Trades & Labor Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Machinist Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median machinist salary in Denver, CO is $55,712 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 6.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$55,712
vs State Avg
+$3,421
vs National
+$6,842
Cost of Living
112%

Machinist Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median machinist salary of $55,712, which is $3,421 above the Colorado state average of $52,291. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $55,712 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,743. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for machinists in Denver spans from $36,480 at the 10th percentile to $84,360 at the 90th percentile — a $47,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,760, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,080. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Machinist Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level machinist earns around $38,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,760
+$4,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,000
+$7,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,080
+$10,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $36,480
25th Percentile $44,460
Median (50th) $55,712
75th Percentile $69,540
90th Percentile $84,360

Machinist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$63,531
Pop. 105,673
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 Denver

Education

Most machinist positions require a high school diploma. Denver 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Machinist Jobs in Denver

Browse open machinist positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Denver

How much does a Machinist make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median machinist salary in Denver, Colorado is $55,712 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $36,480 (10th percentile) to $84,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,712, a machinist in Denver earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for machinist pay? ▼
Denver's median machinist salary of $55,712 is 6.5% above the Colorado state average of $52,291. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $55,712 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Denver? ▼
Most machinist positions in Denver 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.