Trades & Labor

Machinist Salary

Machinists use machine tools to produce precision metal parts, operating lathes, milling machines, and CNC equipment.

Median Salary
$48,870
Mean Salary
$51,400
Total Employed
412,300
Job Growth
+4%

Machinist Salary by Experience Level

Entry-level machinists earn around $34,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $50,000. Senior-level machinists can earn $72,000 or more.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,000
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,000
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,000

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $48,870? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentile Breakdown

The salary range for machinists varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $32,000, while the top 10% earn $74,000.

Percentile Annual Salary
10th Percentile $32,000
25th Percentile $39,000
50th Percentile (Median) $48,870
75th Percentile $61,000
90th Percentile $74,000

Machinist Salary by State

Machinist salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $86,989, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $40,562.

State Median
#1 Hawaii $86,989 Details →
#2 California $69,884 Details →
#3 Massachusetts $65,975 Details →
#4 Alaska $65,486 Details →
#5 New York $59,621 Details →
#6 Washington $58,155 Details →
#7 New Jersey $56,200 Details →
#8 Oregon $55,223 Details →
#9 Connecticut $54,734 Details →
#10 Maryland $53,757 Details →
#11 Colorado $52,291 Details →
#12 New Hampshire $51,314 Details →
#13 Rhode Island $51,314 Details →
#14 Virginia $50,825 Details →
#15 Delaware $49,359 Details →
#16 Vermont $49,359 Details →
#17 Nevada $48,870 Details →
#18 Florida $47,893 Details →
#19 Maine $47,893 Details →
#20 Arizona $47,404 Details →
#21 Minnesota $47,404 Details →
#22 Montana $47,404 Details →
#23 Utah $47,404 Details →
#24 Louisiana $46,915 Details →
#25 Pennsylvania $46,915 Details →
#26 Texas $46,915 Details →
#27 Wyoming $46,915 Details →
#28 Illinois $46,427 Details →
#29 North Dakota $46,427 Details →
#30 Idaho $45,938 Details →
#31 Georgia $45,449 Details →
#32 New Mexico $45,449 Details →
#33 Indiana $44,960 Details →
#34 North Carolina $44,960 Details →
#35 Wisconsin $44,960 Details →
#36 Michigan $43,983 Details →
#37 Nebraska $43,983 Details →
#38 Ohio $43,983 Details →
#39 Iowa $43,494 Details →
#40 Oklahoma $43,494 Details →
#41 South Carolina $43,494 Details →
#42 Tennessee $43,494 Details →
#43 Missouri $43,006 Details →
#44 South Dakota $43,006 Details →
#45 Alabama $42,517 Details →
#46 Kansas $42,517 Details →
#47 Kentucky $42,517 Details →
#48 West Virginia $42,028 Details →
#49 Arkansas $41,051 Details →
#50 Mississippi $40,562 Details →

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 412,300 other Machinists.

Get a Professional Resume →

Key Responsibilities

  • ● Set up and operate CNC machines
  • ● Read blueprints and technical drawings
  • ● Measure finished parts with precision instruments
  • ● Program CNC machines
  • ● Maintain and repair machine tools

Top Skills

CNC Programming Blueprint Reading Precision Measurement Metalworking CAD/CAM Quality Control

Education Required

High school diploma

Job Outlook

As fast as average — projected 4% growth over the next decade

Open to New Machinist Opportunities?

Get matched with recruiters hiring machinists at competitive salaries. We'll connect you with opportunities — no spam, no job boards.

Free — no obligations

Or browse open positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions About Machinist Salaries

How much does a Machinist make per year? ▼
The median machinist salary in the United States is $48,870 per year. Entry-level positions start around $34,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $72,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $51,400.
How much does a Machinist make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $48,870 per year, a machinist earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for machinists? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for machinists, with a median salary of $86,989. Other top-paying states include California ($69,884) and Massachusetts ($65,975).
What education do you need to become a machinist? ▼
Most machinist positions require a high school diploma. Key skills include CNC Programming, Blueprint Reading, Precision Measurement, Metalworking. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for machinists? ▼
Employment for machinists is projected to grow 4% over the next decade, which is as fast as average. There are currently 412,300 machinists employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level machinist make? ▼
An entry-level machinist with 0-2 years of experience earns around $34,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $50,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $32,000, while the top 10% earn $74,000.