Trades & Labor Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Machinist Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median machinist salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $43,006 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.2% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$43,006
vs State Avg
+$489
vs National
$-5,864
Cost of Living
88%

Machinist Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median machinist salary of $43,006, which is $489 above the Alabama state average of $42,517. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $43,006 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $48,870 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for machinists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for machinists in Tuscaloosa spans from $28,160 at the 10th percentile to $65,120 at the 90th percentile — a $36,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,920, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,360. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Machinist Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level machinist earns around $29,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,920
$-4,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,360
$-8,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $28,160
25th Percentile $34,320
Median (50th) $43,006
75th Percentile $53,680
90th Percentile $65,120

Machinist Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$44,960
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$43,983
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$42,028
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$41,540
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Machinist in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most machinist positions require a high school diploma. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook

Nationally, machinist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Machinist Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open machinist positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Machinist make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median machinist salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $43,006 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $28,160 (10th percentile) to $65,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,006, a machinist in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for machinist pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median machinist salary of $43,006 is 1.2% above the Alabama state average of $42,517. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $43,006 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most machinist positions in Tuscaloosa require a high school diploma. Key skills include CNC Programming, Blueprint Reading, Precision Measurement, Metalworking. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.