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Machine Shop Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CCS INC

Machine Shop Technician

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certification or equivalent formal apprenticeship * 5+ years of precision machining and tool making experience in a manufacturing environment * Proficiency with manual ...

Conhagen

Entry-Level Machinist

Benicia, CA · On-site

$25.25 - $34.75/hr

Apprenticeship, military mechanical training, or vocational training experience. * Prior experience in a machine shop, manufacturing facility, or industrial environment. * Experience using hand tools ...

Ovation Holdings, Inc.

Entry-Level Machinist

Benicia, CA · On-site

$25.25 - $34.75/hr

Apprenticeship, military mechanical training, or vocational training experience. * Prior experience in a machine shop, manufacturing facility, or industrial environment. * Experience using hand tools ...

Sulzer AG

Manual Machinist

Pasadena, CA

$24 - $32.50/hr

Completion of a machinist apprentice program or equivalent training * Ability to hold close ... Four years of experience in machine shop operations * Willingness to work in a team environment

Bender CCP

CNC Machinist

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Machine Shop Supervisor / Operations Manager Job Type: Full-Time | Hourly Position Summary ... High school diploma or GED required; technical certificate or machining apprenticeship is a plus.

Northrop Grumman

Journeyman Machinist

Azusa, CA · On-site

QUALIFICATIONS Requires six (6) years of CNC and manual machine shop experience after a recognized machining apprenticeship and/or equivalent; High School/Trade School or equivalent. Must have a ...

Zenix Aerospace Inc

Machinist Apprentice I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$21.30 - $25.03/hr

Learns about adjustments to machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machine ... Ability to perform basic shop math including fractions, decimals, and various units of measure.

Pro-Dex, Inc.

Quality Control Inspector

Irvine, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

JOB SUMMARY: Perform inspections through operations in receiving inspection, machine shop and ... apprenticeship. The Company makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and ...

Pro-Dex Inc

Quality Control Inspector

Irvine, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

JOB SUMMARY: Perform inspections through operations in receiving inspection, machine shop and ... apprenticeship. The Company makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and ...

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Machine Shop Apprentice information

See California salary details

$13

$19

$29

How much do machine shop apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop apprentice in California is $19.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a machine shop apprentice do?

A Machine Shop Apprentice learns the basics of operating machinery and tools in a manufacturing or machining environment. They work under the supervision of experienced machinists to gain hands-on experience in tasks such as measuring, cutting, shaping, and assembling metal parts. Apprentices are also trained in safety procedures, blueprint reading, and the use of various machines like lathes, mills, and grinders. Over time, they develop the technical skills needed to become a fully qualified machinist.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine shop apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Shop Apprentice, you need a strong understanding of basic machining principles, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manual and CNC machines, measurement tools like calipers and micrometers, and safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, willingness to learn, and good communication skills help apprentices excel in collaborative and precision-focused environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, product quality, and effective learning and contribution in a machine shop setting.

What are some common challenges faced by a machine shop apprentice during their first year?

As a Machine Shop Apprentice, one of the main challenges you may encounter in your first year is adapting to the precision and attention to detail required when operating machinery and reading technical blueprints. You'll also need to quickly learn safety protocols and proper tool handling to prevent accidents. Working as part of a skilled team, you'll be expected to communicate effectively and ask questions when unsure, which is vital for both learning and maintaining workflow efficiency. Overcoming the initial learning curve with new equipment and terminology is common, but mentorship from experienced machinists can help you progress steadily.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Shop jobs in California?

The most popular types of Machine Shop jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Machine Shop Apprentice jobs?

Cities in California with the most Machine Shop Apprentice job openings:

Machine Shop Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Shop Apprentice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,402 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Machine Shop Technician

CCS INC

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Company parties
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Free uniforms
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certification or equivalent formal apprenticeship
  • 5+ years of precision machining and tool making experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Proficiency with manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, and EDM equipment
  • Strong working knowledge of GD&T and blueprint reading
  • Experience with precision measurement equipment (CMM, surface plates, gauging)
  • Ability to machine to tolerances of ±0.0001"
  • Solid understanding of metallurgy and material properties (steel, aluminum, titanium)
Responsibilities:
  • Design, fabricate, and maintain precision tools, fixtures, jigs, dies, and gauges from engineering drawings and specifications
  • Operate manual and CNC machine tools including mills, lathes, grinders, EDM, and surface grinders to close tolerances
  • Interpret complex engineering blueprints, GD&T callouts, and CAD/CAM models to machine high-precision components
  • Diagnose and repair worn or broken tooling to restore original specifications with minimal downtime
  • Maintain organized tool crib and documentation of tooling inventory, condition, and usage logs