040 $26

What Does a Heavy Machine Operator Do?

At one of HEC’s locations, you can attain the knowledge you need to succeed as a heavy equipment operator.
Updated November 27, 2021
In the past, a simple high school degree and willingness to learn on the job could have landed you a successful positions as a heavy machine operator, but now, things are a bit different.
Updated November 16, 2021
In these courses, you’ll learn hands-on training for common types of equipment, learn the education curriculum necessary to become a heavy machine operator, and learn what’s required to pass any certification exams you might need.
Updated November 15, 2021
Heavy machine operators are required to operate these machines in order to complete a specific task, care for these machines, and often repair and maintain these machines as well.
Updated December 18, 2021
Most of these logging deaths occurred in four occupational groups: logging occupations (for example, fellers, limbers, buckers, and choker setters), truck drivers, general laborers, and material machine operators.
Updated December 18, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Heavy Machine Operator Salaries

What is the average of a Heavy Machine Operator in California?

The Heavy Machine Operator salary range is from $46,835 to $59,545, and the average Heavy Machine Operator salary is $53,042/year in California. The Heavy Machine Operator's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Heavy Machine Operator salary in the United States?

The Heavy Machine Operator salary in San Jose, CA is $60,351 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Heavy Machine 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 Heavy Machine Operator.

What is the growth rate of the Heavy Machine Operator's salary?

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