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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Machinist in California is $49,274 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, an Entry Level Machinist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Entry Level Machinist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $52,866 | $4,405 | $1,017 | $25 |
| Average | $49,274 | $4,106 | $948 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,873 | $3,739 | $863 | $22 |
Precision Castparts Corp - Santa Clarita, CA
Precision Castparts - Valencia, CA
Precision Castparts - Ontario, CA
Precision Castparts Corp - Ontario, CA
An Entry Level 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 Entry Level 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Lev... Level Entry Level Machinist | $49,580 |
| Machinist... Level Entry Level Machinist | $63,224 |
| Machinist... Level Entry Level Machinist | $70,917 |
| Machinist... Level Entry Level Machinist | $79,108 |
| Machine S... Level Entry Level Machinist | $70,848 |
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 Entry Level 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 Entry Level Machinist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Entry Level Machinist positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Machinist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $59,129 | $28.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Entry Level 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 | $52,866 | $4,405 | $1,017 | $25 |
| Average | $49,274 | $4,106 | $948 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,873 | $3,739 | $863 | $22 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Level Machinist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Mar-Val Food Stores
Lodi, CA
Mar-Val Food Stores | Lodi, CA
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San Mateo, CA
Careers Integrated Resources Inc | San Mateo, CA
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KPFF Consulting Engineers
Irvine, CA
KPFF Consulting Engineers | Irvine, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Company Description. At. KPFF Consulting Engineers. we are more than just an. engineering design firm. For over. 60 years... more
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KPFF Consulting Engineers
Los Angeles, CA
KPFF Consulting Engineers | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Company Description. At. KPFF Consulting Engineers. we are more than just an. engineering design firm. For over. 60 years... more
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Careers Integrated Resources Inc
West Sacramento, CA
Careers Integrated Resources Inc | West Sacramento, CA
Entry Level - Production Technician. This Production Technician will perform a variety of assignments within a manufacturing environment. These assignments... more
10 Days Ago
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