Trades & Labor San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Machinist Salary in San Diego, California

The median machinist salary in San Diego, CA is $71,839 per year, which is 47.0% above the national median and 2.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$71,839
vs State Avg
+$1,955
vs National
+$22,969
Cost of Living
142%

Machinist Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median machinist salary of $71,839, which is $1,955 above the California state average of $69,884. Compared to the national median of $48,870, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $71,839 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $50,591. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for machinists in San Diego spans from $47,040 at the 10th percentile to $108,780 at the 90th percentile — a $61,740 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,980, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,840. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Machinist Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level machinist earns around $49,980, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,980
+$15,980 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,500
+$23,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,840
+$33,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $47,040
25th Percentile $57,330
Median (50th) $71,839
75th Percentile $89,670
90th Percentile $108,780

Machinist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$91,387
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$84,545
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$73,794
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$60,110
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Machinist in San Diego

Education

Most machinist positions require a high school diploma. San Diego 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Machinist Jobs in San Diego

Browse open machinist positions in San Diego, CA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in San Diego

How much does a Machinist make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median machinist salary in San Diego, California is $71,839 per year, which is 47.0% above the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $47,040 (10th percentile) to $108,780 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,839, a machinist in San Diego earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for machinist pay? ▼
San Diego's median machinist salary of $71,839 is 2.8% above the California state average of $69,884. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $71,839 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in San Diego? ▼
Most machinist positions in San Diego 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.