California ranks 28th of 51 states and D.C. for machinists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($101,810) by $45,590 — a 81% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $36,370 to $86,060 — a $49,690 spread, 22% wider than the national $40,660 range.
Machinists are less concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.62 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.61× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $36,370 | $17.48 |
| 25th percentile | $44,770 | $21.53 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $56,220 | $27.03 |
| 75th percentile | $72,610 | $34.91 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $86,060 | $41.38 |
| Mean (average) | $60,050 | $28.87 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $56,220 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $101,810 | +81% |
| Hawaii | $77,060 | +37% |
| Alaska | $72,710 | +29% |
| Washington | $64,510 | +15% |
| Wyoming | $64,020 | +14% |
| Massachusetts | $62,420 | +11% |
| Oregon | $62,120 | +10% |
| New Jersey | $62,010 | +10% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo and Freight Agents | $56,100 | 14,940 |
| Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | $56,030 | 132,250 |
| Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters | $56,460 | 2,680 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $56,600 | 40,010 |
| Chemical Technicians | $56,620 | 6,480 |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | $56,820 | 16,040 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Machinists salary in California?
The mean machinists salary in California is $60,050 per year. The median (middle) salary is $56,220 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Machinists in California?
Entry-level machinistss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $36,370 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $44,770 per year.
What is the highest Machinists salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $86,060 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $72,610 per year.
How does the California Machinists salary compare to the national average?
The median machinists salary in California is $56,220, which is +0% above national average of $56,150.