1

General Shop Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

General Helper Assist shop personnel with a variety of support tasks that are based on department placement. The following describes in general terms the purpose and scope of the position. Under ...

General Helper 1st Shift Temp to Hire

Orange, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

General Helper Assist shop personnel with a variety of support tasks that are based on department placement. The following describes in general terms the purpose and scope of the position. Under ...

General Helper Assist shop personnel with a variety of support tasks that are based on department placement. The following describes in general terms the purpose and scope of the position. Under ...

Be Seen First

... general shop production. This is a hands-on position and could be a good fit for someone with ... Sign experience is helpful but not required. We are willing to train the right person.

New

Be Seen First

... general shop production. This is a hands-on position and could be a good fit for someone with ... Sign experience is helpful but not required. We are willing to train the right person.

New

Mechanic Helper

Hayward, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $25.25/hr

Key duties include assisting mechanics, performing general shop labor, and running part errands as ... Mechanic Helper Job Responsibilities and Duties: * Assists mechanic in repairing and maintaining ...

Mechanic Helper

Hayward, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $25.25/hr

Key duties include assisting mechanics, performing general shop labor, and running part errands as ... Mechanic Helper Job Responsibilities and Duties: * Assists mechanic in repairing and maintaining ...

Machine Operator

Commerce, CA · On-site

$24.15 - $26.15/hr

Job Title: Machine Operator / Shop Helper (CNC Training Opportunity 2nd shift) Join a small ... Responsibilities * Assist with machine operation and general shop duties. * Load/unload parts and ...

Machine Operator

Fremont, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $24/hr

Overview Ichor Systems in Fremont, CA has an immediate opening for a Machine Operator - General Machine Shop helper for the weldment (stainless steel and aluminum fittings) manufacturing site. This ...

Showing results 21-40

General Shop Helper information

See California salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do general shop helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for general shop helper in California is $17.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a general shop helper?

General Shop Helpers are entry-level workers who assist with a variety of tasks in workshops, factories, or manufacturing environments. Their duties typically include cleaning and organizing the workspace, moving materials, assisting skilled workers, and operating basic machinery. They help ensure that shop operations run smoothly by supporting more specialized employees and maintaining a safe and efficient work area. This role is a good starting point for those interested in learning more about trades or manufacturing careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a general shop helper?

To thrive as a General Shop Helper, you need basic mechanical aptitude, familiarity with hand and power tools, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with equipment like forklifts, pallet jacks, and safety certifications such as OSHA training are commonly required. Reliability, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic help individuals stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are important to maintain workplace safety, ensure productivity, and support smooth shop operations.

What are some typical challenges a general shop helper might face on the job, and how can they be managed?

General Shop Helpers often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks simultaneously, adapting to changing priorities, and maintaining safety in a busy work environment. Developing strong organizational skills and staying proactive in communication with supervisors can help manage workload effectively. Additionally, consistently following safety protocols and asking for guidance when needed ensures both personal safety and smooth shop operations.

What is the difference between General Shop Helper vs Warehouse Associate?

AspectGeneral Shop HelperWarehouse Associate
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, basic safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, forklift certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or workshop settings, indoor and outdoorWarehouses, distribution centers, indoor
Job DutiesAssisting with tools, cleaning, material handlingPicking, packing, loading, inventory management
Industry UsageManufacturing, construction, repair shopsLogistics, retail, distribution

While both roles involve physical work and assisting with operations, a General Shop Helper typically supports manufacturing or workshop tasks, whereas a Warehouse Associate focuses on inventory, shipping, and receiving in warehouse settings. The choice depends on your skills and industry interest.

What are popular job titles related to General Shop Helper jobs in California?

For General Shop Helper jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching General Shop Helper jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for General Shop Helper jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for General Shop Helper jobs?

Cities in California with the most General Shop Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various General Shop Helper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,360 per year, or $18 per hour.

General Helper 1st Shift Temp to Hire

Ducommun

Orange, CA

$16 - $20.50/hr

Temporary

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Ducommun rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

General Helper 

Assist shop personnel with a variety of support tasks that are based on department placement. The following describes in general terms the purpose and scope of the position. Under direct supervision assists in various shop activities by performing the following duties.

Who are we?

Founded in 1849, Ducommun is the oldest company in California. Starting as a hardware supply store during the California Gold Rush and eventually assisted in the birth of the aerospace industry in Southern California by providing aircraft aluminum to early aerospace pioneers like Lindbergh, Douglas and Lockheed. 

Today Ducommun is a global provider of innovative manufacturing solutions for customers in the aerospace, defense and industrial markets. We specialize in electronic and structural systems, producing complex products and components for commercial aircraft platforms, mission-critical military and space programs, and sophisticated industrial applications. 

Our facility in Orange/, CA is aleading global supplier of large stretch formed aircraft skins, hot forming oftitanium, superplastic forming and complex fastened and weldedassemblies. 

Why Ducommun?

  • Excellent company culture - as recognized by Newsweek's Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces
  • Clean and climate controlled working environment
  • Opportunity for career growth
  • Great benefits including paid vacation and sick time, 401K match, Employee Stock Purchase Program, annual bonus plan, and tuition reimbursement

Job Summary

  • Assist the operators in conduct the shop processes.
  • Loads & unloads materials, parts, or products onto or from pallets, skids, conveyors, or trucks.
  • Transport aircraft/aerospace parts to various designated work areas for processing.
  • Assist operators in conducting the various shop processes, such as, racking parts, washing parts, striping masking, drill work holes in raw stock, and clean the various hardware such as hooks, chains, shackles, placing tooling on parts.
  • Provide support to shop personnel where needed.
  • Operate hand tools and handling equipment when instructed.
  • Read traveler or work instructions necessary to assist in operational process.
  • Move materials and supplies for department personnel.
  • Assist with housekeeping and cleanup operations.
  • Lifts metal part or stock onto machine and secures it on machine table, in chuck, or holding fixture to assist in setting up machine.
  • Perform light mechanical assembly.
  • Responsible for the proper handling and management of hazardous waste generated in their work area.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

What Ducommun employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom