Machinist Apprenticeships in California
California has 12 registered apprenticeship sponsors training machinists — 1 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
12
Union / joint programs
1
Median machinist wage
$56,220
California, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+4.3%
2,140 openings/yr
Largest Registered Sponsors
Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.
| Sponsor | City | Program type |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet Readiness Center Southwest - North Island Union / joint | SAN DIEGO | Single Employer |
| ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND TRANSPORTATION APPRENTICESHIPS OF CALIFORNIA (AMTAC) | Oakland | Multiple Employer |
| CA Tooling & Machining Apprenticeship Association | Petaluma | Multiple Employer |
| China Lake Naval Warfare Center | China Lake | Single Employer |
| DIAG USA Apprenticeship Program | Los Angeles | Multiple Employer |
| El Camino Community College District | Torrance | Multiple Employer |
| Machinist and Metalworking Trades Apprenticeship | Ontario | Multiple Employer |
| MAGOR MOLD LLC SCHOTTLI, A HUSKY COMPANY | SAN DIMAS | Single Employer |
| Pasadena City College Apprenticeship Program | Pasadena | Multiple Employer |
| Snider Precision | San Luis Obispo | Single Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov). California runs its own state apprenticeship registration system, so these federal figures understate the true number of local programs.
What Machinists Earn in California
Wages
- Median annual wage: $56,220
- Average annual wage: $60,050
- Machinists employed statewide: 21,580
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.
10-year outlook
- Projected growth 2022–2032: +4.3%
- Average openings per year: 2,140
- Employment: 20,800 → 21,700
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.