Machinist Salary in Owensboro, KY: $40,073 (2026)

Machinist Pay in Owensboro: What to Expect (2026)

Owensboro offers a median machinist salary of $40,073, which is $2,444 below the Kentucky state average of $42,517. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $40,073 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $48,870 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for machinists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for machinists in Owensboro spans from $26,240 at the 10th percentile to $60,680 at the 90th percentile — a $34,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,880, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,040. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Machinist Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level machinist earns around $27,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$27,880

$-6,120 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$41,000

$-9,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$59,040

$-12,960 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$26,240	$27,840	$32,000
25th Percentile	$31,980	$33,930	$39,000
Median (50th)	$40,073	$42,517	$48,870
75th Percentile	$50,020	$53,070	$61,000
90th Percentile	$60,680	$64,380	$74,000

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$26,240

25th Percentile

$31,980

Median (50th)

$40,073

75th Percentile

$50,020

90th Percentile

$60,680

How to Become a Machinist in Owensboro

Education

Most machinist positions require a high school diploma. Owensboro 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 Owensboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Machinist make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median machinist salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $40,073 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $26,240 (10th percentile) to $60,680 (90th percentile).

How much does a Machinist make per hour in Owensboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $40,073, a machinist in Owensboro earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for machinist pay? ▼

Owensboro's median machinist salary of $40,073 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $42,517. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $40,073 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Owensboro? ▼

Most machinist positions in Owensboro 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.

Machinist Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky