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Average Airfield Operations Specialists Salary in California

Airfield Operations Specialists in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $69,750, significantly surpassing the national average of $62,030. This elevated compensation is largely influenced by California's dynamic economic landscape and the specialized demands of its aviation sector, which often requires a higher caliber of expertise and operational efficiency.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $69,750 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,450.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,150 Airfield Operations Specialists, California demonstrates a substantial presence in this field. The location quotient of 0.59 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of professionals indicates a robust and active job market, implying consistent demand for skilled individuals in airfield operations across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$69,750

The average Airfield Operations Specialists in California earns+12.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$33.5

Weekly

$1,341

Monthly

$5,813

Airfield Operations Specialists Salary Distribution in California

Career progression for Airfield Operations Specialists in California typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the rewards associated with career advancement and accumulated expertise in this role.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$46,080$22.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$52,313$25.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$61,100$29.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$87,188$41.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$98,450$47.3

Detailed Airfield Operations Specialists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$69,750

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$50,361

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The nominal average salary of $69,750 in California must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This index, considerably higher than the national average (100), indicates that while the gross salary is attractive, the purchasing power may be somewhat diminished due to higher expenses for housing, goods, and services. Prospective specialists should factor this into their financial planning.

Job Market Context

1,150

Total Jobs

0.064

Per 1K Jobs

0.59

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.59x the national average concentration of Airfield Operations Specialists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A location quotient of 0.59 for Airfield Operations Specialists in California suggests that the field is less concentrated than the national average. This could imply a more competitive job market where demand might outstrip supply in certain regions, potentially leading to higher wages or specialized recruitment efforts. However, it also means that opportunities might be more geographically specific within the state.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Airfield Operations Specialists make in California?

The median annual salary for a Airfield Operations Specialists in California is $69,750. This typically ranges from $46,080 for entry-level positions to $98,450 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 12.4% higher than the national median of $62,030.

Is California a lucrative place for Airfield Operations Specialists?

Yes, California offers a lucrative environment for Airfield Operations Specialists.The state boasts an average annual salary significantly higher than the national average, reflecting strong demand and specialized industry needs.

Is California a good place to live for Airfield Operations Specialists?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the California salary compare to the national average?

Airfield Operations Specialists in California earn an average of $69,750 annually, which is approximately $7,720 more than the national average of $62,030.

What is the Cost of Living in California relative to the national average?

California's Cost of Living Index stands at 138.5, meaning it is 38.5% more expensive than the national average, impacting the real value of the higher salary.

Is the job market for Airfield Operations Specialists saturated in California?

With a location quotient of 0.59, the market is less concentrated than the national average, suggesting potential opportunities but also indicating a need for specialized skills.

How many Airfield Operations Specialists are there in California?

There are approximately 1,150 Airfield Operations Specialists employed within California, indicating a substantial professional community.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,150 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.064 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Airfield Operations Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California