CNC Machinist Salary in California (2025)
CNC Machinists in California earn a median salary of $64,000 per year, or $30.78/hr. The state has roughly 30,550 cnc machinist jobs with a projected growth rate of -2.0% over the next decade.
CNC Machinist Pay by Experience Level in California
Where you are in your career makes a big difference. Apprentices in California start lower but can expect significant raises as they move toward journeyman and master credentials.
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $18.47/hr | $38,400/yr |
| Journeyman | $30.78/hr | $64,000/yr |
| Master | $40.01/hr | $83,200/yr |
| Foreman | $43.09/hr | $89,600/yr |
Apprentice
Hourly
$18.47
Annual
$38,400
Journeyman
Hourly
$30.78
Annual
$64,000
Master
Hourly
$40.01
Annual
$83,200
Foreman
Hourly
$43.09
Annual
$89,600
Union vs. Non-Union CNC Machinist Pay in California
Union membership can have a major impact on your take-home pay in California. The numbers below compare average hourly rates for union and non-union cnc machinists in the state.
Union vs. Non-Union Pay
Average hourly rate for cnc machinists
Union cnc machinists earn $5.54/hr more (18.6% premium)
Highest-Paying Cities for CNC Machinists in California
Metro areas tend to pay more due to higher cost of living and greater demand. Here are the top-paying cities for cnc machinists in California.
| Rank | City / Metro Area | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | San Francisco | $35.40/hr | $73,600 |
| 🥈 | San Jose | $34.47/hr | $71,700 |
| 🥉 | Los Angeles | $33.24/hr | $69,100 |
| #4 | San Diego | $32.32/hr | $67,200 |
| #5 | Sacramento | $31.40/hr | $65,300 |
California vs. National Average
How does California stack up against the rest of the country? Here is a side-by-side look at average hourly pay for cnc machinists.
California vs. National Average
Average hourly rate comparison
California pays $6.78/hr more than the national average (+28.3%)
Overtime Earnings Potential
Many cnc machinists in California earn well above their base salary thanks to overtime. At the median rate of $30.78/hr, overtime pay (1.5x) works out to roughly $46.17/hr. Working just 10 hours of OT per week at that rate adds about $24,000 to your annual income.
Frequently Asked Questions
CNC Machinist salaries in California vary based on experience, certifications, and whether you work union or non-union. Entry-level cnc machinists typically earn around 60-70% of the median wage, while experienced professionals and those with master-level credentials can earn 25-50% above the median.
Entry-level cnc machinists in California typically start at the lower end of the pay range, which reflects apprentice or helper-level positions. As you gain experience and complete your training program, your pay increases significantly within the first 2-3 years.
Yes. Union cnc machinists earn 15-30% more per hour on average than their non-union counterparts. When you factor in benefits like pensions, healthcare, and annuity contributions, the total compensation gap is even wider. However, union availability varies significantly by region.
The path to becoming a fully qualified cnc machinist depends on the route you take. Apprenticeship programs typically last 3-5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trade school programs can be completed in 6-24 months, though you will still need field experience to reach journeyman level.
CNC Machinist work offers solid pay, strong job security, and doesn't require a four-year degree. The California job outlook shows steady demand, and the ongoing skilled labor shortage means qualified cnc machinists have strong bargaining power. The work can be physically demanding, but many professionals find the trade rewarding and well-compensated.
Certifications can significantly boost a cnc machinist's earning potential. Industry-recognized credentials, advanced specializations, and safety certifications all help you stand out to employers and command higher hourly rates. Master-level licenses typically result in the biggest pay increases.
Major metropolitan areas in California tend to pay cnc machinists 5-15% above the state average due to higher cost of living and greater demand. Check our city-level salary data for specific figures in your area.
Sources & Methodology
Salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. Data reflects May 2024 estimates, the most recent available. Figures represent base pay before overtime, bonuses, or benefits.