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Production & Manufacturing · California

How to Become a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in California earn a median salary of $47,660/year, which is 2% below the national average. California has a state income tax of ~2.4%. After taxes and rent, a lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic takes home approximately $1,853/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$48K
Median salary in California
-2%
vs. national average
2.4%
State income tax
2,330
Employed in California

What a lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic can afford in California

Gross annual salary$47,660
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 2.4% state tax)$3,265/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home43.2% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$47,660/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,853/mo

Becoming a lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in California

1

Meet education requirements

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 2,330 lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$59K$28.58/hr250
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$51K$24.42/hr190
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$48K$23.15/hr180
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$47K$22.39/hr1,100
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$46K$22.32/hr260
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$46K$21.91/hr40
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$42K$20.29/hr100

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$38K
25th percentile
$43K
Median (50th)
$48K
75th percentile
$60K
90th percentile (senior)
$73K
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Full lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary breakdown in California
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After federal + 2.4% state tax
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Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make in California?

The median lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary in California is $47,660 per year ($22.91/hr). This is 2% below the national median of $48,620. Salaries range from $38,350 to $72,680.

What are the requirements to become a lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in California?

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $47,660, a lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in California would take home approximately $3,265/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 43.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics in California?

The highest paying metro areas for lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($59,450), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($50,800), San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad ($48,150). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 2.4%. On a $47,660 salary, this means roughly $1,150/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.