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California · Operating Engineer · 11 counties

Operating Engineer prevailing wage, Southern California (11 counties)

DIR sets the same operating engineer rates, row for row, in 11 counties: Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. Every figure on this page applies in each of them.

$103.75an hour, base wage + fringe benefits · Group 1

$64.40 base wage + $39.35 fringe benefits

On California public works in each of these 11 counties, a Group 1 operating engineer must be paid at least $103.75 an hour in total: $64.40 in wages plus $39.35 in employer payments to health, pension, training and other funds. Daily overtime is $135.95 and Sunday and holiday work is $168.15. DIR puts 14 job titles in Group 1, bargeman and brakeman among them.

DIR general determination SC-23-63-2-2026-2, issued August 22, 2026. Expires June 30, 2027. Checked against dir.ca.gov on October 24, 2026.

DIR lists 36 operating engineer rates for each of these counties, from $34.11 to $108.61 an hour. See all of them.

Base wage and fringe benefits: $64.40 + $39.35

The basic hourly rate is the taxable wage. The other lines, the fringe benefits DIR calls employer payments, are what DIR expects the employer to pay into health, pension and other plans for each hour worked. An employer can pay part of that as extra wages instead, as long as the total per hour stays at $103.75 or more.

Basic hourly rate (taxable wage)$64.40
Health and welfare$17.45
Pension (footnote d)$17.40
Vacation and holiday (footnote e)$2.95
Training$1.10
Other payments$0.45
Total straight-time hourly rate$103.75

Straight time covers an 8-hour day.

When does this rate change?

Scheduled increases

Current rate, DIR Aug 22, 2026Increases DIR has already set

DIR has already set these increases. Work on or after each date is paid the higher rate. DIR often leaves part of an increase "to be allocated to wages and/or employer payments" and confirms the split when it comes due, and it can reduce a scheduled increase in a later notice, so check DIR's increase page before you pay it.

Takes effectIncrease per hourTotal after increase
July 1, 2027+$4.51$108.26

The double asterisk after DIR's expiration date means the next rate is already set. If the work runs past that date you have to pay the new rate, and DIR says to build it into contracts signed now (DIR FAQ, Q8).

Source: DIR increase PDF

Operating Engineer Group 1 job titles

Work DIR classifies in Group 1, copied as printed. The other groups and their rates are in the table below.

Source: Group 1, page 7

Every operating engineer rate in Southern California

As DIR lists them. The highlighted row is the one this page leads with.

