CNC Machinist Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana, California$74,550 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About CNC Machinist Jobs in Santa Ana

Looking for a CNC Machinist job in Santa Ana? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a CNC Machinist in Santa Ana, CA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Santa Ana has a strong job market for CNC Machinists. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

CNC Machinist Salary in Santa Ana

Entry Level
$48,280
Median
$74,550
Senior Level
$106,145

CNC Machinist salaries in Santa Ana are 42% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Santa Ana is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

CNC ProgrammingMachine OperationBlueprint ReadingQuality InspectionSetup

CNC Machinist Job Market in Santa Ana

Santa Ana, CA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for CNC Machinist professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Santa Ana offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Government and Healthcare sectors create robust demand for CNC Machinist talent. The market for CNC Machinist positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring CNC Machinists in Santa Ana

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring CNC Machinists in Santa Ana include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for CNC Machinists in Santa Ana

Living in Santa Ana as a CNC Machinist means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (142% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Housing costs are manageable for CNC Machinist salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

142
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a CNC Machinist in Santa Ana

Santa Ana Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for CNC Machinists in Santa Ana: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among CNC Machinist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A CNC Machinist earning $74,550 might pay approximately $5,964 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for CNC Machinists

The job outlook for CNC Machinists in Santa Ana is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Santa Ana offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include CNC Programming, Machine Operation, Blueprint Reading, Quality Inspection.

Relocating to Santa Ana

California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average CNC Machinist salary in Santa Ana, CA?

The average CNC Machinist salary in Santa Ana, CA is $74,550 per year. Entry-level CNC Machinists typically start around $48,280, while experienced professionals can earn $106,145 or more. The national average for CNC Machinist roles is $52,500.

How many CNC Machinist jobs are available in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana has a growing job market with steady opportunities for CNC Machinist professionals. Major employers hiring CNC Machinists include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Government and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Santa Ana a good city for CNC Machinists?

Santa Ana is an solid choice for CNC Machinists. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's government industry creates strong demand for manufacturing professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for CNC Machinists in Santa Ana?

Top skills for CNC Machinists in Santa Ana include CNC Programming, Machine Operation, Blueprint Reading, Quality Inspection, Setup. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for CNC Machinists in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana's cost of living is significantly above the national average (142% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Santa Ana is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for CNC Machinists in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

More Manufacturing Jobs in Santa Ana