Trades & Labor Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Machinist Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median machinist salary in Dover, DE is $46,915 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 5% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$46,915
vs State Avg
$-2,444
vs National
$-1,955
Cost of Living
96%

Machinist Pay in Dover: What to Expect (2026)

Dover offers a median machinist salary of $46,915, which is $2,444 below the Delaware state average of $49,359. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for machinists in Dover spans from $30,720 at the 10th percentile to $71,040 at the 90th percentile — a $40,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,640, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $69,120. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Machinist Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level machinist earns around $32,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,640
$-1,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,000
$-2,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,120
$-2,880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $30,720
25th Percentile $37,440
Median (50th) $46,915
75th Percentile $58,560
90th Percentile $71,040

Machinist Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$51,314
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$49,847
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$48,381
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$47,893
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Machinist in Dover

Education

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

Find Machinist Jobs in Dover

Browse open machinist positions in Dover, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Dover

How much does a Machinist make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median machinist salary in Dover, Delaware is $46,915 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $30,720 (10th percentile) to $71,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,915, a machinist in Dover earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for machinist pay? ▼
Dover's median machinist salary of $46,915 is 5% below the Delaware state average of $49,359. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $46,915 in Dover has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Dover? ▼
Most machinist positions in Dover 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.