Post job

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) salary estimate

$82,059yearly

$39.45 hourly rate

Entry-level salary
$62,000 yearly salary
Updated December 15, 2025

Understanding Salaries at Caltrans

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) provides a diverse array of job opportunities, with an average annual salary of $82,059. Salaries vary significantly based on roles, with the highest paying positions typically found in engineering and IT departments. For instance, engineering roles often command higher compensation due to their specialized nature. Additionally, the supply chain management team offers competitive salaries, reflecting the demand for expertise in this area.

By examining the salary estimates and departmental pay scales, prospective employees can better assess their earning potential. The department's commitment to transparency allows candidates to make informed decisions about their career paths. Understanding these factors can lead to a more strategic approach when seeking employment at Caltrans.

Highest paying jobs at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

The highest paying jobs at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are information technology supervisor, information technology, civil transportation engineer, information technology specialist, and civil engineer. Information technology supervisor, information technology jobs at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) earn an average yearly salary of $91,866, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) civil transportation engineer jobs average $88,247, and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) information technology specialist jobs average $87,558.

The lowest paying California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) roles include student assistant and environmental planner. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) student assistant average salary is $26,626 per year. So while the average California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) salary is $82,059 there is a big variation in pay depending on the role.

Highest paying jobs at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

RankJob titleAverage California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) salaryHourly rate
1Information Technology Supervisor, Information Technology$91,866$44.17
2Civil Transportation Engineer$88,247$42.43
3Information Technology Specialist$87,558$42.10
4Civil Engineer$85,603$41.16
5Project Manager$76,975$37.01
6Transportation Planner$75,521$36.31
7Environmental Planner$74,088$35.62
8Student Assistant$26,626$12.80

Rate the fairness of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)'s compensation policies.

Zippia waving zebra

Do you work at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)?

Were you satisfied with California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)'s salary and benefits?

How much does California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) pay by department?

Best paying California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) engineering salaries

RankPositionAverage California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) salaryHourly rate
1Civil Transportation Engineer$88,247$42.43
2Environmental Planner$74,088$35.62

Best paying California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) supply chain salaries

RankPositionAverage California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) salaryHourly rate
1Transportation Planner$75,521$36.31
2Transportation Analyst$64,566$31.04

Best paying California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) IT salaries

RankPositionAverage California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) salaryHourly rate
1Information Technology Supervisor, Information Technology$91,866$44.17
2Information Systems Analyst$89,017$42.80
3Information Technology Specialist$87,558$42.10
4Information Systems Administrator$82,255$39.55
5Lead Help Desk Technician$54,149$26.03

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) competitors’ average salaries

Average salaries at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) competitors, like D&B; Engineers and Architects, Lsa Associates, Inc., and Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, vary. D&B; Engineers and Architects employees earn the highest salaries, with an average yearly salary of $64,572. The average salary at Lsa Associates, Inc. is $63,081 per year, and the average salary at Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County is $57,223 per year.

Highest paying California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) competitors

Recently added California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) salaries

JobLocationDate addedSalary
Transportation Engineer (Civil)San Diego, CA03/12/2025$86,544
Transportation Engineer (Civil)Marysville, CA03/12/2025$103,644
Transportation Engineer (Civil)Sacramento, CA03/11/2025$86,544
Transportation Engineer (Civil)Monterey, CA03/10/2025$75,588
Transportation Engineer (Civil)San Luis Obispo, CA03/10/2025$86,544

What employees say about salary at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

Employee reviews
profile
3.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2023
Cons of working at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

Depending on the director you work for, you aren't allowed a flexible schedule. You must work the hours they designate. If you offer it to one division, it should be fairly offered to all.

Pros of working at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

busy schedule, some telework, 2 days in office requirement,

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) benefits

telework

What do you like best about California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)'s CEO and the leadership team?

The Director is fair and speaks eloquently.

How would you improve California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)'s culture?

Start with ensuring that deputies are following the Directors lead and not forcing good people to leave jobs with undue stress.

How did you prepare for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) interview?

Prep work of agency, employees and work environment. found out mission, vision, and goals of agency, etc.

How does your compensation at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) compare to the industry average?

As of late, it is lacking because we need workers. Staff leave for better pay with the city and county after they train with us. its hard to compete with that.

What's the diversity at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) like?

some demographics can increase. but most are represented well

What brings you the most joy at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)?

Honesty and integrity.

Is this useful?
profile
3.0
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2023
Pros of working at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

The creative problem solving

Cons of working at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

The politics and high stress

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) benefits

The ability to learn

Is this useful?
profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023
Pros of working at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

The type of work we do for the people of California.

Cons of working at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

The Engineering culture is very dominating.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) benefits

The pension is the best perk.

Is this useful?
profile
3.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2022
Pros of working at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

Adventure and travel,busy work schedule

Cons of working at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

Low Wages,

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) benefits

Newer Modern Equipment ,etc.

Is this useful?
Work at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)? Share your experience

Frequently asked questions about California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) salaries

Search for jobs

Zippia gives an in-depth look into the details of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), including salaries, political affiliations, employee data, and more, in order to inform job seekers about California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The employee data is based on information from people who have self-reported their past or current employments at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The data on this page is also based on data sources collected from public and open data sources on the Internet and other locations, as well as proprietary data we licensed from other companies. Sources of data may include, but are not limited to, the BLS, company filings, estimates based on those filings, H1B filings, and other public and private datasets. While we have made attempts to ensure that the information displayed are correct, Zippia is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of this information. None of the information on this page has been provided or approved by California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The data presented on this page does not represent the view of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and its employees or that of Zippia.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) may also be known as or be related to California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).