1

Sign Maker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tool & Die Maker

San Diego, CA · On-site

$27 - $46.96/hr

Previous Tool and Die Maker experience. * Willing to work overtime as needed. Compensation Grade ... Sign on Bonus * These benefits also apply to part-time employees This employer is not currently ...

The Photopolymer Plate Maker 1 is an entry role in the plate department. This position is ... without a signed contract on file, and search engagement for that position, will be deemed ...

The Photopolymer Plate Maker 1 is an entry role in the plate department. This position is ... without a signed contract on file, and search engagement for that position, will be deemed ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Sign Maker information

See California salary details

$6

$18

$27

How much do sign maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for sign maker in California is $18.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A sign maker can potentially earn $10,000 a month through skilled craftsmanship, running a successful business, or working in high-demand markets. Achieving this income often requires experience, strong technical skills, and the ability to manage or own a business, rather than formal education.

What is the difference between Sign Maker vs Sign Installer?

AspectSign MakerSign Installer
Primary RoleDesigns and creates signs, including cutting, printing, and assembling signageInstalls and secures signs at designated locations
Skills & CertificationsDesign skills, knowledge of sign materials, and equipment operationKnowledge of mounting techniques, safety protocols, and tools
Work EnvironmentWorkshop or manufacturing settingOn-site at client locations or construction sites
Industry UsageManufacturing, advertising, and signage companiesConstruction, facilities management, and signage installation firms

While Sign Makers focus on designing and producing signs, Sign Installers are responsible for the physical installation of those signs at various locations. Both roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and work environments.

What qualifications do you need to be a sign maker?

Sign makers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may benefit from technical training or apprenticeships in graphic design, lettering, or sign fabrication. Skills in using tools like vinyl cutters, printers, and software such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW are important, along with attention to detail and creativity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sign Maker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sign Maker, you need strong design abilities, attention to detail, and practical skills in fabrication, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW, as well as experience using sign-making equipment such as vinyl cutters and large-format printers, is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication help Sign Makers meet client needs and collaborate with team members. These skills ensure the production of high-quality, visually appealing signage that meets specifications and deadlines.

What jobs make around $100,000 a year?

For a sign maker, earning around $100,000 annually typically requires advanced skills, experience, or working in specialized industries such as large-scale signage, custom design, or management roles. Higher salaries may also be achieved through overtime, owning a business, or working in high-demand markets. Most entry-level sign maker positions pay less, with higher earnings possible with expertise and additional responsibilities.

What does a Sign Maker do?

A Sign Maker is responsible for designing, creating, and installing various types of signage, such as storefront signs, banners, vehicle graphics, and digital displays. They work with different materials like vinyl, metal, plastic, and wood, and often use specialized software and equipment to produce custom signs for businesses, events, or public spaces. Sign Makers may also handle tasks like measuring spaces, preparing artwork, and ensuring the finished sign meets client specifications and local regulations.

What Is a Sign Maker?

A sign maker works to design, create, and erect signs that advertise a business. As a sign maker, you could work for shops, billboard companies, and any other entity that needs visual advertising. Some sign makers still work with paint, but most rely on graphic design programs on a computer to create and print the images and text for the sign. Your duties as a sign maker are to meet with the client, assess their needs, and produce a sign to their specifications. You can work as a freelancer or for a graphic design firm.

What does a signmaker do?

A signmaker designs, fabricates, and installs signs for businesses, organizations, and public spaces. They use tools like vinyl cutters, printers, and hand tools, often working with materials such as metal, wood, and plastic. Attention to detail and knowledge of design software are important for creating accurate and visually appealing signs.

What are some common challenges Sign Makers face when working on custom projects?

Sign Makers often encounter challenges when interpreting unique client requests, especially for custom or specialty signage. These projects may require creative problem-solving to select appropriate materials, ensure durability for various environments, and achieve precise color matching. Coordinating with designers, installers, and clients is essential to clarify expectations and address potential issues early in the production process. Strong attention to detail and adaptability are key to delivering high-quality, customized signs that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.
What job categories do people searching Sign Maker jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Sign Maker jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Sign Maker jobs? Cities in California with the most Sign Maker job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Sign Maker jobs in CA? For Sign Maker jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Tool & Die Maker

$27 - $46.96/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Solar Turbines rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 418 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Career Area:
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Plan sequence of operation, layout, develop, fabricate, assemble, rework, repair, and prove tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures. Investigate, analyze, and correct tooling problems in Manufacturing.
  • Work from tool design prints, sketches, engineering information and/or utilize standard shop practice or established procedures; plan the sequence of operation, determine proper tools, equipment, and material types and sizes of tools, jigs, fixtures, and dies such as blanking, piercing, and forming dies for punch press, drop hammer, and hydro press; grinding, assembly and drill jigs; machine tool fixtures; and a variety of hand tools and machines or machine attachments, gauges, and templates. As required, supply information lacking on the design, print, or sketch. Work with supervisory, liaison, and engineering personnel to devise layouts and methods of producing tools or other fabrications.
  • May suggest design improvements or material substitutions to proper personnel. Prepare sketches, and/or layout for machining tooling details.
  • Perform as required, special assignments to fabricate and assemble parts of assemblies for special tooling and/or machines, and suggest changes in tool design, layout and fabrication involving practicability, economy, and process of manufacture. Coordinate with and assist tool design and production personnel to set up tooling prior to first piece inspection, and to effect necessary tool modification.
  • May set up and operate machine tools for the machining of tools, dies, and fixtures. Perform rework, repair, and check functions of the level of difficulty described herein. Utilize shop mathematics including trigonometry.
  • Act in a liaison capacity between Manufacturing, Experimental, Tool Design, and Tooling departments to assure economy and practicability of tooling and to solve complicated tooling problems.
  • Investigate problems attributed to faulty tooling; check tools and/or materials to determine if malfunction is due to faulty design, improper construction or incorrect use of tools. Isolate problem and collaborate with cognizant personnel to initiate necessary action for its elimination such as ordering rework of tooling, tooling material substitution, and writing factory work orders, specifying what is to be done to increase efficiency and reduce cost of manufacture.
  • Observe and analyze all types of assembly and fabrication tools while in process of manufacture, in tryout and in operation on a production basis, and may operate machines and/or equipment to determine if tooling, machines, equipment, or manufacturing processes are at fault. Recommend alternative corrective actions to resolve tooling problems.
  • Prepare and maintain reports and records required to perform the duties described herein.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma/GED equivalent and minimum 2 years of experience in setting up and operating CNC machines.
  • Knowledge of how to set and use gauges such as calipers, bore micrometers, dial indicators, etc.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints for datum lines and tolerances.
  • Ability to interpret GD&T
  • Understand and use measuring devices.
  • Use of advanced shop math
  • Willing to work any shift.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous Tool and Die Maker experience.
  • Willing to work overtime as needed.

Compensation Grade Range:
$27.00 - $46.96
Compensation and benefits may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market, location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

  • 401(k) savings plans*

  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*

  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

  • Health Lifestyle Programs*

  • Employee Assistance Program*

  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

  • Career Development*

  • Incentive bonus*

  • Disability benefits

  • Life Insurance

  • Parental leave

  • Adoption benefits

  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Sign on Bonus

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as H, L, TN, F, J, E, O.
Posting Dates:
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

What Solar Turbines employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom