Conveyor Operators and Tenders salary in California
Conveyor Operators and Tenders in California earn a median of $43,150 a year ($20.74 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,460 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,890 for the lowest-paid 10% to $51,400 for the top 10%. That is 2% higher than the national median of $42,420. California ranks 19th of 44 states for conveyor operators and tenders pay. There are 0.14 conveyor operators and tenders per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $44,950, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for conveyor operators and tenders in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,890 | $19.18 |
| 25th percentile | $42,420 | $20.39 |
| Median | $43,150 | $20.74 |
| 75th percentile | $46,600 | $22.40 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $51,400 | $24.71 |
| Average (mean) | $44,950 | $21.61 |
Half of conveyor operators and tenders 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 | $3,595.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,797.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,659.62 |
| Weekly | $829.81 |
| Hourly | $20.74 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Conveyor Operators and Tenders salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Merced, CA | $62,970 | 40 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $50,810 | 120 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $47,290 | 90 |
| Modesto, CA | $43,230 | 40 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $42,990 | 580 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $42,420 | 1,070 |
| Salinas, CA | $40,280 | 50 |
| Fresno, CA | $37,810 | 60 |
Highest-paying states for conveyor operators and tenders
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| West Virginia | $62,830 |
| Iowa | $56,900 |
| Maryland | $56,120 |
| Alabama | $55,970 |
| Louisiana | $54,590 |
| Wyoming | $52,480 |
| New Jersey | $50,750 |
| Utah | $48,620 |
| North Dakota | $47,770 |
| Indiana | $46,300 |
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $44,710 | $21.50 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $42,870 | $20.61 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $47,770 | $22.97 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $37,260 | $17.91 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $37,920 | $18.23 |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | $64,890 | $31.20 |
| Material Moving Workers, All Other | $38,410 | $18.46 |
| Machine Feeders and Offbearers | $40,380 | $19.41 |
| Crane and Tower Operators | $79,570 | $38.25 |
| Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | $57,660 | $27.72 |
| Wellhead Pumper | $64,430 | $30.98 |
| Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders | $68,600 | $32.98 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $60,230 | $28.96 |
| Light Truck Driver | $46,790 | $22.50 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 53-7011. 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 conveyor operators and tenders make in California?
The median salary for conveyor operators and tenders in California is $43,150 a year, or $20.74 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,890 for the lowest-paid 10% to $51,400 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid conveyor operators and tenders make in California?
The top 10% of conveyor operators and tenders in California earn at least $51,400 a year. The top 25% earn $46,600 or more.
What is the starting pay for conveyor operators and tenders in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,890 a year, and a quarter of conveyor operators and tenders earn $42,420 or less.
How many conveyor operators and tenders work in California?
About 2,460 conveyor operators and tenders are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.