Trades & Labor Lexington, KY Pop. 322,570

Machinist Salary in Lexington, Kentucky

The median machinist salary in Lexington, KY is $45,449 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 6.9% above the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$45,449
vs State Avg
+$2,932
vs National
$-3,421
Cost of Living
93%

Machinist Pay in Lexington: What to Expect (2026)

Lexington offers a median machinist salary of $45,449, which is $2,932 above the Kentucky state average of $42,517. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Lexington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lexington'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 Lexington spans from $29,760 at the 10th percentile to $68,820 at the 90th percentile — a $39,060 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,620, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,960. With a population of 322,570, Lexington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Machinist Salary in Lexington by Experience

In Lexington, an entry-level machinist earns around $31,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,620
$-2,380 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,500
$-3,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,960
$-5,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lexington, KY

Percentile Lexington
10th Percentile $29,760
25th Percentile $36,270
Median (50th) $45,449
75th Percentile $56,730
90th Percentile $68,820

Machinist Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

How to Become a Machinist in Lexington

Education

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

Find Machinist Jobs in Lexington

Browse open machinist positions in Lexington, KY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Lexington

How much does a Machinist make in Lexington, KY? ▼
The median machinist salary in Lexington, Kentucky is $45,449 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $29,760 (10th percentile) to $68,820 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Lexington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,449, a machinist in Lexington earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lexington compare to the Kentucky state average for machinist pay? ▼
Lexington's median machinist salary of $45,449 is 6.9% above the Kentucky state average of $42,517. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lexington, KY? ▼
Lexington has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $45,449 in Lexington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Lexington? ▼
Most machinist positions in Lexington 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.