Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians salary in California
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians in California earn a median of $99,000 a year ($47.59 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,560 workers.
Pay ranges from $71,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $161,650 for the top 10%. That is 19% higher than the national median of $82,890. California ranks 4th of 24 states for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.09 aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $106,720, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $71,990 | $34.61 |
| 25th percentile | $81,560 | $39.21 |
| Median | $99,000 | $47.59 |
| 75th percentile | $119,980 | $57.68 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $161,650 | $77.72 |
| Average (mean) | $106,720 | $51.31 |
Half of aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $8,250 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,125 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,807.69 |
| Weekly | $1,903.85 |
| Hourly | $47.59 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $119,980 | 130 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $98,940 | 690 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $92,360 | n/a |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $88,410 | 70 |
Highest-paying states for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $125,160 |
| Alaska | $105,780 |
| Nevada | $102,980 |
| California | $99,000 |
| Colorado | $98,990 |
| Maryland | $91,820 |
| Oregon | $81,100 |
| Virginia | $81,040 |
| Massachusetts | $79,420 |
| Connecticut | $79,410 |
See Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians pay in every state.
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $86,090 | $41.39 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $76,520 | $36.79 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $80,480 | $38.69 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $83,490 | $40.14 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $79,070 | $38.02 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $87,390 | $42.02 |
| Mechanical Drafter | $82,510 | $39.67 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $78,110 | $37.55 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $78,310 | $37.65 |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $60,010 | $28.85 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $81,550 | $39.21 |
| Drafters, All Other | $73,390 | $35.28 |
| Calibration Technologists and Technicians | $79,010 | $37.98 |
| Civil Engineer | $122,500 | $58.89 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 17-3021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians make in California?
The median salary for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians in California is $99,000 a year, or $47.59 an hour. Pay ranges from $71,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $161,650 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians make in California?
The top 10% of aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians in California earn at least $161,650 a year. The top 25% earn $119,980 or more.
What is the starting pay for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $71,990 a year, and a quarter of aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians earn $81,560 or less.
How many aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians work in California?
About 1,560 aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.