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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Milling Operator in California is $49,238 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Milling Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Milling Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $54,230 | $4,519 | $1,043 | $26 |
| Average | $49,238 | $4,103 | $947 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,901 | $3,658 | $844 | $21 |
Fairway Staffing Solutions - Cypress, CA
Tate & Lyle - San Diego, CA
Siouxland Community Health Center - SIOUX CITY, IA
Greenfield Milling - FEDERAL HEIGHTS, CO
A Milling Operator'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 Milling Operator'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 |
|---|---|
| Machine O... Level Milling Operator | $45,305 |
| Milling O... Level Milling Operator | $50,350 |
| Machine O... Level Milling Operator | $57,129 |
| Machine O... Level Milling Operator | $61,388 |
| Machine O... Level Milling Operator | $89,190 |
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 Milling Operators. 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:
For Milling Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Milling Operator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Milling Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | $64,009 | $31.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $61,547 | $30.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $59,085 | $28.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $56,623 | $27.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $54,162 | $26.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Milling Operator'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 | $54,230 | $4,519 | $1,043 | $26 |
| Average | $49,238 | $4,103 | $947 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,901 | $3,658 | $844 | $21 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Milling Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Greenfield Milling
RICHMOND, UT
Greenfield Milling | RICHMOND, UT
Greenfield Milling TITLE Production Operator I Job Location Richmond, UT 84333 Position Type Full Time Education Level High School Salary Range $19.50 - $1... more
8 Days Ago
Greenfield Milling
HEREFORD, TX
Greenfield Milling
DAWN, TX
SJ Mobilita
BERLIN, CT
SJ Mobilita | BERLIN, CT
Position : CNC Milling Machinist Shift : 2nd Hours : 3PM - 11PM Type : Full-Time Mode : Direct Placement Pay Scale : $33-38/hr Industry : Manufacturing Our... more
14 Days Ago
Metron Machining
DENVER, CO
Metron Machining | DENVER, CO
At a glance Company: Metron Machining Location: Lakewood, Colorado 80228 Pay: $33–$37/hr DOE. up to $40/hr for a highly qualified second-shift machinist Jo... more
9 Days Ago
Kinetic Engine Systems
SOUTHWICK, MA
Kinetic Engine Systems | SOUTHWICK, MA
At a Glance Company: Tell Tool Operations (Kinetic Engine Systems) Location: Westfield, MA (On-site) Job Type: Full-Time Pay Range: $26.10 – $37.00 per hou... more
8 Days Ago
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