Trades & Labor Alabama (AL) Rank #45 of 50

Machinist Salary in Alabama

The median machinist salary in Alabama is $42,517 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $48,870.

Median Salary
$42,517
vs National
$-6,353
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Machinist Salary Overview in Alabama (2026)

Alabama ranks #45 out of 50 states for machinist compensation. Machinist salaries in Alabama are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $42,517 per year, machinists in Alabama earn $6,353 less than the national median of $48,870.

A key advantage of working in Alabama is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $42,517 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $48,870 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Alabama is significant: machinists at the 10th percentile earn $27,840, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $64,380 — a $36,540 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alabama for this role is Huntsville, where the median reaches $44,960.

Nationally, machinist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for machinists across the country.

Machinist Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level machinist earns around $29,580, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,640 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,580
$-4,420 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,500
$-6,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,640
$-9,360 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $42,517? 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 Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $27,840
25th Percentile $33,930
Median (50th) $42,517
75th Percentile $53,070
90th Percentile $64,380

Machinist Salary by City in Alabama

The largest employment areas for machinists in Alabama include Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Machinist in Alabama

Education

Most machinist positions require a high school diploma. Alabama has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, machinist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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 →

Open to Machinist Roles in Alabama?

Get matched with recruiters hiring machinists in Alabama at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Alabama

How much does a Machinist make in Alabama? ▼
The median machinist salary in Alabama is $42,517 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $27,840 (10th percentile) to $64,380 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,517, a machinist in Alabama earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for machinists? ▼
Alabama ranks #45 out of 50 states for machinist pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level machinists earn $29,580, while senior professionals earn $62,640.
How does Alabama compare to other states for machinist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for machinists is Hawaii at $86,989. Alabama's median of $42,517 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Missouri ($43,006) and South Dakota ($43,006).
What is the entry-level machinist salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level machinist in Alabama earns approximately $29,580 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $43,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $62,640.
What city in Alabama pays machinists the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for machinists, with a median salary of $44,960. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.