ClassificationBase wageFringe benefitsTotal rateDaily OTDetermination
Landfill Worker (Operating Engineer): Equipment Operator II$31.25 $16.39 $47.64 $56.525SC-63-12-41-2025-1
Landfill Worker (Operating Engineer): Equipment Operator III$32.25 $16.43 $48.68 $58.025SC-63-12-41-2025-1
Group 1$64.40 $39.35 $103.75 $135.95 SC-23-63-2-2026-2
TUNNEL (OPERATING ENGINEER) #: Group 1
1 job in this group
  • Heavy Duty Repairman Helper
$66.25 $39.35 $105.60 $138.725SC-23-63-2-2026-2C
Group 10
20 jobs in this group
  • Backhoe Operator (over 5 cu. yds. M.R.C.)
  • Drilling Machine Operator, Bucket or Auger types (Calweld 200 B bucket or similar types - Watson 3000 or 5000 auger or similar types - Texoma 900 auger or similar types - drilling depth of 105' maximum)
  • Dual Drum Mixer
  • Dynamic Compactor LDC350 or similar types
  • Heavy Duty Repairman-Welder combination
  • Hydraulic Casing Oscillator Operator - drilling depth of 105' maximum
  • Monorail Locomotive Operator (diesel, gas or electric)
  • Motor Patrol - Blade Operator (single engine)
  • Multiple Engine Tractor Operator (euclid and similar type - except quad 9 cat.)
  • Pneumatic Pipe Ramming Tool and similar types
  • Pre-stressed Wrapping Machine Operator (2 Operators required)
  • Production Tamper - Harsco or similar types
  • Rail Dynamic Stabilizer
  • Rubber - Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator (single engine, over 50 yds. struck)
  • Rubber - Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator (multiple engine, euclid caterpillar and similar types - over 25 yds. and up to 50 yds. struck)
  • Tower Crane Repairman
  • Tractor Loader Operator (crawler and wheel-type over 6 ½ yds.)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS Drones) Operator (when used in conjunction with hoisting and placing materials)
  • Welder - Certified
  • Woods Mixer Operator (and similar pugmill equipment)
$67.41 $39.35 $106.76 $140.465SC-23-63-2-2026-2
Group 12
14 jobs in this group
  • Auto Grader Operator
  • Automatic Slip Form Operator
  • Backhoe Operator (over 7 cu. yds. M.R.C.)
  • Drilling Machine Operator, Bucket or Auger types (Calweld, auger 200 CA or similar types - Watson, auger 6000 or similar types - hughes super duty, auger 200 or similar types - drilling depth of 175' maximum)
  • Excavator Track/Rubber Tired- with all attachments (Operating Weight 100,000 lbs. - 200,000 lbs.)
  • Hoe Ram or similar types with compressor
  • Hydraulic Casing Oscillator Operator - drilling depth of 175' maximum
  • Mass Excavator Operator - less than 750 cu. yds.
  • Mechanical Finishing Machine Operator
  • Mobile Form Traveler Operator
  • Motor Patrol Operator (multi-engine)
  • Pipe Mobile Machine Operator
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator (multiple engine, euclid, caterpillar and similar type, over 50 cu. yds. struck)
  • Rubber-Tired Self-Loading Scraper Operator (paddle-wheel-auger type self-loading - (two (2) or more units)
$67.58 $39.35 $106.93 $140.72 SC-23-63-2-2026-2
Group 13
1 job in this group
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating Equipment with the Push-Pull System (single engine, up to and including 25 yds. struck)
$67.68 $39.35 $107.03 $140.87 SC-23-63-2-2026-2
Group 14
5 jobs in this group
  • Canal Liner Operator
  • Canal Trimmer Operator
  • Drilling Machine Operator, Bucket or Auger types (Calweld, auger 200 CA or similar types - watson, auger 6000 or similar types - hughes super duty, auger 200 or similar types - drilling depth of 300' maximum)
  • Remote Controlled Earth Moving Operator ($1.00 per hour additional to base rate)
  • Wheel Excavator Operator (over 750 cu. yds. per hour)
$67.71 $39.35 $107.06 $140.915SC-23-63-2-2026-2
Group 15
2 jobs in this group
