Skip to content
AffordMap
Transportation · California

How to Become a Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers in California

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers in California earn a median salary of $51,350/year, which is 14% below the national average. California has a state income tax of ~2.7%. After taxes and rent, a pump operators, except wellhead pumpers takes home approximately $2,082/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$51K
Median salary in California
-14%
vs. national average
2.7%
State income tax
1,270
Employed in California

What a pump operators, except wellhead pumpers can afford in California

Gross annual salary$51,350
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 2.7% state tax)$3,494/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home40.4% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$51,350/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,082/mo

Becoming a pump operators, except wellhead pumpers in California

1

Meet education requirements

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers positions in California typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many pump operators, except wellhead pumpers positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for pump operators, except wellhead pumperss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 1,270 pump operators, except wellhead pumpers. The highest concentrations are in Santa Rosa-Petaluma and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$61K$29.17/hr40
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$59K$28.55/hr140
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$53K$25.69/hr220
Visalia$48K$23.07/hr70
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$38K$18.37/hr

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$36K
25th percentile
$40K
Median (50th)
$51K
75th percentile
$63K
90th percentile (senior)
$83K
View jobs for Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers
Currently hiring in California
View →
More openings for Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers
Currently hiring in California
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full pump operators, except wellhead pumpers salary breakdown in California
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in California
After federal + 2.7% state tax
Calculate →
Compare California cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a pump operators, except wellhead pumpers make in California?

The median pump operators, except wellhead pumpers salary in California is $51,350 per year ($24.69/hr). This is 14% below the national median of $60,020. Salaries range from $35,880 to $83,260.

What are the requirements to become a pump operators, except wellhead pumpers in California?

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers positions in California typically require No formal educational credential. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a pump operators, except wellhead pumpers afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $51,350, a pump operators, except wellhead pumpers in California would take home approximately $3,494/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 40.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for pump operators, except wellhead pumpers in California?

The highest paying metro areas for pump operators, except wellhead pumpers in California are Santa Rosa-Petaluma ($60,670), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($59,390), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim ($53,440). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for pump operators, except wellhead pumpers?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 2.7%. On a $51,350 salary, this means roughly $1,372/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.