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Manufacturing Machine Operator Salary in California

How much does a Manufacturing Machine Operator make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Manufacturing Machine Operator in California is $50,731 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, a Manufacturing Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $61,016
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $45,816 to $56,115
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,341
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Manufacturing Machine Operator Salaries

A Manufacturing Machine 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.

How Experience Level Affects Manufacturing Machine Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Manufacturing Machine 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $45,292
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $50,336
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $57,117
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $61,363
  • Expert (over 8 years): $89,180
Levels Salary
Machine O... Level Manufacturing Machine Operator$45,292
Manufactu... Level Manufacturing Machine Operator$50,336
Machine O... Level Manufacturing Machine Operator$57,117
Machine O... Level Manufacturing Machine Operator$61,363
Machine O... Level Manufacturing Machine Operator$89,180
View as Graph

How Do Manufacturing Machine Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Manufacturing Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $50,925.
  • California: $50,731.
  • Massachusetts: $50,055.

Top Paying Cities for Manufacturing Machine Operators

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:

  • Los Angeles: $50,819
  • West Hollywood: $50,782
  • Dodgertown: $50,818

Manufacturing Machine Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Manufacturing Machine 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, Manufacturing Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Manufacturing Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Manufacturing Machine Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Media$65,951$32.030%
Insurance$63,414$30.025%
Construction$60,878$29.020%
Financial Services$58,341$28.015%
Aerospace & Defense$55,805$27.010%

Manufacturing Machine Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Manufacturing Machine 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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$45,816
Average $50,731/year
$56,115
$3,818
Average $4,228/month
$4,676
$881
Average $976/week
$1,079
$22
Average $24/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $56,115 $4,676 $1,079 $27
Average $50,731 $4,228 $976 $24
25th Percentile $45,816 $3,818 $881 $22

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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