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Factory Machine Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator - Santa Ana, CA. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB: * For speed lathes, perform trim ... EXPERIENCE: * 0-3 years of factory-related experience. * Training in general safety, electrostatic ...

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Machine Operator - Santa Ana, CA ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB: * For speed lathes, perform trim ... EXPERIENCE: * 0-3 years of factory-related experience. * Training in general safety, electrostatic ...

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Key Operator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.50/hr

... factories are raising the bar on all things ice cream. We are investing in significant capital ... A good understanding of the machinery & ensuring you achieve the desired results in terms of ...

Showing results 21-40

Factory Machine Operator information

See California salary details

$9

$15

$22

How much do factory machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for factory machine operator in California is $15.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.48 and $16.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Factory Machine Operator vs Assembly Line Worker?

AspectFactory Machine OperatorAssembly Line Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training often preferredHigh school diploma typically required
Work EnvironmentOperate and monitor machinery in manufacturing settingsPerform repetitive tasks on assembly lines
Job ResponsibilitiesSet up, operate, and troubleshoot machinesAssemble products or components manually
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automotive, and electronicsCommon in consumer goods, electronics, and automotive industries

Factory Machine Operators focus on operating and maintaining machinery, requiring technical skills and safety training. Assembly Line Workers perform repetitive assembly tasks, often with less technical training. Both roles are essential in manufacturing but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

How much does a factory machine operator earn?

Factory machine operators typically earn an average hourly wage ranging from $14 to $20, depending on experience, location, and industry. Annual salaries generally range from $30,000 to $45,000, with overtime and certifications potentially increasing earnings.
Infographic showing various Factory Machine Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,663 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Machine Operator 1 (2nd Shift)

Baldwin Park, CA • On-site

RBC Bearings Incorporated
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


RBC Bearings rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

JOB TITLE/LOCATION:
Machine Operator I – Baldwin Park, CA (2nd Shift)

DESCRIPTION:
Responsible for performing manual fabrication operations, as well as operating basic machine shop tools and other fabrication machinery, to produce parts within an expected timeframe.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:
  • Operates a variety of machines, tools and other equipment (with major emphasis in hydraulic or pneumatic presses, bench grinders, abrasive blasting machines, vibratory tumblers, rotary deburring and polishing tools, but may also include lathes, mills, drill presses, grinders, and manual operations) to produce, assemble or test parts per instructions, blueprints or other technical drawings.
  • Properly maintains and performs minor routine maintenance to machines utilized.
  • Evaluates parts or material by measuring with appropriate instruments and may perform simple testing to validate parts or material conforms to requirements.
  • Documents information as required per the work instruction or as instructed and reports any discrepancies to the supervisor, lead, and/or engineer.
  • Maintains a safe work environment and adheres to all safety procedures and protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Supports area organization and fosters a continuous improvement mindset.
  • Adheres to the company's policies and promotes a healthy and positive work culture.

The preceding functions have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by employees assigned to this job function. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

EDUCATION: High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred. 
EXPERIENCE: 0-2 years of factory experience
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
  • Must be able to read blueprints.
  • Must read, write and speak English.
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.
  • Ability to work well with engineers, supervisors and other machinist.
  • Able to manage tasks and meet production deadlines.
This role is subject to compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which requires the incumbent to be a U.S. Person which is defined as a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident [“green card” holders], U.S. National, Refugee, or Asylee.
 
Please note that the salary range information is only applicable for California.  The pay range represents the low and high end of the salary range we reasonably expect to pay for this position at the time of posting. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, education, skills, qualifications, performance, and business or organizational needs.   Salary Range: $18-22 hourly. Relocation assistance not available and we are only considering local candidates. Shift differential is available.
 
RBC Bearings is an Equal Opportunity Employer to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws

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