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Assembly Technician/Machine Operator Salary in California

How much does an Assembly Technician/Machine Operator make in California? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assembly Technician/Machine Operator in California is $51,427 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

However, an Assembly Technician/Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $62,295
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,618 to $57,116
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $42,239
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Assembly Technician/Machine Operator Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Assembly Technician/Machine Operator Salaries

An Assembly Technician/Machine Operator'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 Assembly Technician/Machine Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assembly Technician/Machine Operator'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): $46,873
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $50,241
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $57,014
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $61,240
  • Expert (over 8 years): $89,027
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Machine Operator I less than 1 year $46,873
Assembly Technician/Machine Operator 1-2 years $50,241
Machine Operator III 2-4 years $57,014
Machine Operator IV 5-8 years $61,240
Machine Operator Supervisor over 8 years $89,027

How Do Assembly Technician/Machine Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Assembly Technician/Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $51,622.
  • California: $51,427.
  • Massachusetts: $50,741.

Top Paying Cities for Assembly Technician/Machine Operator

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: $51,515
  • West Hollywood: $51,478
  • Dodgertown: $51,515

Assembly Technician/Machine Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assembly Technician/Machine Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Assembly Technician/Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assembly Technician/Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Assembly Technician/Machine Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Media $66,855 $32.0 30%
Insurance $64,283 $31.0 25%
Construction $61,712 $30.0 20%
Financial Services $59,141 $28.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $56,569 $27.0 10%

Assembly Technician/Machine Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Assembly Technician/Machine Operator'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 October 01, 2026
$46,618
Average $51,427/year
$57,116
$3,885
Average $4,286/month
$4,760
$896
Average $989/week
$1,098
$22
Average $25/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $57,116 $4,760 $1,098 $27
Average $51,427 $4,286 $989 $25
25th Percentile $46,618 $3,885 $896 $22

Find Your Next Assembly Technician/Machine Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Assembly Technician/Machine Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Net2Source | Garden Grove, CA

    Assembly Line Operator

    Net2Source | Garden Grove, CA

    Manufacturing Position. Qualifications: This position pays a shift differential. Time will be entered in Kronos. Able to lift up to 50lb, 1 yr. experience ... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Cardinal | Galt, CA

    Tempering Operator Assembly Line

    Cardinal | Galt, CA

    Job Title. Position Overview This position is responsible for unloading Custom tempered glass at the Tempering unload. Proper glass handling techniques and... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Pioneer Circuits, Inc. | Santa Ana, CA

    Assembly Kitting Operator

    Pioneer Circuits, Inc. | Santa Ana, CA

    Assembly Kitting Operator. Santa Ana, CA. Since its establishment in 1981, Pioneer Circuits has been leading the way in technology solutions for mission-cr... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Kimco Staffing | Anaheim, CA

    Final Assembly Operator

    Kimco Staffing | Anaheim, CA

    Position:Electronic Assembler Location:Anaheim, CA Hours:6:00 am to 2:30 pm Essential duties and responsibilities Read, interpret and follow basic blueprin... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Verstela | Redwood City, CA

    Assembly Production Operator

    Verstela | Redwood City, CA

    Verstela - 501 oakside ave - Responsibilities: Assemble tubing and cable products according to production specifications. Package finished products for shi... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Foxi Crumpet, LLC | Los Angeles, CA

    Assembly Line Worker Machine Operator

    Foxi Crumpet, LLC | Los Angeles, CA

    Job description We are a fun fast paced lingerie manufacturing company in Los Angeles.We are looking for 2 assembly line packers that can learn our catalog... more

    8 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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