Trades & Labor Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Machinist Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median machinist salary in Boston, MA is $74,282 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$74,282
vs State Avg
+$8,307
vs National
+$25,412
Cost of Living
152%

Machinist Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median machinist salary of $74,282, which is $8,307 above the Massachusetts state average of $65,975. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $74,282 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $48,870. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for machinists in Boston spans from $48,640 at the 10th percentile to $112,480 at the 90th percentile — a $63,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,680, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,440. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Machinist Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level machinist earns around $51,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,680
+$17,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,000
+$26,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,440
+$37,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $48,640
25th Percentile $59,280
Median (50th) $74,282
75th Percentile $92,720
90th Percentile $112,480

Machinist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$78,192
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$53,757
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$51,314
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$47,893
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Machinist in Boston

Education

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

Find Machinist Jobs in Boston

Browse open machinist positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Boston

How much does a Machinist make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median machinist salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $74,282 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $48,640 (10th percentile) to $112,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,282, a machinist in Boston earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for machinist pay? ▼
Boston's median machinist salary of $74,282 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $65,975. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $74,282 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Boston? ▼
Most machinist positions in Boston 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.