How much does a 12hr Machinist make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 12hr Machinist in California is $51,545 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

However, a 12hr Machinist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $59,510
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $47,615 to $55,714
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,037

Key Factors That Influence 12hr Machinist Salaries

A 12hr 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.

How Experience Level Affects 12hr Machinist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 12hr 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $50,676
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $64,629
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $72,498
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $80,862
  • Expert (over 8 years): $72,417
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
12hr Machinist less than 1 year $50,676
Machinist II 1-2 years $64,629
Machinist III 2-4 years $72,498
Machinist IV 5-8 years $80,862
Machine Shop Production Supervisor I over 8 years $72,417

Top Paying Cities for 12hr Machinist

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:

  • Los Angeles: $51,633
  • West Hollywood: $51,596
  • Dodgertown: $51,633

12hr Machinist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 12hr 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, 12hr Machinist positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 12hr Machinist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a 12hr Machinist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $61,853 $30.0 20%

12hr Machinist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 12hr 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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$47,615
Average $51,545/year
$55,714
$3,968
Average $4,295/month
$4,643
$916
Average $991/week
$1,071
$23
Average $25/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $55,714 $4,643 $1,071 $27
Average $51,545 $4,295 $991 $25
25th Percentile $47,615 $3,968 $916 $23

Find Your Next 12hr Machinist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 12hr Machinist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Express Employment Professionals Defunct | Benicia, CA

    Express Employment Professionals Defunct | Benicia, CA

    Job Full DescriptionBeniciaM- F OT & Weekends$30.00 - $45.00 DOEBenicia Company seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Manual Machinist to join their team. ... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Therm-x of California | Hayward, CA

    Therm-x of California | Hayward, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Therm-x of California is the leading manufacture for Advanced Temperature and Control Systems for Hi-Technology industrie... more

    4 Days Ago

  • CCS INC | Anaheim, CA

    CCS INC | Anaheim, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Bonus based on performance. Company parties. Competitive salary. Dental insurance. Free uniforms. Health insura... more

    4 Days Ago

  • HonorVet Technologies | Cypress, CA

    HonorVet Technologies | Cypress, CA

    Position:MachinistDuration:12months contract (high possibility of FTELocation:Cypress, CA, 90630Shift:They would start as (6:00 am-2:30 pm) and then once t... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Broadridge Financial Solutions , Inc. | El Dorado Hills, CA

    Broadridge Financial Solutions , Inc. | El Dorado Hills, CA

    At Broadridge, we've built a culture where the highest goal is to empower others to accomplish more. If you're passionate about developing your career, whi... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Belcan | Simi Valley, CA

    Belcan | Simi Valley, CA

    Machinist AJob Number:364344Category:Machinist/CNC OperatorDescription:Job Title:Machinist APay Rate:$27.50/hr ($25 10% shift differential)Location:Simi Va... more

    5 Days Ago

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