Trades & Labor Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Machinist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median machinist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $73,794 per year, which is 51.0% above the national median and 5.6% above the California state average.

City Median
$73,794
vs State Avg
+$3,910
vs National
+$24,924
Cost of Living
146%

Machinist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median machinist salary of $73,794, which is $3,910 above the California state average of $69,884. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $73,794 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $50,544. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for machinists in Los Angeles spans from $48,320 at the 10th percentile to $111,740 at the 90th percentile — a $63,420 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,340, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,720. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Machinist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level machinist earns around $51,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,340
+$17,340 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,500
+$25,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,720
+$36,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $48,320
25th Percentile $58,890
Median (50th) $73,794
75th Percentile $92,110
90th Percentile $111,740

Machinist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$91,387
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$84,545
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$71,839
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$60,110
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Machinist in Los Angeles

Education

Most machinist positions require a high school diploma. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook

Nationally, machinist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Machinist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open machinist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Machinist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median machinist salary in Los Angeles, California is $73,794 per year, which is 51.0% above the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $48,320 (10th percentile) to $111,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,794, a machinist in Los Angeles earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for machinist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median machinist salary of $73,794 is 5.6% above the California state average of $69,884. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $73,794 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most machinist positions in Los Angeles require a high school diploma. Key skills include CNC Programming, Blueprint Reading, Precision Measurement, Metalworking. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.