📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Sewing Machine Operator Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Low Demand

Average
$45,838
per year
Median
$42,998
per year
Hourly
$22.04
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$33,342
25th Percentile — Junior$40,158
50th Percentile — Median$42,998
75th Percentile — Senior$55,494
90th Percentile — Top Earners$60,461
💡 Top-earning Sewing Machine Operators in California make up to $60,461 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$43.6k
2021
$44.0k
2022
$44.5k
2023
$44.9k
2024
$45.4k
2025
$45.8k
2026
📈 Sewing Machine Operator salaries in California have followed the national trend with 1.0% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Sewing Machine Operator Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $71,049 +55.0% Low
San Diego $67,840 +48.0% Low
San Jose $78,841 +72.0% Low
San Francisco $84,800 +85.0% Low
Fresno $49,505 +8.0% Low
Sacramento $55,922 +22.0% Low
Long Beach $66,465 +45.0% Low
Bakersfield $49,505 +8.0% Low
Anaheim $65,090 +42.0% Low
Santa Ana $64,173 +40.0% Low
Riverside $58,673 +28.0% Low
Stockton $54,089 +18.0% Low
Irvine $71,049 +55.0% Low
San Bernardino $54,089 +18.0% Low
Modesto $51,339 +12.0% Low
Fontana $55,922 +22.0% Low
Moreno Valley $52,714 +15.0% Low
Glendale $67,840 +48.0% Low
Fremont $73,341 +60.0% Low
🔍
Sewing Machine Operator Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Sewing Machine Operators. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $45,838 per year, California's Sewing Machine Operator salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $33,342–$40,158, while experienced Sewing Machine Operators can command $55,494–$60,461.

Looking ahead, the Sewing Machine Operator profession in California is projected to grow at 1.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Sewing Machine Operator salary in California is $45,838 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $32,280.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Sewing Machine Operators the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Sewing Machine Operator employment.
  • At $45,838/year, California Sewing Machine Operator salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $32,280/year.