Trades & Labor Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

Machinist Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median machinist salary in Indianapolis, IN is $46,427 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$46,427
vs State Avg
+$1,467
vs National
$-2,443
Cost of Living
93%

Machinist Pay in Indianapolis: What to Expect (2026)

Indianapolis offers a median machinist salary of $46,427, which is $1,467 above the Indiana state average of $44,960. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Indianapolis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Indianapolis's cost of living is 93% 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 Indianapolis spans from $30,400 at the 10th percentile to $70,300 at the 90th percentile — a $39,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,300, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,400. As a major metro area with a population of 887,642, Indianapolis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Machinist Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level machinist earns around $32,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,300
$-1,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,500
$-2,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,400
$-3,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

Percentile Indianapolis
10th Percentile $30,400
25th Percentile $37,050
Median (50th) $46,427
75th Percentile $57,950
90th Percentile $70,300

Machinist Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$52,291
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$42,517
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$42,028
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$41,540
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Machinist in Indianapolis

Education

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

Find Machinist Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open machinist positions in Indianapolis, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a Machinist make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median machinist salary in Indianapolis, Indiana is $46,427 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $30,400 (10th percentile) to $70,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,427, a machinist in Indianapolis earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for machinist pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median machinist salary of $46,427 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $44,960. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
Indianapolis has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $46,427 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Indianapolis? ▼
Most machinist positions in Indianapolis 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.