Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary in Modesto, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Modesto, CA

Median annual salary $39,490 -7.3% vs national
Median hourly $18.98
10th percentile $37,260
90th percentile $53,180
Employed locally 280
National median $42,580

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Agricultural Equipment Operators
in
Modesto, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $37,260
    25th
    $38,380
    50th (median)
    $39,490
    75th
    $47,760
    90th
    $53,180

    Modesto economic context

    Unemployment rate 6.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $79,661 2023 • Census ACS
    Agricultural Equipment Operators salary vs area income 50% Median Agricultural Equipment Operators salary is 50% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Agricultural Equipment Operators

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area $61,580
    Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $54,380
    Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN $54,020
    Montana $53,900
    Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $53,510
    Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area $52,870

    Nearby metros — Agricultural Equipment Operators salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN $54,020
    Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $49,160
    Napa, CA $48,710
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $48,440
    Decatur, IL $47,030
    San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $45,030

    Related occupations in Modesto, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $38,750
    Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $36,870
    First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $58,590
    Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $37,720
    Agricultural Inspectors $69,910
    Agricultural Workers, All Other $45,900

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Agricultural Equipment Operators make per hour in Modesto?

    The median hourly wage for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Modesto, CA is $18.98, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $23.58 or more per hour.

    Is Modesto above or below average for Agricultural Equipment Operators salaries?

    The median Agricultural Equipment Operators salary in Modesto, CA is 7.3% below the national median of $42,580. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Modesto?

    Entry-level Agricultural Equipment Operators (10th percentile) earn around $37,260 per year in Modesto, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $38,380.