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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Outside Machinist in California is $64,148 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.
However, an Outside Machinist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Outside Machinist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $70,652 | $5,888 | $1,359 | $34 |
| Average | $64,148 | $5,346 | $1,234 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,196 | $4,766 | $1,100 | $27 |
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An Outside Machinist'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 an Outside Machinist'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 |
|---|---|
| Machinist... Level Outside Machinist | $51,441 |
| Outside M... Level Outside Machinist | $65,597 |
| Machinist... Level Outside Machinist | $73,579 |
| Machinist... Level Outside Machinist | $82,078 |
| Machine S... Level Outside Machinist | $73,508 |
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 Outside Machinists. 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 Outside Machinist 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 Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Outside Machinist positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Outside Machinist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $76,978 | $37.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $73,771 | $35.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $73,771 | $35.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $71,846 | $35.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $70,563 | $34.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Outside Machinist'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 | $70,652 | $5,888 | $1,359 | $34 |
| Average | $64,148 | $5,346 | $1,234 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,196 | $4,766 | $1,100 | $27 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Outside Machinist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Talent Source International
San Diego, CA
Talent Source International | San Diego, CA
About the job Outside MachinistNavy Machinist Mates highly encouraged to apply.EPA certification highly preferred.Marine Hydraulics or Marine Refrigeration... more
6 Days Ago
Aerotek
San Diego, CA
Aerotek | San Diego, CA
Marine Mechanic - Career Opportunity - San Diego, CAJob DescriptionWe are seeking a skilled marine mechanic capable of performing installation, maintenance... more
6 Days Ago
Craft & Technical Solutions
San Diego, CA
Craft & Technical Solutions | San Diego, CA
Craft and Technical Solutions is an established Marine and Industrial Staffing Company with offices all over the country. We partner with businesses as wel... more
6 Days Ago
BAE Systems USA
San Diego, CA
BAE Systems USA | San Diego, CA
Job DescriptionWhat's it like working for a company that delivers life-saving products and services to our nation's military. Humbling. As part of our Ship... more
6 Days Ago
Epsilon Systems
National City, CA
Epsilon Systems | National City, CA
Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc. is currently seeking a full-time Outside Machinist I in National City, CA.Summary:Under immediate supervision, installs new... more
6 Days Ago
NASSCO
Chula Vista, CA
NASSCO | Chula Vista, CA
Job Posting End Date. Until filled. Shift. ALL. Security Clearance. No Clearance. Job Summary. Installs, maintains, and repairs ship's propulsion and auxil... more
20 Days Ago
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