Trades & Labor Indiana (IN) Rank #33 of 50

Machinist Salary in Indiana

The median machinist salary in Indiana is $44,960 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $48,870.

Median Salary
$44,960
vs National
$-3,910
State Rank
#33 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Machinist Salary Overview in Indiana (2026)

Indiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for machinist compensation. Machinist salaries in Indiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $44,960 per year, machinists in Indiana earn $3,910 less than the national median of $48,870.

A key advantage of working in Indiana is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $44,960 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $49,956 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Indiana is significant: machinists at the 10th percentile earn $29,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $68,080 — a $38,640 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Indiana for this role is Carmel, where the median reaches $52,291.

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 Indiana by Experience

In Indiana, an entry-level machinist earns around $31,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,240 per year. The cost of living index in Indiana is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,280
$-2,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,240
$-5,760 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Indiana

Percentile IN Salary
10th Percentile $29,440
25th Percentile $35,880
Median (50th) $44,960
75th Percentile $56,120
90th Percentile $68,080

Machinist Salary by City in Indiana

The largest employment areas for machinists in Indiana include Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Machinist in Indiana

Education

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

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook in Indiana

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Indiana

How much does a Machinist make in Indiana? ▼
The median machinist salary in Indiana is $44,960 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $29,440 (10th percentile) to $68,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Indiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,960, a machinist in Indiana earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Indiana a good state for machinists? ▼
Indiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for machinist pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level machinists earn $31,280, while senior professionals earn $66,240.
How does Indiana compare to other states for machinist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for machinists is Hawaii at $86,989. Indiana's median of $44,960 ranks #33 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Georgia ($45,449) and New Mexico ($45,449).
What is the entry-level machinist salary in Indiana? ▼
An entry-level machinist in Indiana earns approximately $31,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $46,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $66,240.
What city in Indiana pays machinists the most? ▼
Carmel is the highest paying city in Indiana for machinists, with a median salary of $52,291. Other cities include Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.