Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in California
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in California was $87,160 +45.6% vs national
California vs United States
| California | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual | $87,160 | $59,850 |
| Median hourly | $41.90 | $28.78 |
| Employment | 36,020 | 478,090 |
| Location quotient | 0.64 | 1.00 |
Data source: BLS OES state file (California) · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Reading the data
With approximately 36,020 operating engineers and other construction equipment operators employed in California, this is a significant occupation in the labor market.
Pay spans a wide range: workers at the 10th percentile earn about $52,760, while those at the 90th percentile earn about $132,210 — a 2.5x gap between entry-level and top earners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average operating engineers and other construction equipment operators salary in California?
The median annual wage in California is $87,160 ($41.90 per hour), per BLS OES May 2025 data.
How does California compare to the national average for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators?
The California median of $87,160 is 45.6% higher than the U.S. median of $59,850.
How many operating engineers and other construction equipment operators work in California?
Approximately 36,020 are employed in California, per BLS OES.