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating Equipment with the Push-Pull System (single engine, caterpillar, euclid, athey wagon, and similar types with any and all attachments over 25 and up to and including 50 cu. yds. struck)
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating Equipment with the Push-Pull System (multiple engine - up to and including 25 yds. struck)
$67.79 $39.35 $107.14 $141.035SC-23-63-2-2026-2
Group 16
3 jobs in this group
  • Excavator Track/Rubber Tired - with all attachments (Operating Weight exceeding 200,000 lbs.)
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating Equipment with the Push-Pull System (single engine, over 50 yds. struck)
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating Equipment with the Push-Pull System (multiple engine, euclid, caterpillar, and similar, over 25 yds. and up to 50 yds. struck)
$67.91 $39.35 $107.26 $141.215SC-23-63-2-2026-2
Group 17
2 jobs in this group
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating Equipment with the Push-Pull System (multiple engine, euclid, caterpillar, and similar type, over 50 cu. yds. struck)
  • Tandem Tractor Operator (operating crawler type tractors in tandem - Quad 9 and similar type)
$68.08 $39.35 $107.43 $141.47 SC-23-63-2-2026-2
Group 18
1 job in this group
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating in Tandem (scrapers, belly dumps, and similar types in any combination, excluding compaction units - single engine, up to and including 25 yds. struck)
$68.18 $39.35 $107.53 $141.62 SC-23-63-2-2026-2
Group 19
3 jobs in this group
  • Rotex Concrete Belt Operator
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating in Tandem (scrapers, belly dumps, and similar types in any combination, excluding compaction units - single engine, caterpillar, euclid, athey wagon, and similar types with any and all attachments over 25 yds. and up to and including 50 cu. yds. struck)
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating in Tandem (scrapers, belly dumps, and similar types in any combination, excluding compaction units - multiple engines, up to and including 25 yds. struck)
$68.29 $39.35 $107.64 $141.785SC-23-63-2-2026-2
Group 2
16 jobs in this group
  • Asphalt-Rubber Plant Operator (Nurse Tank Operator)
  • Coil Tubing Rig Operator
  • Concrete Mixer Operator - Skip Type
  • Conveyor Operator
  • Fireman
  • Forklift Operator (includes loed, lull or similar types - over 5 tons)
  • Hydrostatic Pump Operator
  • Oiler Crusher (Asphalt or Concrete Plant)
  • Petromat Laydown Machine
  • PJU Side Dump Jack
  • Rotary Drill Helper (Oilfield)
  • Screening and Conveyor Machine Operator (or similar types)
  • Skiploader (Wheel type up to ¾ yd. without attachment)
  • Tar Pot Fireman
  • Temporary Heating Plant Operator
  • Trenching Machine Oiler
$65.18 $39.35 $104.53 $137.12 SC-23-63-2-2026-2
TUNNEL (OPERATING ENGINEER) #: Group 2
1 job in this group
  • Skiploader (wheel type up to ¾ yd. without attachment)
$67.03 $39.35 $106.38 $139.895SC-23-63-2-2026-2C
Group 20
2 jobs in this group
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating in Tandem (scrapers, belly dumps, and similar types in any combination, excluding compaction units - single engine, over 50 yds. struck)
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating in Tandem (scrapers, belly dumps, and similar types in any combination, excluding compaction units - multiple engine, euclid, caterpillar and similar, over 25 yds. and up to 50 yds. struck)
$68.41 $39.35 $107.76 $141.965SC-23-63-2-2026-2
Group 21
1 job in this group
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating in Tandem (scrapers, belly dumps, and similar types in any combination, excluding compaction units - multiple engine, euclid, caterpillar and similar type, over 50 cu. yds. struck)
