California ranks 23rd of 50 states and D.C. for sewing machine operators pay, trailing top-paying Alaska ($42,800) by $5,790 — a 16% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $34,510 to $48,090 — a $13,580 spread, 33% tighter than the national $20,200 range.
California employs roughly 13.5% of all sewing machine operators in the country (14,780 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $34,510 | $16.59 |
| 25th percentile | $35,520 | $17.08 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $37,010 | $17.79 |
| 75th percentile | $42,180 | $20.28 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $48,090 | $23.12 |
| Mean (average) | $39,930 | $19.20 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $37,010 | n/a |
| Alaska | $42,800 | +16% |
| Washington | $41,530 | +12% |
| New Hampshire | $41,410 | +12% |
| Rhode Island | $41,290 | +12% |
| Nevada | $40,550 | +10% |
| Minnesota | $40,510 | +9% |
| Massachusetts | $40,370 | +9% |
| Maine | $40,170 | +9% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $37,010 | 438,950 |
| Animal Caretakers | $37,200 | 26,200 |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | $36,790 | 7,740 |
| Retail Salespersons | $37,250 | 352,860 |
| Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | $36,740 | 22,630 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $37,300 | 48,280 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Sewing Machine Operators salary in California?
The mean sewing machine operators salary in California is $39,930 per year. The median (middle) salary is $37,010 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Sewing Machine Operators in California?
Entry-level sewing machine operatorss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $34,510 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $35,520 per year.
What is the highest Sewing Machine Operators salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $48,090 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $42,180 per year.
How does the California Sewing Machine Operators salary compare to the national average?
The median sewing machine operators salary in California is $37,010, which is +3% above national average of $36,000.