Workforce Insights: Orange County, CA

2025 This report provides a detailed overview of salary ranges, employment figures, and workforce trends for key industrial roles, offering insights into local hiring landscapes. It supports employers and HR professionals in workforce planning and salary benchmarking by highlighting regional dynamics and industry-specific data. INDUSTRIAL STAFFING Workforce Insights: Orange County, CA Salaries, Employment Trends, and Key Industry Data Low End Market Mean High End # of employees Production Operator $20.78 $23.52 $26.91 1,988 Assembler $21.21 $25.09 $29.32 15,445 Electro-mechanical Assembler $23.14 $27.52 $32.06 6,823 Material Handler $21.38 $31.56 $28.73 33,063 Warehouse Associate $21.03 $24.19 $28.07 33,063 Packer Shipper $19.63 $21.67 $24.83 7,289 Forklift Operator $22.12 $25.96 $30.16 5,289 CNC Operator $25.33 $30.41 $35.89 3,326 Welder $27.56 $33.03 $39.08 2,557 Manufacturing Associate/Technician $22.47 $25.83 $29.21 1,988 Maintenance Technician $25.64 $29.90 $34.31 13,229 Facilities Specialist $28.32 $32.64 $37.24 13,229 Test Technician $27.05 $32.01 $37.37 1,054 Quality Inspector $24.61 $29.25 $34.13 7,531 Quality Assurance Inspector $21.28 $25.18 $29.49 7,531 Production Supervisor $33.12 $39.62 $47.11 6,064 Process Engineer $41.87 $50.89 $61.22 3,218 Production Assistant $30.55 $36.37 $42.76 5,938 Service Technician $31.75 $37.42 $43.79 5,732 The salaries listed are estimates and may vary based on experience, location, and industry demand. Based on ERI data; values represent the 10th, Mean, and 90th percentiles.

● The average Orange County household spends about $77,024/year on expenses, with 36.7% going toward housing. ● The "living wage" needed for a family of four is estimated at $109,833–$114,841/year to cover basic needs. ● Housing affordability challenges remain high, though exact renter cost-burden figures are not as clearly reported as in San Diego. ● Recent data doesn’t specify an exact “housing wage” for Orange County, but given higher costs, it would be above San Diego’s $28.58/hour for a two-bedroom. Why this impacts salaries: The higher household spending and living wage mean employers must offer more competitive pay in industries sensitive to housing costs. Cost of Living Insights Federal Overtime Tax Deduction (2025–2028) ● Workers can now deduct up to $12,500 (single) or $25,000 (joint) of overtime earnings from federal taxable income. ● Applies to tax years 2025 through 2028. ● Especially relevant in overtime-heavy industries like manufacturing. Why that impacts salary: Employers may face less pressure for base wage increases. Captive Audience Meeting Bans (multi-state trend) ● Laws now prohibit employers from forcing workers to attend anti-union or political meetings. ● States with bans include CA, NY, IL, OR, WA (and momentum is spreading). ● Reduces employers’ ability to influence workers during union campaigns. Why that impacts salary: Union drives typically result in higher negotiated wage floors. MMEDS Act ● A 2025 bill (H.R. 3042) proposes tax credits for wages, benefits, and facilities. ● Targets distressed zones to encourage onshore med-device manufacturing. ● Designed to reduce reliance on overseas supply chains. Why that impacts salary: Creates wage competition for specialized med-device workers. Legislation Insights ● Manufacturing employs about 130,342 people, representing 13.5% of California’s advanced manufacturing jobs. ● The sector remains in positive but is projected to decline by 6% (losing ~8,144 jobs over 5 yrs). Average earnings per advanced manufacturing job are approximately $91,177 annually, above many other local industries. Why that impacts salary: Employers must offer competitive wages to attract and retain talent in a high-paying, yet contracting, marketplace. Orange County Insights California Minimum Wage & Exempt Thresholds ● As of Jan 1, 2025, CA’s minimum wage increased to $16.50/hour. ● The exempt salary threshold also rose to $68,640/year (≈ $5,720/month). ● Roles below this threshold cannot legally be classified as exempt. ● Employers must decide to reclassify positions or increase salaries. Why that impacts salary: Raises entry-level pay floors and compresses pay bands upward. Wage Insights Request A Custom Salary Guide