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Basic Machine Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ODI Manufacturing LLC

Machine Operator

Riverside, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $21.25/hr

Description: The Machine Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining ... Basic math and measuring skills * Knowledge of safety procedures and PPE requirements * Ability to ...

Sterling Foods

Machine Operator

Azusa, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

The Machine Operator must be cross functional in Food Safety to be able to perform in any area ... Good mechanical skills • Good communication skills • Writing ability • Knowledge of basic ...

Sterling Foods

Machine Operator

Azusa, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

The Machine Operator must be cross functional in Food Safety to be able to perform in any area ... Good mechanical skills • Good communication skills • Writing ability • Knowledge of basic ...

Sterling Foods

Machine Operator

Azusa, CA

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

The Machine Operator must be cross functional in Food Safety to be able to perform in any area ... Good mechanical skills • Good communication skills • Writing ability • Knowledge of basic ...

Florence Filter

Machine Operator

Compton, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Machine Operator Position at Florence Filter Florence Filter is seeking a dedicated Machine ... Perform basic maintenance. * Identify mechanical issues & report malfunctions or perform minor ...

Kinetic Personnel Group

Machine Operator

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

... basic measuring tools as needed Follow work instructions and shop procedures Maintain a steady ... Operators may be responsible for running two machines at once after training. The facility is ITAR ...

Flowly Solutions

Machine Operator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Conducting routine quality checks and performing basic troubleshooting to resolve minor mechanical ... Previous experience working as a Machine Operator, Assembly Technician, or in a manufacturing ...

Flowly Solutions

Machine Operator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Conducting routine quality checks and performing basic troubleshooting to resolve minor mechanical ... Previous experience working as a Machine Operator, Assembly Technician, or in a manufacturing ...

Flowly Solutions

Machine Operator

Sacramento, CA

$20 - $24/hr

Conducting routine quality checks and performing basic troubleshooting to resolve minor mechanical ... Previous experience working as a Machine Operator, Assembly Technician, or in a manufacturing ...

J&J Snack Foods

Machine Operator

Vernon, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Will set-up, operate, and perform basic maintenance on machinery & equipment used in the ... To perform this job successfully, the Machine Operator must be self-motivated, able to problem ...

iStaffing

Machine Operator

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Perform basic troubleshooting and adjustments before escalating issues to mechanics * Inspect ... machine operating experience in a manufacturing or production environment preferred * Basic ...

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Basic Machine Operator information

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$11

$17

$23

How much do basic machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for basic machine operator in California is $17.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a basic machine operator?

A basic machine operator is a worker responsible for operating and monitoring manufacturing or processing machinery, often in factories or production plants. They typically follow safety protocols, perform routine maintenance, and may need to understand technical instructions or use tools like control panels. Basic skills in math, attention to detail, and sometimes a high school diploma or certification are required.

What is the difference between Basic Machine Operator vs Industrial Machine Operator?

AspectBasic Machine OperatorIndustrial Machine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, assembly linesHeavy manufacturing facilities, large-scale production plants
Job ScopeOperate basic machinery, perform routine tasksOperate complex machinery, oversee production processes

Basic Machine Operators and Industrial Machine Operators both work in manufacturing environments, often requiring similar certifications and working in factories. However, Industrial Machine Operators typically handle more complex equipment and have a broader scope of responsibilities. The choice depends on the complexity of machinery and level of responsibility required.

What are common machine operator job titles?

Common machine operator job titles include Production Operator, Manufacturing Operator, Equipment Operator, CNC Operator, and Assembly Line Worker. These roles typically require knowledge of machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications or training in specific equipment or processes.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Some high-paying jobs for a Basic Machine Operator or similar roles can reach $700 a day, especially with overtime, specialized skills, or working in high-demand industries like manufacturing, construction, or oil and gas. These roles often require experience, certifications, or working in remote or hazardous environments, and pay varies based on location and employer policies.

How much do beginner operators make?

Beginner machine operators typically earn between $12 and $18 per hour, depending on the industry, location, and required skills. Entry-level positions often require basic knowledge of machinery and safety protocols, with wages increasing with experience and certifications.
What cities in California are hiring for Basic Machine Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Basic Machine Operator job openings:
Basic Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Basic Machine Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,331 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
Mill Machine Operator-Huntington Beach,California

Mill Machine Operator-Huntington Beach,California

ESSEX INDUSTRIES, INC.

Lomita, CA • On-site

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Essex Industries is a multi-site aerospace and defense manufacturer serving military and commercial customers worldwide. We are seeking a skilled Mill Machine Operator to set up, maintain, and operate production machinery while producing high-quality precision components.
Essential Duties:
  • Operate machinery at or above company standards for both time and quality, as instructed.
  • Complete departmental assignments using hand, manual, and automatic machinery, as well as fixturing and precision measuring equipment with supervision, as instructed.
  • Complete any necessary documentation per company policy or verbal instruction.
  • Keep machinery and work area in a clean, safe, maintained, and organized fashion.
  • Assist in other areas in order to meet the production needs of Essex and its customers
  • Comply with all PPE and machine guarding as necessary with each job.
  • Understand the basic function of machine controls
  • Basic understanding of blueprint reading
  • Ability to count and record part counts accurately
  • Be able to perform basic machine preventive maintenance such as checking fluid levels and filling accordingly
  • Ability to use basic measuring tools such as calipers and micrometers accurately with limited supervision
  • Load and run fewer complex parts on 3 axis machines making sure all locaters are prepped and clean

Requirements:
  • 0-1 years of shop experience or 1 - 2 years of applied training; or equivalent of the two.
  • Experience operating HAAS mills, including 5-axis Trunnion machining centers, and a strong understanding of precision manufacturing processes.

Why Choose Essex:
  • Base Pay and Overtime Pay Eligible
  • Bonus Opportunity
  • Paid time off
  • 10 company holidays
  • Training & Development
  • Retirement Benefits - 401k matching
  • Tax-Advantaged Accounts
  • Medical, dental, vision coverage
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental Leave
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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