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Machinists Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Machinists make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$57,190
Median Annual Salary
▲
+1.7% vs 2024
$61,380
Mean Salary
$57,190
Median Salary
$27.50
Hourly Rate
18,950 people work as Machinists in California
Machinists salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Machinists in California earn a median salary of $57,190 per year ($4,765/month).
This is 3.8% below the national average of $59,437.
California ranks #37 out of 51 states for Machinists pay.
Approximately 18,950 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 1.7% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Machinists
Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
Top Skills
Operation and Control
3.25
Critical Thinking
3.12
Monitoring
3.12
Operations Monitoring
3.12
Active Listening
3.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Mathematics
3.47
Mechanical
3.3
Production and Processing
3.26
Design
3.01
Engineering and Technology
2.7
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(35.9% of workers)
Salaries for Machinists in California range from $37,440 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $88,280 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $46,360 and $74,210.
Median $57,190
P10: $37,440P25: $46,360P75: $74,210P90: $88,280
10th
$37,440
25th
$46,360
Median
$57,190
75th
$74,210
90th
$88,280
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$37,440
$18.00
$3,120
25th Percentile
$46,360
$22.29
$3,863
Median (50th)
$57,190
$27.50
$4,765
75th Percentile
$74,210
$35.68
$6,184
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$88,280
$42.44
$7,356
Note: The mean (average) salary of $61,380 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Machinists in California is $57,190 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $61,380.
What is the salary range for a Machinists in California?
Salaries for Machinists in California range from $37,440 at the 10th percentile to $88,280 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $46,360 and $74,210.
What is the starting salary for a Machinists in California?
Entry-level Machinists positions in California typically start around $37,440 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $46,360 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Machinists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 18,950 people are employed as Machinists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Machinists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Machinists in California is approximately $27.50 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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