How Much Does an Operating Engineer Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Operating Engineer in California is $124,933. While Salary.com is seeing that Operating Engineer salary in CA can go up to $149,500 or down to $99,673, but most earn between $111,711 and $137,793. 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.
25% $111,711 10% $99,673 90% $149,500 75% $137,793 $124,933 50%(Median)
Related Job Titles to Operating Engineer
Chief Operating Engineer
$89,880
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Operating Engineer Apprentice
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Assistant Operating Engineer
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Stationary Operating Engineer II
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Similar Job Salaries to Operating Engineer by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
JLL
Operating Engineer
$127,284/yr
$117,445
$137,122
RANGE: $117,445 - $137,122
Atkinson Construction
Operating Engineer
$70,616/yr
$63,104
$78,128
RANGE: $63,104 - $78,128
Kaiser Permanente
Operating Engineer - Plant
$72,602/yr
$64,199
$81,005
RANGE: $64,199 - $81,005
McGuire and Hester
Operating Engineer - Journeyman
$79,618/yr
$71,148
$88,087
RANGE: $71,148 - $88,087
JLL
HVAC Operating Engineer
$87,534/yr
$78,786
$96,282
RANGE: $78,786 - $96,282
McGuire & Hester
Operating Engineer - Journeyman
$70,317/yr
$62,837
$77,797
RANGE: $62,837 - $77,797

Open Operating Engineer Jobs in California

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Operating Engineer Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where an Operating Engineer can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Operating Engineer job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Operating Engineer jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Operating Engineer positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Operating Engineer salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Operating Engineer salary is $142,863 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Operating Engineer salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for an Operating Engineer in California is $124,933, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Operating Engineer jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Operating Engineer 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 $142,863 $11,905 $2,747 $69
Santa Clara $142,863 $11,905 $2,747 $69
Fremont $142,591 $11,883 $2,742 $69
San Francisco $141,459 $11,788 $2,720 $68
Daly City $141,459 $11,788 $2,720 $68
Berkeley $138,321 $11,527 $2,660 $67
Oakland $138,321 $11,527 $2,660 $67
Hayward $138,095 $11,508 $2,656 $66
Antioch $130,506 $10,875 $2,510 $63
Vallejo $127,425 $10,619 $2,450 $61

What Does an Operating Engineer Do?

And have one year of experience working with high-pressure boilers under the direct and continuing supervision of a Department-licensed High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer in New York City within seven years prior to the application date; or.
Updated October 06, 2021
Have good moral character so as not to adversely impact your fitness to perform the duties and responsibilities of a High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer.
Updated December 22, 2021
Once you have passed the exams and background investigation, you need to apply for your High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer license.
Updated December 18, 2021
An operating engineer is an engineer that maintains heavy construction equipment on a construction site.
Updated December 17, 2021
If you are thinking of becoming an Operating Engineer or planning the next step in your career, find details about.
Updated December 15, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About an Operating Engineer Salaries

What is the average of an Operating Engineer in California?

The Operating Engineer salary range is from $111,711 to $137,793, and the average Operating Engineer salary is $124,933/year in California. The Operating Engineer's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Operating Engineer salary in the United States?

The Operating Engineer salary in San Jose, CA is $142,863 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Operating Engineer'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 Operating Engineer.

What is the growth rate of the Operating Engineer's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming an Operating Engineer or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of an Operating Engineer.