Trades & Labor Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Machinist Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median machinist salary in Iowa City, IA is $46,427 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$46,427
vs State Avg
+$2,933
vs National
$-2,443
Cost of Living
95%

Machinist Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median machinist salary of $46,427, which is $2,933 above the Iowa state average of $43,494. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% 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 Iowa City 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. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Machinist Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, 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 95% 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 Iowa City, IA

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

Machinist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

How to Become a Machinist in Iowa City

Education

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

Find Machinist Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open machinist positions in Iowa City, IA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Machinist make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median machinist salary in Iowa City, Iowa 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 Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,427, a machinist in Iowa City earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for machinist pay? ▼
Iowa City's median machinist salary of $46,427 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $43,494. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $46,427 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Iowa City? ▼
Most machinist positions in Iowa City 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.