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CNC Machine Programmer Salary in California

How much does a CNC Machine Programmer make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Machine Programmer in California is $70,056 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

However, a CNC Machine Programmer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $82,624
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,889 to $76,635
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $56,363
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out CNC Machine Programmer Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence CNC Machine Programmer Salaries

A CNC Machine Programmer'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 CNC Machine Programmer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a CNC Machine Programmer'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): $68,094
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $68,869
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $70,239
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $70,513
  • Expert (over 8 years): $70,696
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level CNC Machine Programmer less than 1 year $68,094
Early Career Level CNC Machine Programmer 1-2 years $68,869
Mid-Level Level CNC Machine Programmer 2-4 years $70,239
Senior-Level Level CNC Machine Programmer 5-8 years $70,513
Expert Level CNC Machine Programmer over 8 years $70,696

How Do CNC Machine Programmer 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 CNC Machine Programmers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $70,323.
  • California: $70,056.
  • Massachusetts: $69,123.

Top Paying Cities for CNC Machine Programmer

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: $70,177
  • West Hollywood: $70,126
  • Dodgertown: $70,177

CNC Machine Programmer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For CNC Machine Programmer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, CNC Machine Programmer positions in MFG Nondurable or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CNC Machine Programmer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a CNC Machine Programmer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $80,565 $39.0 15%
MFG Durable $73,559 $35.0 5%

CNC Machine Programmer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CNC Machine Programmer'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
$62,889
Average $70,056/year
$76,635
$5,241
Average $5,838/month
$6,386
$1,209
Average $1,347/week
$1,474
$30
Average $34/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $76,635 $6,386 $1,474 $37
Average $70,056 $5,838 $1,347 $34
25th Percentile $62,889 $5,241 $1,209 $30

Find Your Next CNC Machine Programmer Job

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

  • Eastridge Workforce Solutions | San Fernando, CA

    CNC Programmer

    Eastridge Workforce Solutions | San Fernando, CA

    Eastridge Workforce Solutions is committed to connecting skilled professionals with meaningful career opportunities. We are seeking a CNC Programmer to sup... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Interstate Plastics | Sacramento, CA

    CNC Programmer

    Interstate Plastics | Sacramento, CA

    Come build the future with us. Interstate Advanced Materials is seeking a full-time CNC Programmer at our Sacramento, CA facility. At Interstate Advanced M... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Prototek Manufacturing | Rancho Cordova, CA

    CNC Programmer

    Prototek Manufacturing | Rancho Cordova, CA

    JOB TITLE: CNC ProgrammerPAY RANGE: $40-$50/hr SHIFT: 1st 6:30 am - 3:00 pm OT as NecessarySEE WHAT WE DO: https://youtu.be/kvuAbB4969E. si=MCg_01gD0C0BCG6... more

    6 Days Ago

  • CalTek Staffing , Inc. | Santa Ana, CA

    CNC Programmer

    CalTek Staffing , Inc. | Santa Ana, CA

    Job DescriptionPosition Title: CNC Programmer (5-axis Mastercam)Employment Type & Schedule:Direct Hire - Full Benefits - Start as early as you would like, ... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Anaheim Precision Manufacturing | Orange, CA

    CNC Programmer

    Anaheim Precision Manufacturing | Orange, CA

    An experienced CNC Lathe Programmer should process excellent attention to detail, and will be responsible to follow out Programming jobs in accordance with... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Impulse Space | Redondo Beach, CA

    CNC Programmer

    Impulse Space | Redondo Beach, CA

    CNC ProgrammerDepartment: ManufacturingEmployment Type: Full TimeLocation: Redondo BeachCompensation: $40.00 - $55.00 / hourDescriptionThe CNC Programmer r... 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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