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Average Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas Salary in California

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas in California earn an average annual salary of $66,390, surpassing the national average of $63,250. This higher compensation in California is often a reflection of the state's robust construction sector and the increased demand for specialized labor in a region with a higher cost of living.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $66,390 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $86,750.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 1,400 professionals, the Earth Driller market in California demonstrates a stable presence. The Location Quotient of 0.69 suggests that while not as concentrated as the national average, the demand for these specialized skills is consistent within the state's economic landscape, indicating a steady job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$66,390

The average Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas in California earns+5.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$31.9

Weekly

$1,277

Monthly

$5,533

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas in California typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies significant career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$47,140$22.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$49,793$23.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$62,280$29.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$82,988$39.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$86,750$41.7

Detailed Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$66,390

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$47,935

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The average annual salary of $66,390 in California for Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas must be considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This index, significantly above the national average of 100, indicates that while the nominal salary is higher, the purchasing power may be somewhat diminished due to the elevated costs of housing, goods, and services.

Job Market Context

1,400

Total Jobs

0.078

Per 1K Jobs

0.69

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.69x the national average concentration of Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.69 for Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas in California suggests that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, offering potential opportunities for skilled professionals without excessive competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gass?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas make in California?

The median annual salary for a Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas in California is $66,390. This typically ranges from $47,140 for entry-level positions to $86,750 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 5.0% higher than the national median of $63,250.

Is California a lucrative place for Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gass?

Yes, with caveats.California offers a higher average salary for Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas compared to the national average. However, the significantly higher cost of living in the state should be factored into the overall financial attractiveness.

Is California a good place to live for Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Fresno, CA ($57,580) and others.

What is the average salary for an Earth Driller in California?

The average annual salary for an Earth Driller, Except Oil and Gas in California is $66,390.

How does California's salary compare to the national average for this role?

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas in California earn approximately $3,140 more annually than the national average of $63,250.

What does the Location Quotient of 0.69 mean for job availability?

A Location Quotient of 0.69 indicates that the concentration of Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas jobs in California is slightly lower than the national average, suggesting a moderately competitive job market.

How does the cost of living affect the Earth Driller salary in California?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average, meaning the higher nominal salary may not translate to proportionally higher disposable income.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,400 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.078 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.