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Machine Shop Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Machine Builder

Fremont, CA

$22.50 - $29/hr

... shop tools (saws, drills, grinders, welders where applicable) Install and route hydraulic and ... field preferred Apprenticeship or formal training in machine building, millwright work, or ...

Milling Machine Machinist 3

Palmdale, CA ยท On-site

$23.50 - $31.25/hr

... shop computations; and measures, marks, and scribes dimensions and reference points to lay out ... Requires completion of a formal apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience. * Exclude ...

1648: Milling Machine Machinist 2

Palmdale, CA ยท On-site

$23.50 - $31.25/hr

Perform standard shop calculations and layout work. * Inspect completed parts and support quality ... Completion of formal apprenticeship, technical training, or equivalent machining experience.

Showing results 41-60

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:

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.

Milling Machine Machinist 3

Indotronix International Corporation

Palmdale, CA โ€ข On-site

$89/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Indotronix is seeking an :

Onsite Job: Milling Machine Machinist 3
Work Location: Palmdale, CA
Work Schedule: 4x10 (M-Th)
Security Clearance Required?: No
High School Diploma or GED

Responsibilities

Sets up and operates plain or universal, horizontal, or vertical milling machines to perform machining operations such as compound angles and contours; boring compound angular holes; doing helical and spiral milling; serrating; and gear, spline, and keyway cutting to exacting tolerances. Selects, mounts, and aligns various specialized machine attachments and standard or improvised tooling; plans sequence of operations, number of cuts required, and method of setup; determines, sets, and adjusts speeds, feeds, and depth of cut; interprets blueprints, sketches, and engineering specifications; uses a variety of machinist hand tools and precision measuring instruments; makes standard shop computations; and measures, marks, and scribes dimensions and reference points to lay out stock for machining. May monitor and verify quality in accordance with statistical process or other control procedures. Requires completion of a formal apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience. Exclude general, all-around machinists and operators who do not perform own setups or determine sequence of operations.

Basic Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Blueprint Reading

  • 3, 4, 5 Axis Milling

  • Programming (MCAM)

  • Measurement & Inspection

Preferred Qualifications 

Machinist with 10+ years of experience operating CNC mills (5 axis) and lathes (live tooling). Skilled in interpreting drawings/models and material requirements to develop CNC programs, set up machines, and run complete machining operations independently with minimal supervision. Performs in-process and pre-inspection quality checks prior to CMM inspection. Experienced with true 5-axis gantry machines (SNK) and wire EDM operations.


Indotronix logo

About Indotronix

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

In 1986, Indotronix established itself in the staffing space. 22 years later, Avani entered the scene, offering consulting and technology development. Finally, in 2016, the two joined forces to begin delivering talent across all areas, from Staffing to Consulting to unique platform development.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, NY, US