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Assembly Worker /Machine Operator Salary in California

How much does an Assembly Worker /Machine Operator make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assembly Worker /Machine Operator in California is $45,099 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $52,069
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,661 to $48,748
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,530
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Assembly Worker /Machine Operator Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Assembly Worker /Machine Operator Salaries

An Assembly Worker /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 Worker /Machine Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assembly Worker /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): $44,339
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $49,276
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $55,911
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $60,079
  • Expert (over 8 years): $87,288
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Assembly Worker /Machine Operator less than 1 year $44,339
Machine Operator II 1-2 years $49,276
Machine Operator III 2-4 years $55,911
Machine Operator IV 5-8 years $60,079
Machine Operator Supervisor over 8 years $87,288

How Do Assembly Worker /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 Worker /Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $45,271.
  • California: $45,099.
  • Massachusetts: $44,498.

Top Paying Cities for Assembly Worker /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: $45,177
  • West Hollywood: $45,144
  • Dodgertown: $45,177

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

For Assembly Worker /Machine Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Assembly Worker /Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assembly Worker /Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Assembly Worker /Machine Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable $60,884 $29.0 35%
Financial Services $58,629 $28.0 30%
Media $56,374 $27.0 25%
Biotechnology $54,119 $26.0 20%
Insurance $51,864 $25.0 15%

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

Understanding how an Assembly Worker /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 August 01, 2026
$41,661
Average $45,099/year
$48,748
$3,472
Average $3,758/month
$4,062
$801
Average $867/week
$937
$20
Average $22/hour
$23
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $48,748 $4,062 $937 $23
Average $45,099 $3,758 $867 $22
25th Percentile $41,661 $3,472 $801 $20

Find Your Next Assembly Worker /Machine Operator Job

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

  • HW Staffing Solutions - Shelton CT | STRATFORD, CT

    Machine Operator

    HW Staffing Solutions - Shelton CT | STRATFORD, CT

    Job Description. Job Description. Job Summary. The Machine Operator I is responsible for safe and accurate operation of Digital Presses and finishing equip... more

    29 Days Ago

  • LAKE CABLE, LLC | CONCORD, IN

    Machine Operator

    LAKE CABLE, LLC | CONCORD, IN

    What would you say to a career that helps keep the world working. One where you take an active role in an industry that literally makes daily life possible... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Pelton Shepherd Industries | EAST VINELAND, NJ

    Machine Operator Multiple

    Pelton Shepherd Industries | EAST VINELAND, NJ

    Are you ready to take the next step in your manufacturing career. Pelton Shepherd Industries is seeking experienced and driven Machine Operators to lead pr... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Pelton Shepherd Industries | MOUNT AIR, OH

    Machine Operator Multiple

    Pelton Shepherd Industries | MOUNT AIR, OH

    Are you ready to take the next step in your manufacturing career. Pelton Shepherd Industries is seeking experienced and driven Machine Operators to lead pr... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Faith Technologies | OLATHE, KS

    Automated Machine Operator

    Faith Technologies | OLATHE, KS

    Faith Technologies is seeking an Automated Machine Operator to support construction-related electrical and industrial projects. In this role, you will set ... more

    6 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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