How much does a 1st Assistant Engineer make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a 1st Assistant Engineer in California is $82,701 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.

However, a 1st Assistant Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $95,552
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $77,104 to $89,428
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $72,008

Key Factors That Influence 1st Assistant Engineer Salaries

A 1st Assistant Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects 1st Assistant Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 1st Assistant Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $81,300
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $98,986
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $116,021
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $135,894
  • Expert (over 8 years): $162,304
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
1st Assistant Engineer less than 1 year $81,300
Civil Engineer II 1-2 years $98,986
Civil Engineer III 2-4 years $116,021
Civil Engineer IV 5-8 years $135,894
Civil Engineer V over 8 years $162,304

Top Paying Cities for 1st Assistant Engineer

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $82,844
  • West Hollywood: $82,784
  • Dodgertown: $82,843

1st Assistant Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 1st Assistant Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, 1st Assistant Engineer positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 1st Assistant Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 1st Assistant Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities $107,512 $52.0 30%
Insurance $103,377 $50.0 25%
Biotechnology $99,242 $48.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $99,242 $48.0 20%
Software & Networking $95,106 $46.0 15%

1st Assistant Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 1st Assistant Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$77,104
Average $82,701/year
$89,428
$6,425
Average $6,892/month
$7,452
$1,483
Average $1,590/week
$1,720
$37
Average $40/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $89,428 $7,452 $1,720 $43
Average $82,701 $6,892 $1,590 $40
25th Percentile $77,104 $6,425 $1,483 $37

Find Your Next 1st Assistant Engineer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 1st Assistant Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Join Us At PASE! | San Jose, CA

    Join Us At PASE! | San Jose, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. Job Summary. Performs entry-level tasks and progresses to moderately complex Structural Engineering work. Du... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Wood Rodgers | Pleasanton, CA

    Wood Rodgers | Pleasanton, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. Are you seeking a career where you can foster a positive working environment and enhance employee relations.... more

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  • Join Us At PASE! | San Ramon, CA

    Join Us At PASE! | San Ramon, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. Job Summary. Performs entry-level tasks and progresses to moderately complex Structural Engineering work. Du... more

    8 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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