How to Become a Machinists in California
Machinists in California earn a median salary of $56,220/year, which is 0% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~3.0%. After taxes and rent, a machinists takes home approximately $2,384/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a machinists can afford in California
Becoming a machinists in California
Meet education requirements
Machinists 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.
Gain required experience
Many machinists 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.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for machinistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 21,580 machinists. The highest concentrations are in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad.
Machinists salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $66K | $31.89/hr | 2,000 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $64K | $30.6/hr | 2,430 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $63K | $30.23/hr | 1,830 |
| Vallejo | $60K | $28.71/hr | 150 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $57K | $27.5/hr | 180 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $57K | $27.48/hr | 160 |
| Chico | $56K | $26.92/hr | 80 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $56K | $26.81/hr | 610 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $55K | $26.51/hr | 240 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $55K | $26.29/hr | 300 |
| Yuba City | $54K | $26.18/hr | 40 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $53K | $25.38/hr | 590 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $53K | $25.24/hr | 70 |
| Modesto | $52K | $24.84/hr | 120 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $51K | $24.33/hr | 8,820 |
Machinists salary range in California
Machinists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a machinists make in California?▼
The median machinists salary in California is $56,220 per year ($27.03/hr). This is 0% above the national median of $56,150. Salaries range from $36,370 to $86,060.
What are the requirements to become a machinists in California?▼
Machinists 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 machinists afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $56,220, a machinists in California would take home approximately $3,796/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 37.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for machinists in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for machinists in California are San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($66,320), San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad ($63,650), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($62,870). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for machinists?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.0%. On a $56,220 salary, this means roughly $1,664/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.