Trades & Labor Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Machinist Salary in Alaska

The median machinist salary in Alaska is $65,486 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median of $48,870.

Median Salary
$65,486
vs National
+$16,616
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Machinist Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for machinist compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for machinists seeking high pay. At $65,486 per year, machinists in Alaska earn $16,616 more than the national median of $48,870.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $65,486 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $52,811.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: machinists at the 10th percentile earn $42,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $99,160 — a $56,280 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $70,862.

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 Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level machinist earns around $45,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,480 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,560
+$11,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,000
+$17,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,480
+$24,480 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $42,880
25th Percentile $52,260
Median (50th) $65,486
75th Percentile $81,740
90th Percentile $99,160

Machinist Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for machinists in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Machinist in Alaska

Education

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

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook in Alaska

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Alaska

How much does a Machinist make in Alaska? ▼
The median machinist salary in Alaska is $65,486 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $42,880 (10th percentile) to $99,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,486, a machinist in Alaska earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for machinists? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for machinist pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level machinists earn $45,560, while senior professionals earn $96,480.
How does Alaska compare to other states for machinist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for machinists is Hawaii at $86,989. Alaska's median of $65,486 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($69,884) and Massachusetts ($65,975).
What is the entry-level machinist salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level machinist in Alaska earns approximately $45,560 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $67,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $96,480.
What city in Alaska pays machinists the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for machinists, with a median salary of $70,862. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.