How Much Does an Utility Operator Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Utility Operator in California is $72,547. While Salary.com is seeing that Utility Operator salary in CA can go up to $85,881 or down to $56,328, but most earn between $64,058 and $79,526. 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.
Related Job Titles to Utility Operator
Utility Plant Operator
$93,355
California
Per Year
Assistant Utility Operator
$41,874
California
Per Year
Utility Plant Operator II
$89,300
California
Per Year
Utility Plant Operator I
$76,800
California
Per Year
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Similar Job Salaries to Utility Operator by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Arcosa Inc.
Utility Operator
$102,925/yr
$92,565
$113,286
RANGE: $92,565 - $113,286
TBG
Utility Operator
$67,634/yr
$60,896
$74,372
RANGE: $60,896 - $74,372
$75,568/yr
$66,138
$84,997
RANGE: $66,138 - $84,997
$88,042/yr
$79,646
$96,439
RANGE: $79,646 - $96,439
$118,862/yr
$108,095
$129,629
RANGE: $108,095 - $129,629
Veterans Health Administration
Utility Systems Repairer/Operator
$79,282/yr
$71,778
$86,787
RANGE: $71,778 - $86,787
Rio Tinto
Utility Operator (Probationary)
$58,352/yr
$52,443
$64,261
RANGE: $52,443 - $64,261
Caltech
Utility Plant Operator Associate
$95,449/yr
$84,263
$106,636
RANGE: $84,263 - $106,636
$93,602/yr
$82,738
$104,467
RANGE: $82,738 - $104,467

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Utility Operator Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where an Utility 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 Utility Operator job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Utility Operator jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Utility Operator positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Utility Operator salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Utility Operator salary is $82,959 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Utility Operator salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for an Utility Operator in California is $72,547, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Utility Operator jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Utility 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 $82,959 $6,913 $1,595 $40
Santa Clara $82,959 $6,913 $1,595 $40
Fremont $82,801 $6,900 $1,592 $40
San Francisco $82,144 $6,845 $1,580 $39
Daly City $82,144 $6,845 $1,580 $39
Berkeley $80,322 $6,693 $1,545 $39
Oakland $80,322 $6,693 $1,545 $39
Hayward $80,190 $6,683 $1,542 $39
Antioch $75,783 $6,315 $1,457 $36
Vallejo $73,994 $6,166 $1,423 $36

What Does an Utility Operator Do?

If you are thinking of becoming an Utility Operator or planning the next step in your career, find details about.
Updated December 06, 2021
Preferred candidates will possess experience in underground utility construction as well as verifiable heavy equipment operator experience.
Updated December 01, 2021
A utility operator is a machinist who works with different types of utility systems, such as water piping, wastewater plants, electrical cabling, or manufacturing equipment.
Updated November 25, 2021
To protect public health and the environment, it is critical that water and wastewater utility operators, like those that operate public drinking water systems and wastewater treatment plants, are well trained and certified to appropriate standards.
Updated November 21, 2021
The Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP) administers Water and Wastewater Operator Certifications for all public water system and wastewater utilities in New Mexico.
Updated October 28, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About an Utility Operator Salaries

What is the average of an Utility Operator in California?

The Utility Operator salary range is from $64,058 to $79,526, and the average Utility Operator salary is $72,547/year in California. The Utility Operator's salary will change in different locations.

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

The Utility Operator salary in San Jose, CA is $82,959 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Utility 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 Utility Operator.

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

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