As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Operator I in California is $45,134 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Machine Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Machine Operator I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $48,589 | $4,049 | $934 | $23 |
| Average | $45,134 | $3,761 | $868 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,407 | $3,451 | $796 | $20 |
Greif, Inc. - Fontana, CA
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company - Palmdale, CA
Sanmina Corporation - Costa Mesa, CA
Flint Construction - Fremont, CA
A Machine Operator I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Machine Operator I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Machine Operator I | $44,856 |
| Intermediate Level Machine Operator I | $45,134 |
| Senior Level Machine Operator I | $45,753 |
| Specialist Level Machine Operator I | $46,165 |
| Expert Level Machine Operator I | $46,268 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Machine Operator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Machine Operator I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $48,589 | $4,049 | $934 | $23 |
| Average | $45,134 | $3,761 | $868 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,407 | $3,451 | $796 | $20 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Machine Operator I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Extrusion Operator, Sr. | $60,140 | 33% |
| Injection Molding Machine Operator II | $53,478 | 18% |
| Machine Operator II | $50,152 | 11% |
| Milling Machine Operator II | $63,515 | 41% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Machine Operator I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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