Machinists Salary in California
Machinists in California earn a median of $57,190 a year, −3% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $57,190
- vs. U.S. median
- −3% ($58,750)
- Rank among states
- 37 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 18,950
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $37,440; the top 10% earn over $88,280. Nationally the range is $39,200 to $80,010.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$56,510 median in California
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$59,050 median in California
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers$46,810 median in California
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$49,080 median in California
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$47,240 median in California
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics$74,400 median in California
Machinists pay in California
How much do machinists make in California?
The median is $57,190 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $37,440 and the top 10% earn over $88,280. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for machinists?
On pay alone it ranks 37 of 51 (−3% vs. the national median of $58,750). Living costs are not included.