Helpers--Production Workers Salary in California
In California, helpers--production workers earn $43,670 at the median — $21 an hour. The range runs from $35K at the entry level to $60K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $44K get you in California?
About helpers--production workers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level helpers--production workers (10th percentile) start around $35K. Mid-career wages sit at $44K.Top earners bring in $60K or more - a $25K spread from bottom to top.
Helpers--Production Workers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $46K | +22% | 280 |
| Iowa | $46K | +20% | 2,250 |
| North Dakota | $44K | +16% | 160 |
| Washington | $44K | +14% | 3,900 |
| Wisconsin | $44K | +14% | 4,300 |
| California | $44K | +14% | 18,450 |
| Alaska | $43K | +13% | 150 |
| Maryland | $43K | +12% | 1,620 |
| Hawaii | $43K | +12% | 200 |
| Minnesota | $42K | +11% | 3,040 |
| Montana | $42K | +10% | 190 |
| Maine | $42K | +10% | 550 |
| New York | $41K | +9% | 4,590 |
| Oregon | $41K | +8% | 2,760 |
| West Virginia | $40K | +6% | 650 |
Track helpers--production workers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
Related careers in Production & Manufacturing
Frequently asked questions
How much do helpers--production workers make in California?
The median is $43,670 a year - that works out to about $21 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $35,490, and experienced helpers--production workers can clear $60,330. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $44K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,017/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 73% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a helpers--production workers salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median helpers--production workers salary is worth about $43,670 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do helpers--production workers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.