Salary AI Book a Demo

Airborne Operator Salary in California

How much does an Airborne Operator make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Airborne Operator in California is $54,392 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

However, an Airborne Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $65,887
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $49,306 to $60,409
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,675
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Airborne Operator Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Airborne Operator Salaries

An Airborne Operator'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 Airborne Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Airborne Operator'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): $52,200
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $52,982
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $54,141
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $55,228
  • Expert (over 8 years): $55,646
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Airborne Operator less than 1 year $52,200
Early Career Level Airborne Operator 1-2 years $52,982
Mid-Level Level Airborne Operator 2-4 years $54,141
Senior-Level Level Airborne Operator 5-8 years $55,228
Expert Level Airborne Operator over 8 years $55,646

How Do Airborne Operator 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 Airborne Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $54,599.
  • California: $54,392.
  • Massachusetts: $53,667.

Top Paying Cities for Airborne Operator

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: $54,486
  • West Hollywood: $54,446
  • Dodgertown: $54,485

Airborne Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Airborne Operator roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Biotechnology, offers compensation 50% above the average. Conversely, Airborne Operator positions in MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Airborne Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Airborne Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $81,588 $39.0 50%

Airborne Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Airborne Operator'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 September 01, 2026
$49,306
Average $54,392/year
$60,409
$4,109
Average $4,533/month
$5,034
$948
Average $1,046/week
$1,162
$24
Average $26/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $60,409 $5,034 $1,162 $29
Average $54,392 $4,533 $1,046 $26
25th Percentile $49,306 $4,109 $948 $24

Find Your Next Airborne Operator Job

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

  • Cargill | RICHFIELD, NE

    Forklift Operator

    Cargill | RICHFIELD, NE

    Cargill is hiring a Forklift Operator I to support its manufacturing operations. In this role, you will safely operate forklifts to move raw materials and ... more

    4 Days Ago

  • PCT - Pacific Cast Technologies | LEBANON, OR

    Furnace Operator

    PCT - Pacific Cast Technologies | LEBANON, OR

    PCT - Pacific Cast Technologies is seeking a Furnace Operator to support aluminum investment casting for aerospace and industrial components in Salem, OR. ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Selmet | BROWNSVILLE, OR

    Metals Operator

    Selmet | BROWNSVILLE, OR

    Selmet is seeking a Metals Operator to support titanium casting production for aerospace and defense components. In this role, you will prepare and handle ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Selmet | HARRISBURG, OR

    Metals Operator

    Selmet | HARRISBURG, OR

    Selmet is seeking a Metals Operator to support titanium casting production for aerospace and defense components. In this role, you will prepare and handle ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • PCT - Pacific Cast Technologies | HALSEY, OR

    Furnace Operator

    PCT - Pacific Cast Technologies | HALSEY, OR

    PCT - Pacific Cast Technologies is seeking a Furnace Operator to support aluminum investment casting for aerospace and industrial components in Salem, OR. ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Selmet | LEBANON, OR

    Metals Operator

    Selmet | LEBANON, OR

    Selmet is seeking a Metals Operator to support titanium casting production for aerospace and defense components. In this role, you will prepare and handle ... more

    8 Days Ago

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst