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Ground Equipment Operator Salary in California

How much does a Ground Equipment Operator make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ground Equipment Operator in California is $51,425 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $62,294
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,617 to $57,115
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $42,238
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Ground Equipment Operator Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Ground Equipment Operator Salaries

A Ground Equipment 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 Ground Equipment Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Ground Equipment 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): $45,206
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $50,240
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $57,009
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $61,247
  • Expert (over 8 years): $89,011
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Machine Operator I less than 1 year $45,206
Ground Equipment Operator 1-2 years $50,240
Machine Operator III 2-4 years $57,009
Machine Operator IV 5-8 years $61,247
Machine Operator Supervisor over 8 years $89,011

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

  • District of Columbia: $51,621.
  • California: $51,425.
  • Massachusetts: $50,740.

Top Paying Cities for Ground Equipment 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: $51,514
  • West Hollywood: $51,477
  • Dodgertown: $51,514

Ground Equipment Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Ground Equipment Operator 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 Media and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Ground Equipment Operator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Ground Equipment Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Ground Equipment Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Media $66,853 $32.0 30%
Insurance $64,282 $31.0 25%
Construction $61,711 $30.0 20%
Financial Services $59,139 $28.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $56,568 $27.0 10%

Ground Equipment Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Ground Equipment 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
$46,617
Average $51,425/year
$57,115
$3,885
Average $4,285/month
$4,760
$896
Average $989/week
$1,098
$22
Average $25/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $57,115 $4,760 $1,098 $27
Average $51,425 $4,285 $989 $25
25th Percentile $46,617 $3,885 $896 $22

Find Your Next Ground Equipment Operator Job

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

  • Navstar | Lemoore, CA

    Ground Support Equipment Worker

    Navstar | Lemoore, CA

    Ground Support Equipment Worker. Amentum is currently searching for a Ground Support Equipment Worker to work in our Lemoore, California location. The Grou... more

    10 Days Ago

  • SIA Engineering (USA) Inc. | San Francisco, CA

    Warehouse&amp Ground Support Equipment Specialist

    SIA Engineering (USA) Inc. | San Francisco, CA

    Position Overview: Join a tight-knit crew at SFO. We are a leading third-party commercial aviation Line Maintenance organization seeking a motivated, detai... more

    7 Days Ago

  • MCH Consulting Services, LLC | San Diego, CA

    Ground Support Equipment Mechanic MUST SECURITY CLEARANCE

    MCH Consulting Services, LLC | San Diego, CA

    Ground Support Equipment Mechanic (MHE/SMSE) Company: MCH Consulting Services, LLC Location: San Diego/Coronado, California Position Type: Full-Time Schedu... more

    8 Days Ago

  • TETRA Technologies, Inc. | Twentynine Palms, CA

    Equipment Operator

    TETRA Technologies, Inc. | Twentynine Palms, CA

    The Amboy-Cadiz Chemical Operation produces calcium chloride and sodium chloride by utilizing solar evaporation.Calcium Chloride liquid is transferred thro... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Hot Topic, Inc. | Riverside, CA

    Equipment Operator

    Hot Topic, Inc. | Riverside, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Join the coolest DC in California. Our Distribution Center is a critical part of our business. As an Equipment Operator, ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Mid Valley Disposal & Transfer | Kingsburg, CA

    Equipment Operator

    Mid Valley Disposal & Transfer | Kingsburg, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Equipment Operator – Compost & Transfer Operations. Build something that matters. Operate with purpose. Mid Valley Dispos... 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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