Average Highway Maintenance Workers Salary in California
Highway Maintenance Workers in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $61,640, substantially exceeding the national average of $50,740. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust economy, higher operational costs for infrastructure maintenance, and the state's stringent labor standards, all contributing to a more competitive wage environment for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,200.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 7,770 Highway Maintenance Workers, California demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The location quotient of 0.44 indicates that while the concentration is below the national average, the sheer size of the workforce suggests a consistent demand for these services across the state's extensive infrastructure network.
Salary Overview
The average Highway Maintenance Workers in California earns+21.5%above the national average.
$29.6
$1,185
$5,137
Highway Maintenance Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Highway Maintenance Workers in California have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend would likely mirror the general economic conditions and the increasing investment in infrastructure maintenance, reflecting a positive trajectory for compensation in this field.
Highway Maintenance Workers Salary Distribution in California
Salary progression for Highway Maintenance Workers in California typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and years of service can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $42,900 | $20.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $46,230 | $22.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $58,300 | $28 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $77,050 | $37 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $80,200 | $38.6 |
Detailed Highway Maintenance Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,505
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the nominal salary of $61,640 appears attractive, it's crucial to consider California's high Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is reduced compared to national averages, requiring a higher income to maintain a similar standard of living. Potential workers should factor this into their financial planning when considering relocation.
Job Market Context
7,770
Total Jobs
0.43
Per 1K Jobs
0.44
Location Quotient
At 0.44x, California has a notably lower concentration of Highway Maintenance Workers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.44 suggests that Highway Maintenance Worker jobs are less concentrated in California compared to the national average. This could imply a more dispersed job market or that the workforce is spread across a larger geographical area relative to the national distribution, potentially indicating a balanced but not overly saturated job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Highway Maintenance Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $49,480↓ 20% | 15 mi |
| Visalia, CA Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $56,640↓ 8% | 25 mi |
| Fresno, CA Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $57,640↓ 6% | 46 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $54,560↓ 11% | 64 mi |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $65,390↑ 6% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Highway Maintenance Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Highway Maintenance Workers make in California?
The median annual salary for a Highway Maintenance Workers in California is $61,640. This typically ranges from $42,900 for entry-level positions to $80,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 21.5% higher than the national median of $50,740.
Is California a lucrative place for Highway Maintenance Workers?
Yes, but with caveats.California offers a significantly higher average salary for Highway Maintenance Workers compared to the national average. However, the elevated cost of living in the state must be carefully considered to assess the true financial benefit.
Is California a good place to live for Highway Maintenance Workers?
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 Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($49,480) and Visalia, CA.
How does California's salary compare to the national average for this role?
Highway Maintenance Workers in California earn approximately $10,900 more annually than their national counterparts, with an average salary of $61,640 versus the national average of $50,740.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in California?
An LQ of 0.44 indicates that Highway Maintenance Workers are less concentrated in California than the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist, they are not as densely populated relative to the overall workforce compared to the nation.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the Highway Maintenance Worker salary in California?
With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average. This means the $61,640 salary has less purchasing power than it would in a lower-cost state.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate?
The figure of 0.43 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests that for every 1,000 individuals in the general workforce, there are approximately 0.43 Highway Maintenance Worker positions, providing a measure of job availability within the broader labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,770 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.43 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Highway Maintenance Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California