$68.58 $39.35 $107.93 $142.22 SC-23-63-2-2026-2
Group 22
1 job in this group
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating Equipment with the Tandem Push-Pull System (single engine, up to and including 25 yds. struck)
$68.68 $39.35 $108.03 $142.37 SC-23-63-2-2026-2
Group 23
2 jobs in this group
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating Equipment with the Tandem Push-Pull System (single engine, caterpillar, euclid, athey wagon, and similar types with any and all attachments over 25 yds. and up to and including 50 cu. yds. struck)
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating Equipment with the Tandem Push-Pull System (multiple engine, up to and including 25 yds. struck)
$68.79 $39.35 $108.14 $142.535SC-23-63-2-2026-2
Group 24
2 jobs in this group
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating Equipment with the Tandem Push-Pull System (single engine, over 50 yds. Struck)
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating Equipment with the Tandem Push-Pull System (multiple engine, euclid, caterpillar and similar, over 25 yds. and up to 50 yds. struck)
$68.91 $39.35 $108.26 $142.715SC-23-63-2-2026-2
Group 25
4 jobs in this group
  • Concrete Pump Operator-Truck Mounted
  • Pedestal Concrete Pump Operator
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Operating Equipment with the Tandem Push-Pull System (multiple engine, euclid, caterpillar and similar over 50 cu. yds struck
  • Spyder Excavator Operator, with all attachments
$69.08 $39.35 $108.43 $142.97 SC-23-63-2-2026-2
Group 3
6 jobs in this group
  • Asphalt Rubber Blend Operator
  • Bobcat or similar type (Skid Steer, with all attachments)
  • Equipment Greaser (rack)
  • Ford Ferguson (with dragtype attachments)
  • Helicopter Radioman (ground)
  • Stationary Pipe Wrapping and Cleaning Machine Operator
$65.47 $39.35 $104.82 $137.555SC-23-63-2-2026-2
TUNNEL (OPERATING ENGINEER) #: Group 3
2 jobs in this group
  • Chainman
  • Power-Driver Jumbo Form Setter Operator
$67.32 $39.35 $106.67 $140.33 SC-23-63-2-2026-2C
Group 4
25 jobs in this group
  • Asphalt Plant Fireman
  • Backhoe Operator (mini-max or similar type)
  • Boring Machine Operator
  • Boring System Electronic Tracking Locator
  • Boxman or Mixerman (asphalt or concrete)
  • Chip Spreading Machine Operator
  • Concrete Cleaning Decontamination Machine Operator
  • Concrete Pump Operator (small portable)
  • Drilling Machine Operator, Small Auger types (Texoma Super Economatic, or similar types - Hughes 100 or 200, or similar types - drilling depth of 30 maximum)
  • Equipment Greaser (grease truck)
  • Excavator Track/Rubber-Tired-with all attachments (Operating weight under 21,000 lbs)
  • Guard Rail Post Driver Operator
  • Highline Cableway Signalman
  • Hydra-Hammer-Aero Stomper
  • Hydraulic Casing Oscillator Operator - drilling depth of 30' maximum
  • Micro Tunneling Operator (above ground tunnel)
  • Power Concrete Curing Machine Operator
  • Power Concrete Saw Operator
  • Power - Driver Jumbo Form Setter Operator
  • Power Sweeper Operator
  • Rock Wheel Saw/Trencher
  • Roller Operator (compacting)
  • Screed Operator (asphalt or concrete)
  • Trenching Machine Operator (up to 6 ft.)
  • Vacuum or Muck Truck
$66.96 $39.35 $106.31 $139.79 SC-23-63-2-2026-2
TUNNEL (OPERATING ENGINEER) #: Group 4
2 jobs in this group
  • Dinkey Locomotive or Motorman (up to and including 10 tons)
  • Rodman
$67.46 $39.35 $106.81 $140.54 SC-23-63-2-2026-2C
TUNNEL (OPERATING ENGINEER) #: Group 5
7 jobs in this group
  • Bit Sharpener
  • Equipment Greaser (Grease Truck)
  • Instrumentman
  • Slip Form Pump Operator (power driven hydraulic lifting device for concrete forms)
  • Tugger Hoist Operator (1 drum)
