How Much Does a Watercraft Operator Make in California?

Updated March 01, 2025
As of March 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Watercraft Operator in California is $53,042. While Salary.com is seeing that Watercraft 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.
Related Job Titles to Watercraft Operator
Watercraft Engineer
$97,153
California
Per Year
Operator
$53,996
California
Per Year
Switchboard Operator
$42,365
California
Per Year
Camera Operator
$50,407
California
Per Year
download asset banner
Facing Salary Structure Challenges? Let Our Expert Guide You
The job market is increasingly challenging. Our whitepaper, Navigating the Challenges of Creating Salary Structures, offers guidance on creating salary structures. Provide your phone number and work email to download the full version.
We will handle your contact details in line with our Privacy Policy. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from Salary.com, you can opt-out out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe.

Similar Job Salaries to Watercraft Operator by Company

FIND A SPECIFIC EMPLOYER
Loading results...
Company average base salary in (usd) range
U.S. Department of Defense
Army Watercraft Operator
$50,188/yr
$45,116
$55,260
RANGE: $45,116 - $55,260
Bass Lake Rehabilitation District
Watercraft Inspector
$60,339/yr
$53,255
$67,423
RANGE: $53,255 - $67,423
Nauset Marine
Watercraft Transporter
$41,703/yr
$38,319
$45,088
RANGE: $38,319 - $45,088
Leech Lake Band Of Ojibwe
Watercraft Inspector
$70,160/yr
$62,417
$77,903
RANGE: $62,417 - $77,903
Jack's Boat Rental
Watercraft Assistant
$70,079/yr
$61,120
$79,039
RANGE: $61,120 - $79,039
Green Lake Association
Watercraft Educator
$79,817/yr
$70,761
$88,873
RANGE: $70,761 - $88,873
$75,087/yr
$67,123
$83,051
RANGE: $67,123 - $83,051
Cemex U.S.
Operator
$54,828/yr
$49,361
$60,295
RANGE: $49,361 - $60,295

Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Watercraft 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 Watercraft 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 Watercraft Operator job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Watercraft Operator jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Watercraft Operator positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Watercraft Operator salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Watercraft Operator salary is $60,351 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Watercraft Operator salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Watercraft Operator in California is $53,042, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Watercraft Operator jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Watercraft 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 Watercraft Operator Do?

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS When at speed and the brake is first applied, a plume of water will shoot up in the air behind the watercraft and may cause the operator of a following watercraft to momentarily loose sight of your PWC.
Updated December 01, 2021
A marina operator may sell a watercraft that has been left without permission at the marina for more than six months and recover the operator’s reasonable maintenance, repair, dockage, storage, and other charges.
Updated November 04, 2021
Watercraft Operators receive extensive training in damage control, firefighting, lifesaving, and rescue procedures.
Updated December 17, 2021
As a Watercraft Operator, you’ll be responsible for navigation, cargo operations, and supervising other Soldiers on Army watercraft.
Updated November 23, 2021
Army Watercraft Operator (MOS 88K) are responsible for assisting with navigation, cargo operations, security and communication on Army watercraft.
Updated November 09, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Watercraft Operator Salaries

What is the average of a Watercraft Operator in California?

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

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

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

What kinds of reasons will influence the Watercraft 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 Watercraft Operator.

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

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