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Assistant Operating Engineer Salary in California

How much does an Assistant Operating Engineer make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Operating Engineer in California is $104,862 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $118,123
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $97,860 to $111,803
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $91,486
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Assistant Operating Engineer Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Assistant Operating Engineer Salaries

An Assistant Operating 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 Assistant Operating Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Operating 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): $86,474
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $103,415
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $124,700
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $151,827
  • Expert (over 8 years): $179,138
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Reliability Engineer I less than 1 year $86,474
Assistant Operating Engineer 1-2 years $103,415
Reliability Engineer III 2-4 years $124,700
Reliability Engineer IV 5-8 years $151,827
Reliability Engineer V over 8 years $179,138

How Do Assistant Operating 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 Assistant Operating Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $105,261.
  • California: $104,862.
  • Massachusetts: $103,464.

Top Paying Cities for Assistant Operating 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: $105,042
  • West Hollywood: $104,966
  • Dodgertown: $105,041

Assistant Operating Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assistant Operating Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Assistant Operating Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Operating Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Assistant Operating Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $115,348 $55.0 10%
Biotechnology $115,348 $55.0 10%
Chemicals $115,348 $55.0 10%
Energy & Utilities $115,348 $55.0 10%
Financial Services $115,348 $55.0 10%

Assistant Operating Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Assistant Operating 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
$97,860
Average $104,862/year
$111,803
$8,155
Average $8,738/month
$9,317
$1,882
Average $2,017/week
$2,150
$47
Average $50/hour
$54
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $111,803 $9,317 $2,150 $54
Average $104,862 $8,738 $2,017 $50
25th Percentile $97,860 $8,155 $1,882 $47

Find Your Next Assistant Operating Engineer Job

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

  • Starpoint Properties | Beverly Hills, CA

    Operating Engineer Roving

    Starpoint Properties | Beverly Hills, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. The Roving Operating Engineer will be responsible for oversight and maintenance of the assigned portfolio of commercial a... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Legends Global | Los Angeles, CA

    LACC Building Operating Engineer Union

    Legends Global | Los Angeles, CA

    Building Operating Engineer FT. LEGENDS GLOBAL brings a 360-degree, data-driven approach across Global Partnerships, Hospitality, Merchandise, and Attracti... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Douglas Emmett | Los Angeles, CA

    Commercial Operating Engineer High Rise Offices

    Douglas Emmett | Los Angeles, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. GENERAL OPERATIONS. Maintain, operate and inspect building systems including fire alarms, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Stanford Health Care | Stanford, CA

    Lead Operating Room Assistant

    Stanford Health Care | Stanford, CA

    1.0 FTE Full time Night - 08 Hour R2654350 Onsite 107420005 Surg Svcs OR Assistants Allied Health PALO ALTO, 300 Pasteur Dr, California If you're ready to ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • ABM Industries | Los Angeles, CA

    Asst Chief Engineer

    ABM Industries | Los Angeles, CA

    Assistant Chief EngineerUnder the supervision of Chief Engineer, directs the activities of engineering staff and associated service contractors required to... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Clinical Management Consultants | Selma, CA

    Assistant Nurse Manager Operating Room

    Clinical Management Consultants | Selma, CA

    Assistant Nurse Manager Operating Room. Step into a high-impact perioperative leadership role as OR Assistant Nurse Manager, that elevates careers and surg... more

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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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