  • Tunnel Locomotive Operator (over 10 and up to and including 30 tons)
  • Welder-General
$67.68 $39.35 $107.03 $140.87 SC-23-63-2-2026-2C
Group 6
36 jobs in this group
  • Articulating Material Hauler
  • Asphalt Plant Engineer
  • Batch Plant Operator
  • Bit Sharpener
  • Concrete Joint Machine Operator (canal and similar type)
  • Concrete Placer Operator
  • Concrete Planer Operator
  • Dandy Digger
  • Deck Engine Operator
  • Deck Engineer
  • Derrickman (oilfield type)
  • Drilling Machine Operator, Bucket or Auger types (Calweld 100 bucker or similar types - Watson 1000 auger or similar types - Texoma 330, 500 or 600 auger or similar types - drilling depth of 45' maximum)
  • Drilling Machine Operator (including water wells)
  • Forced Feed Loader
  • Hydraulic Casing Oscillator Operator - drilling depth of 45' maximum
  • Hydro Seeder Machine Operator (straw, pulp or seed)
  • Jackson Track Maintainer, or similar type
  • Machine Tool Operator
  • Maginnis Internal Full Slab Vibrator
  • Mechanical Berm, Curb or Gutter (concrete or asphalt)
  • Mechanical Finisher Operator (concrete, Clary- Johnson-Bidwell or similar types)
  • Micro Tunnel System Operator (below ground)
  • Pavement Breaker Operator
  • Railcar Mover
  • Road Oil Mixing Machine Operator
  • Roller Operator (asphalt or finish)
  • Rubber-Tired Earthmoving Equipment (single engine, up to and including 25 yds. struck)
  • Self-Propelled Tar Pipelining Machine Operator
  • Skiploader Operator (crawler and wheel type, over ¾ yds. and up to and including 1½ yds.)
  • Slip Form Pump Operator (power driven hydraulic lifting device for concrete forms)
  • Tractor Operator - Bulldozer, Tamper-Scraper (single engine, up to 100 H.P. flyweel and similar types, up to and including D-5 and similar types)
  • Tugger Hoist Operator (1 drum)
  • Ultra High Pressure Waterjet Cutting Tool System Operator
  • Vacuum Blasting Machine Operator
  • Volumetric Mixer Operator
  • Welder - General
$67.18 $39.35 $106.53 $140.12 SC-23-63-2-2026-2
TUNNEL (OPERATING ENGINEER) #: Group 6
14 jobs in this group
  • Backhoe Operator (up and including 3/4 yd.) Small Ford, Case or similar types
  • Drill Doctor
  • Grouting Machine Operator
  • Heading Shield Operator
  • Heavy Duty Repairman
  • Jumbo Pipe Carrier
  • Loader Operator (Athey, Euclid, Sierra and similar types)
  • Mucking Machine Operator (1/4 yd rubber tired, rail or track type)
  • Pneumatic Concrete Placing Machine Operator (Hackley-Presswell or similar type)
  • Pneumatic Heading Shield (Tunnel)
  • Pumpcrete Gun Operator
  • Tractor Compressor Drill Combination Operator
  • Tugger Hoist Operator (2 drum)
  • Tunnel Locomotive Operator (over 30 tons)
$67.79 $39.35 $107.14 $141.035SC-23-63-2-2026-2C
TUNNEL (OPERATING ENGINEER) #: Group 7
1 job in this group
  • Heavy Duty Repairman-Welder Combination
$67.91 $39.35 $107.26 $141.215SC-23-63-2-2026-2C
Group 8
61 jobs in this group
  • Allroad Mobile Timber Harvester (Albach or similar types)
  • Asphalt or Concrete Spreading Operator (tamping or finishing)
  • Asphalt Paving Machine Operator (barber greene or similar type, one (1) Screedman)
  • Asphalt-Rubber Distributor Operator
  • Backhoe Operator (up to and including ¾ yds.) small ford, case or similar types
  • Backhoe Operator (over ¾ yd. and up to 5 cu. yds. M.R.C.)
  • Barrier Rail Mover (BTM Series 200 or similar types)
  • Cast in Place Pipe Laying Machine Operator
  • Cold Foamed Asphalt Recycler
  • Combination Mixer and Compressor Operator (gunite work)
  • Compactor Operator - Self Propelled
  • Concrete Mixer Operator - Paving
  • Crushing Plant Operator
  • Drill Doctor
  • Drilling Machine Operator, Bucket or Auger types (Calweld 150 bucker or similar types - Watson 1500, 2000, 2500 auger or similar types - Texoma 700, 800 auger or similar types - drilling depth of 60' maximum)
  • Elevating Grader Operator
  • Excavator Track/Rubber-Tired with all attachments (Operating Weight 21,000 lbs - 100,000 lbs)
  • Global Positioning System/GPS (or Technician)
  • Grade Checker
  • Gradall Operator
  • Grouting Machine Operator
  • Heavy Duty Repairman/Pump Installer
  • Heavy Equipment Robotics Operator
  • Hydraulic Casing Oscillator Operator - drilling depth of 60' maximum
  • Hydraulic Operated Grout Plant (excludes hand loading)
  • Kalamazoo Ballast Regulator or similar type
  • Kalamazoo Switch Tamper, or similar type
  • Klemm Drill Operator or similar types
  • Kolman Belt Loader and similar type
  • Le Tourneau Blob Compactor or similar type
  • Lo Drill
  • Loader Operator (Athey, Euclid, Sierra and similar types)
  • Master Environmental Maintenance Mechanic
  • Mobark Chipper or similar types
  • Ozzie Padder or similar types
  • P.C. 490 Slot Saw
  • Pneumatic Concrete Placing Machine Operator (Hackley-Presswell or similar type)
  • Prentice 721E Hydro-Ax
  • Pumpcrete Gun Operator
  • Rail Tie Crane (Kershaw or similar types)
  • Rock Drill or Similar Types (see Miscellaneous Provision #4 for additional information regarding this classification)
  • Rotary Drill Operator (excluding caison type)
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator (single engine, caterpillar, euclid, athey wagon, and similar types with any and all attachments over 25 yds. and up to and including 50 cu yds. struck)
  • Rubber-Tired Earth Moving Equipment Operator (multiple engine - up to and including 25 yds. struck)
  • Rubber-Tired Scraper Operator (self-loading paddle wheel type - John Deere, 1040 and similar single unit)
  • Self-Propelled Curb and Gutter Machine Operator
  • Shuttle Buggy
  • Skiploader Operator (crawler and wheel type over 1 ½ yds. up to and including 6 ½ yds.)
  • Soil Remediation Plant Operator (CMI, Envirotech or Similar types)
  • Soil Stabilizer and Reclaimer (WR-2400)
  • Somero SXP Laser Screed
  • Speed Swing Operator
  • Surface Heaters and Planer Operator
  • Tractor Compressor Drill Combination Operator
  • Tractor Operator (any type larger than D-5 - 100 flyweel H.P. and over, or similar types - bulldozer, tamper, scraper and push tractor, single engine)
  • Tractor Operator (boom attachments)
  • Traveling Pipe Wrapping, Cleaning and Bending Machine Operator)
  • Trenching Machine Operator (over 6 ft. depth capacity, manufacturer's rating)
  • Trenching Machine with Road Miner Attachment (over 6ft. depth capacity, manufacturer's rating - Oiler or Journeyman Trainee required)
  • Ultra High Pressure Waterjet Cutting Tool System Mechanic
  • Water Pull (compaction)
$67.29 $39.35 $106.64 $140.285SC-23-63-2-2026-2
TUNNEL (OPERATING ENGINEER) #: Group 8
1 job in this group
  • Party Chief
$69.26 $39.35 $108.61 $143.24 SC-23-63-2-2026-2C
TUNNEL (OPERATING ENGINEER) #: Group 9
1 job in this group
  • Tunnel Mole Boring Machine Operator
$68.21 $39.35 $107.56 $141.665SC-23-63-2-2026-2C
Landfill Worker (Operating Engineer): Heavy Duty Repairman and/or Welder$40.75 $16.75 $57.50 $70.775SC-63-12-41-2025-1
Landfill Worker (Operating Engineer): Laborer/Spotter$23.60 $10.51 $34.11 $39.47 SC-63-12-41-2025-1
Landscape Operating Engineer#: Landscape Operating Engineer: Backhoe Operators; Skidsteer; Forklifts-Tree Planting Equipment (jobsite); HDR Welder-Landscape, Irrigation, Operating Engineers' Equipment; Mulching Tractors; Roller Operators; Rubber-tired & Track Earthmoving Equipment; Skiploader Operators; Trencher-31 horsepower and up$55.51 $35.05 $90.56 $118.315SC-63-12-33-2026-2
Landfill Worker (Operating Engineer): PM Tech$33.50 $16.47 $49.97 $59.90 SC-63-12-41-2025-1

Davis-Bacon operating engineer rates in these counties

The counties share DIR's rates, but not always the same federal wage determination. When a California awarding body runs a federally funded or assisted project, DIR's rates must be paid where they are higher than the Davis-Bacon rates (DIR public works FAQ).

CountyFederal classificationBase + fringeWDvs DIR
Imperial CountyFederal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match
Inyo CountyFederal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match
Kern CountyFederal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match
Los Angeles CountyFederal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match
Mono CountyFederal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match
Orange CountyFederal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match
Riverside CountyFederal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match
San Bernardino CountyFederal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match
San Luis Obispo CountyFederal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match
Santa Barbara CountyFederal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match
Ventura CountyFederal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match

How Southern California compares

The main operating engineer rate in every county that has one, and how the pay splits here and in the nearest counties. All bars use the same scale.

Every county in California

$103.71San Diego$108.51Alameda
Los AngelesNearby: Imperial $103.75, Inyo $103.75, Kern $103.75, Mono $103.75, Orange $103.75, Riverside $103.75, San Bernardino $103.75, San Luis Obispo $103.75, Santa Barbara $103.75, Ventura $103.75Each column is a group of counties with about the same main rate; its height is how many. 46 counties pay more than Los Angeles, 10 the same, 1 less.

Base wage and fringe benefits, nearby

  1. Southern Californiabase $64.40$103.75
  2. Ventura Countybase $64.40$103.75
  3. Orange Countybase $64.40$103.75
  4. San Diego Countybase $62.40$103.71

Which county is in which operating engineer group

Every California county with a operating engineer rate. Counties DIR treats alike share one page; the rest have their own. You pay the rate for the county where the work is done, even if your shop is somewhere else.

CountiesMain classificationBase wageTotal rate
Sacramento County group, 12 counties: Butte, Kings, Merced, Napa, Sacramento, San Benito, San Joaquin, Santa Cruz, Stanislaus, Sutter, Yolo, YubaGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Santa Clara County group, 7 counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, SolanoGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Alpine CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Amador CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Calaveras CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Colusa CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Del Norte CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
El Dorado CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Fresno CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Glenn CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Humboldt CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Lake CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Lassen CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Madera CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Mariposa CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Mendocino CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Modoc CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Monterey CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Nevada CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Placer CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Plumas CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Shasta CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Sierra CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Siskiyou CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Sonoma CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Tehama CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Trinity CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Tulare CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Tuolumne CountyGroup 1$72.22 $108.51 
Southern California, 11 counties: Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, VenturaGroup 1$64.40 $103.75 
San Diego CountyGroup 1$62.40 $103.71 

3 groups of counties with identical DIR rates, and 28 counties with rates of their own.

California operating engineer prevailing wage by county, with a map

Footnotes on this rate

DIR's footnotes, in DIR's words. Several change the rate itself: zone pay, a percentage added to the total, or which overtime hours get which rate.

DIR's other marks: # means an apprenticeable craft, * means in effect until superseded, ** means the next rate is already set.

More from DIR on this rate

Every trade's rates, county by county: Imperial · Inyo · Kern · Los Angeles · Mono · Orange · Riverside · San Bernardino · San Luis Obispo · Santa Barbara · Ventura

Are you being paid this rate?

Add your hourly wage to what your employer pays into health, pension and other plans for you, and compare it with $103.75. Plan payments only count if the money goes into the plan; your pay stub won't show them, but plan statements will. The training amount goes to the California Apprenticeship Council or an apprenticeship program, not to you. Check a week of pay.

Contractors on most public works jobs file certified payroll with the state, and anyone can look it up in DIR's CPR public search. If your total comes up short, you can file a public works complaint with the California Labor Commissioner.

Source

California Department of Industrial Relations, general prevailing wage determination SC-23-63-2-2026-2, page 1: www.dir.ca.gov/oprl/2026-2/PWD/Determinations/Southern/SC-023-63-2.pdf

Each figure is copied from DIR's file and checked by a second, separate reader. How we check · How to read a determination · Download every California rate as CSV · Report an error