Trades & Labor Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Machinist Salary in Colorado

The median machinist salary in Colorado is $52,291 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $48,870.

Median Salary
$52,291
vs National
+$3,421
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Machinist Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for machinist compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for machinist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $52,291 per year, machinists in Colorado earn $3,421 more than the national median of $48,870.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning machinist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: machinists at the 10th percentile earn $34,240, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $79,180 — a $44,940 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $63,531.

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 Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level machinist earns around $36,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,040 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,380
+$2,380 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,500
+$3,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,040
+$5,040 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $34,240
25th Percentile $41,730
Median (50th) $52,291
75th Percentile $65,270
90th Percentile $79,180

Machinist Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for machinists in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Machinist in Colorado

Education

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

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook in Colorado

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Colorado

How much does a Machinist make in Colorado? ▼
The median machinist salary in Colorado is $52,291 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $34,240 (10th percentile) to $79,180 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,291, a machinist in Colorado earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for machinists? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for machinist pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level machinists earn $36,380, while senior professionals earn $77,040.
How does Colorado compare to other states for machinist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for machinists is Hawaii at $86,989. Colorado's median of $52,291 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Connecticut ($54,734) and Maryland ($53,757).
What is the entry-level machinist salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level machinist in Colorado earns approximately $36,380 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $53,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $77,040.
What city in Colorado pays machinists the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for machinists, with a median salary of $63,531. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.