Trades & Labor Michigan (MI) Rank #36 of 50

Machinist Salary in Michigan

The median machinist salary in Michigan is $43,983 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $48,870.

Median Salary
$43,983
vs National
$-4,887
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Machinist Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #36 out of 50 states for machinist compensation. Machinist salaries in Michigan are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $43,983 per year, machinists in Michigan earn $4,887 less than the national median of $48,870.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $43,983 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $48,870 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: machinists at the 10th percentile earn $28,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $66,600 — a $37,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Michigan for this role is Ann Arbor, where the median reaches $51,314.

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 Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level machinist earns around $30,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,800 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,600
$-3,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,800
$-7,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $28,800
25th Percentile $35,100
Median (50th) $43,983
75th Percentile $54,900
90th Percentile $66,600

Machinist Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for machinists in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Warren. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Machinist in Michigan

Education

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

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook in Michigan

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Michigan

How much does a Machinist make in Michigan? ▼
The median machinist salary in Michigan is $43,983 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $28,800 (10th percentile) to $66,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,983, a machinist in Michigan earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for machinists? ▼
Michigan ranks #36 out of 50 states for machinist pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level machinists earn $30,600, while senior professionals earn $64,800.
How does Michigan compare to other states for machinist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for machinists is Hawaii at $86,989. Michigan's median of $43,983 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($44,960) and Wisconsin ($44,960).
What is the entry-level machinist salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level machinist in Michigan earns approximately $30,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $45,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $64,800.
What city in Michigan pays machinists the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for machinists, with a median salary of $51,314. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.