Average Machinists Salary in California
Machinists in California earn an average annual salary of $60,050, surpassing the national average of $57,000. This elevated compensation is often a reflection of California's robust industrial sectors and the specialized skills required for precision manufacturing within the state's dynamic economy.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $86,060.
- Outlook: California boasts a substantial workforce of 21,580 Machinists, indicating a significant presence in the state's employment landscape. While the Location Quotient of 0.62 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the sheer volume of jobs per 1,000 workers (1.195) points to consistent demand for skilled professionals in this field across various industries.
Salary Overview
The average Machinists in California earns+5.4%above the national average.
$28.9
$1,155
$5,004
Machinists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past four years, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Machinists in California have experienced steady growth, mirroring broader economic trends and increasing demand for skilled labor. Factors such as technological advancements in manufacturing and a persistent need for precision components likely contribute to an upward trajectory in earning potential for these essential workers.
Machinists Salary Distribution in California
The career path for Machinists typically involves significant salary progression based on experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but with accumulated expertise, advanced certifications, and proficiency in complex machinery, senior Machinists can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their increased value and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,370 | $17.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $45,038 | $21.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $56,220 | $27 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $75,063 | $36.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $86,060 | $41.4 |
Detailed Machinists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,357
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the nominal salary of $60,050 appears attractive, California's Cost of Living Index stands at 138.5, significantly above the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Machinist's salary in California is considerably less than in more affordable regions, requiring careful financial planning to maintain a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
21,580
Total Jobs
1.195
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
California has 0.62x the national average concentration of Machinists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.62 indicates that the proportion of Machinists employed in California is lower than the national average relative to the overall workforce. This suggests that while the state employs a large number of Machinists, the market may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals, though competition can still be present.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Machinists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Visalia, CA Machinists Salary | $50,380↓ 16% | 25 mi |
| Fresno, CA Machinists Salary | $52,090↓ 13% | 46 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Machinists Salary | $59,610↓ 1% | 64 mi |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Machinists Salary | $69,650↑ 16% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Machinistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Machinists make in California?
The median annual salary for a Machinists in California is $60,050. This typically ranges from $36,370 for entry-level positions to $86,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 5.4% higher than the national median of $57,000.
Is California a lucrative place for Machinists?
Yes, but with caveats.California offers a higher average salary for Machinists compared to the national average. However, this is significantly offset by the state's substantially higher cost of living, impacting real disposable income.
Is California a good place to live for Machinists?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Visalia, CA ($50,380) and Fresno, CA.
What is the average hourly wage for a Machinist in California?
Based on the average annual salary of $60,050, the estimated average hourly wage for a Machinist in California is approximately $28.87, assuming a standard 40-hour work week.
How does experience affect a Machinist's salary in California?
Experience is a key driver of salary for Machinists in California. Entry-level positions typically earn less, while senior Machinists with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper salary percentiles.
Are there many Machinist jobs in California?
Yes, California has a substantial workforce of 21,580 Machinists, with 1.195 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a notable presence and demand for these roles within the state's economy.
Is the cost of living high for Machinists in California?
The cost of living in California is considerably high, with an index of 138.5, which is 38.5% above the national average. This means that the $60,050 salary may not stretch as far as it would in lower-cost states.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 21,580 employees in the California area with a job density of 1.195 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Machinists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in California
- All Occupations Salary in California
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in California
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in California
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in California
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in California
- Management Occupations Salary in California
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in California
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in California
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in California
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in California
- Browse All Jobs in California →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Machinists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California