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Assistant Machine Operator Salary in California

How much does an Assistant Machine Operator make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Machine Operator in California is $45,586 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $52,631
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $42,110 to $49,274
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,946
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Assistant Machine Operator Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Assistant Machine Operator Salaries

An Assistant 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 Assistant Machine Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant 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): $44,818
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $49,808
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $56,514
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $60,728
  • Expert (over 8 years): $88,230
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Assistant Machine Operator less than 1 year $44,818
Machine Operator II 1-2 years $49,808
Machine Operator III 2-4 years $56,514
Machine Operator IV 5-8 years $60,728
Machine Operator Supervisor over 8 years $88,230

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

  • District of Columbia: $45,760.
  • California: $45,586.
  • Massachusetts: $44,978.

Top Paying Cities for Assistant 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: $45,665
  • West Hollywood: $45,631
  • Dodgertown: $45,664

Assistant Machine Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assistant 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, Assistant Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Assistant Machine Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable $61,541 $30.0 35%
Financial Services $59,262 $28.0 30%
Media $56,982 $27.0 25%
Biotechnology $54,703 $26.0 20%
Insurance $52,424 $25.0 15%

Assistant Machine Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Assistant 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
$42,110
Average $45,586/year
$49,274
$3,509
Average $3,799/month
$4,106
$810
Average $877/week
$948
$20
Average $22/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,274 $4,106 $948 $24
Average $45,586 $3,799 $877 $22
25th Percentile $42,110 $3,509 $810 $20

Find Your Next Assistant Machine Operator Job

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

  • Singer Industrial | Sacramento, CA

    Machine Operator

    Singer Industrial | Sacramento, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking a full time, Machine Operator to join our team. You will help with operational activities and ensure excel... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Redwood Machine Works | Oakland, CA

    Machine Operator

    Redwood Machine Works | Oakland, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Job Description. The Machine Operator is responsible for manufacturing finished components while achieving safety, qualit... more

    6 Days Ago

  • The Fountain Group LLC | Fremont, CA

    Machine Operator

    The Fountain Group LLC | Fremont, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Available Shifts. 3rd Shift: 10 PM - 6:30 AM. Duties.          Executes routine unit operations in Manufacturing Assembly... more

    6 Days Ago

  • North Star Company | Gardena, CA

    Machine Operator

    North Star Company | Gardena, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Machine Operator. Reports. Production Manager. Employment Type. Full-time  . Classification. Nonexempt . Requi... more

    6 Days Ago

  • J & L Custom Plastic Extrusions, Inc. | City of Industry, CA

    Machine Operator

    J & L Custom Plastic Extrusions, Inc. | City of Industry, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. The Machine Operator maintains operations in the production of customer product to be shipped.  The Machine Operator will... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Talent One | Santa Ana, CA

    Machine Operator

    Talent One | Santa Ana, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. We are currently seeking a. CNC Machine Operator. to support the production of precision components for the medical devic... more

    7 Days Ago

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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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