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CNC Set Up Operator Salary in California

How much does a CNC Set Up Operator make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Set Up Operator in California is $70,787 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

However, a CNC Set Up Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $87,281
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $64,204 to $79,420
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $58,211
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out CNC Set Up Operator Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence CNC Set Up Operator Salaries

A CNC Set Up 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 CNC Set Up Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a CNC Set Up 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): $66,840
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $67,036
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $69,588
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $72,945
  • Expert (over 8 years): $73,185
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level CNC Set Up Operator less than 1 year $66,840
Early Career Level CNC Set Up Operator 1-2 years $67,036
Mid-Level Level CNC Set Up Operator 2-4 years $69,588
Senior-Level Level CNC Set Up Operator 5-8 years $72,945
Expert Level CNC Set Up Operator over 8 years $73,185

How Do CNC Set Up 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 CNC Set Up Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $71,057.
  • California: $70,787.
  • Massachusetts: $69,844.

Top Paying Cities for CNC Set Up 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: $70,909
  • West Hollywood: $70,858
  • Dodgertown: $70,908

CNC Set Up Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For CNC Set Up Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, CNC Set Up Operator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CNC Set Up Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a CNC Set Up Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $99,102 $48.0 40%
Aerospace & Defense $92,023 $44.0 30%
Energy & Utilities $81,405 $39.0 15%

CNC Set Up Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CNC Set Up 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 September 01, 2026
$64,204
Average $70,787/year
$79,420
$5,350
Average $5,899/month
$6,618
$1,235
Average $1,361/week
$1,527
$31
Average $34/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $79,420 $6,618 $1,527 $38
Average $70,787 $5,899 $1,361 $34
25th Percentile $64,204 $5,350 $1,235 $31

Find Your Next CNC Set Up Operator Job

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

  • CHEEK MACHINE | Anaheim, CA

    CNC Lathe Set up and operator

    CHEEK MACHINE | Anaheim, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Aerospace shop is seeking an experienced CNC Lathe Set up and Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a ... more

    6 Days Ago

  • AEROFAB CORPORATION | Anaheim, CA

    CNC Machinist set up Operator

    AEROFAB CORPORATION | Anaheim, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. CNC MACHINIST (3 and 5-Axis Mill). Aerofab Corporation is a growing aerospace company focused on supplying precision manu... more

    7 Days Ago

  • ITW | Corona, CA

    CNC Lathe Set Up Operator

    ITW | Corona, CA

    Job Description:Brooks Instrument (www.brooksinstrument.com), an industry leader in flow and pressure instrumentation for critical applications, is seeking... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Precision Resource | Huntington Beach, CA

    CNC Axis Set Up Operator

    Precision Resource | Huntington Beach, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Dependable. Enthusiastic. Driven to succeed. Bring your manufacturing skills to a role that has direct impact on deliveri... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Machine Shop | Brea, CA

    CNC Horizontal Mill Machinist Operator Set Up

    Machine Shop | Brea, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Essential duties and responsibilities. Read, interpret and follow basic blueprints, diagrams, engineering drawings, speci... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Illinois Tool Works | Corona, CA

    CNC Mill Lathe Set Up Operator

    Illinois Tool Works | Corona, CA

    Illinois Tool Works - - Responsibilities: Machine Setup, load and verify program on multiple machines program trouble shooting. Understand CNC programs and... more

    7 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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