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Assistant Systems Operator Salary in California

How much does an Assistant Systems Operator make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Systems Operator in California is $49,340 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $59,083
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $45,223 to $54,440
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,475
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Assistant Systems Operator Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Assistant Systems Operator Salaries

An Assistant Systems 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 Assistant Systems Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Systems 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): $48,278
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $59,704
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $65,838
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $100,146
  • Expert (over 8 years): $138,922
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Assistant Systems Operator less than 1 year $48,278
Chemical Plant Operator II 1-2 years $59,704
Chemical Plant Operator III 2-4 years $65,838
Chemical Plant Operations Supervisor 5-8 years $100,146
Chemical Plant Operations Manager over 8 years $138,922

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

  • District of Columbia: $49,528.
  • California: $49,340.
  • Massachusetts: $48,683.

Top Paying Cities for Assistant Systems 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: $49,425
  • West Hollywood: $49,389
  • Dodgertown: $49,425

Assistant Systems Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assistant Systems Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Assistant Systems Operator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Systems Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Assistant Systems Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities $59,208 $28.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $59,208 $28.0 20%
Aerospace & Defense $56,741 $27.0 15%
Biotechnology $56,741 $27.0 15%
Internet $56,741 $27.0 15%

Assistant Systems Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Assistant Systems 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 August 01, 2026
$45,223
Average $49,340/year
$54,440
$3,769
Average $4,112/month
$4,537
$870
Average $949/week
$1,047
$22
Average $24/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $54,440 $4,537 $1,047 $26
Average $49,340 $4,112 $949 $24
25th Percentile $45,223 $3,769 $870 $22

Find Your Next Assistant Systems Operator Job

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

  • Government Jobs | Monterey Park, CA

    WATER PRODUCTION SYSTEMS OPERATOR

    Government Jobs | Monterey Park, CA

    Government Jobs - Full-time - $5,159.00 - $6,600.00 Monthly The City of Monterey Park is recruiting for a Water Production Systems Operator to be part of t... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Government Jobs | Signal Hill, CA

    WATER SYSTEMS OPERATOR II

    Government Jobs | Signal Hill, CA

    Government Jobs - Full-Time (Non-Exempt) - $59,870.24 - $82,286.44 Annually WATER SYSTEMS OPERATOR I $59,870 - $76,411 annually WATER SYSTEMS OPERATOR II $... more

    10 Days Ago

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    usa printng | West Hollywood, CA

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  • Amcor | Yuba City, CA

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  • 4 Over llc | Los Angeles, CA

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    4 Over llc | Los Angeles, CA

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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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