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2nd Assistant Engineer Salary in California

How much does a 2nd Assistant Engineer make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a 2nd Assistant Engineer in California is $86,580 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.

However, a 2nd Assistant Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $96,785
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $80,193 to $91,922
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $74,378
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out 2nd Assistant Engineer Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence 2nd Assistant Engineer Salaries

A 2nd 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 2nd Assistant Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 2nd 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): $85,467
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $102,211
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $123,248
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $150,059
  • Expert (over 8 years): $177,052
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
2nd Assistant Engineer less than 1 year $85,467
Reliability Engineer II 1-2 years $102,211
Reliability Engineer III 2-4 years $123,248
Reliability Engineer IV 5-8 years $150,059
Reliability Engineer V over 8 years $177,052

How Do 2nd Assistant Engineer Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract 2nd Assistant Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $86,910.
  • California: $86,580.
  • Massachusetts: $85,426.

Top Paying Cities for 2nd 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: $86,729
  • West Hollywood: $86,666
  • Dodgertown: $86,728

2nd Assistant Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 2nd Assistant Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Construction and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, 2nd Assistant Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 2nd Assistant Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 2nd Assistant Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Construction $103,896 $50.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $103,896 $50.0 20%
Energy & Utilities $99,567 $48.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $95,238 $46.0 10%
MFG Durable $95,238 $46.0 10%

2nd Assistant Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 2nd 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
$80,193
Average $86,580/year
$91,922
$6,683
Average $7,215/month
$7,660
$1,542
Average $1,665/week
$1,768
$39
Average $42/hour
$44
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $91,922 $7,660 $1,768 $44
Average $86,580 $7,215 $1,665 $42
25th Percentile $80,193 $6,683 $1,542 $39

Find Your Next 2nd Assistant Engineer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 2nd 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

    Assistant Engineer

    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

    Assistant Engineer

    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

    8 Days Ago

  • Join Us At PASE! | San Ramon, CA

    Assistant Engineer

    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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