As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Technician in California is $55,778 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Machine Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Machine Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $62,410 | $5,201 | $1,200 | $30 |
| Average | $55,778 | $4,648 | $1,073 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,742 | $4,229 | $976 | $24 |
Karman Space & Defense - South El Monte, CA
Fitness Machine Technicians - Burbank, CA
Georg Fischer - Irvine, CA
Sorenson Engineering Inc. - Yucaipa, CA
A Machine Technician'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 Technician'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 Technician | $55,402 |
| Intermediate Level Machine Technician | $56,471 |
| Senior Level Machine Technician | $57,460 |
| Specialist Level Machine Technician | $57,757 |
| Expert Level Machine Technician | $57,955 |
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 Technicians. 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 Technician'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 | $62,410 | $5,201 | $1,200 | $30 |
| Average | $55,778 | $4,648 | $1,073 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,742 | $4,229 | $976 | $24 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Machine Technician, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Equipment Technician | $77,320 | 39% |
| Laser Technician | $59,152 | 6% |
| Programmable Logic Controller Technician | $59,804 | 7% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Machine Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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