Trades & Labor Massachusetts (MA) Rank #3 of 50

Machinist Salary in Massachusetts

The median machinist salary in Massachusetts is $65,975 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $48,870.

Median Salary
$65,975
vs National
+$17,105
State Rank
#3 of 50
Cost of Living
135%

Machinist Salary Overview in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for machinist compensation. This places Massachusetts in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for machinists seeking high pay. At $65,975 per year, machinists in Massachusetts earn $17,105 more than the national median of $48,870.

It's worth noting that Massachusetts's cost of living is 135% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $65,975 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $48,870.

The salary spread in Massachusetts is significant: machinists at the 10th percentile earn $43,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $99,900 — a $56,700 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Massachusetts for this role is Cambridge, where the median reaches $78,192.

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 Massachusetts by Experience

In Massachusetts, an entry-level machinist earns around $45,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,200 per year. The cost of living index in Massachusetts is 135% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,900
+$11,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,500
+$17,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,200
+$25,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Massachusetts

Percentile MA Salary
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $52,650
Median (50th) $65,975
75th Percentile $82,350
90th Percentile $99,900

Machinist Salary by City in Massachusetts

The largest employment areas for machinists in Massachusetts include Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Machinist in Massachusetts

Education

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

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook in Massachusetts

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Massachusetts

How much does a Machinist make in Massachusetts? ▼
The median machinist salary in Massachusetts is $65,975 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $99,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Massachusetts? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,975, a machinist in Massachusetts earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Massachusetts a good state for machinists? ▼
Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for machinist pay. The cost of living index is 135% of the national average. Entry-level machinists earn $45,900, while senior professionals earn $97,200.
How does Massachusetts compare to other states for machinist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for machinists is Hawaii at $86,989. Massachusetts's median of $65,975 ranks #3 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($86,989) and California ($69,884).
What is the entry-level machinist salary in Massachusetts? ▼
An entry-level machinist in Massachusetts earns approximately $45,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $67,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $97,200.
What city in Massachusetts pays machinists the most? ▼
Cambridge is the highest paying city in Massachusetts for machinists, with a median salary of $78,192. Other cities include Boston and Worcester.