Trades & Labor Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Machinist Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median machinist salary in Boulder, CO is $63,531 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 21.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$63,531
vs State Avg
+$11,240
vs National
+$14,661
Cost of Living
128%

Machinist Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median machinist salary of $63,531, which is $11,240 above the Colorado state average of $52,291. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $63,531 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,634. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for machinists in Boulder spans from $41,600 at the 10th percentile to $96,200 at the 90th percentile — a $54,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,200, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,600. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Machinist Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level machinist earns around $44,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,200
+$10,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,000
+$15,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,600
+$21,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $41,600
25th Percentile $50,700
Median (50th) $63,531
75th Percentile $79,300
90th Percentile $96,200

Machinist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$55,712
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$52,780
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$52,291
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$49,847
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Machinist in Boulder

Education

Most machinist positions require a high school diploma. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado 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 Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Machinist Jobs in Boulder

Browse open machinist positions in Boulder, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Boulder

How much does a Machinist make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median machinist salary in Boulder, Colorado is $63,531 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $41,600 (10th percentile) to $96,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,531, a machinist in Boulder earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for machinist pay? ▼
Boulder's median machinist salary of $63,531 is 21.5% above the Colorado state average of $52,291. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $63,531 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Boulder? ▼
Most machinist positions in Boulder 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.