Trades & Labor Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Machinist Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median machinist salary in Detroit, MI is $43,006 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$43,006
vs State Avg
$-977
vs National
$-5,864
Cost of Living
88%

Machinist Pay in Detroit: What to Expect (2026)

Detroit offers a median machinist salary of $43,006, which is $977 below the Michigan state average of $43,983. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $43,006 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $48,870 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for machinists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for machinists in Detroit spans from $28,160 at the 10th percentile to $65,120 at the 90th percentile — a $36,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,920, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,360. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Machinist Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level machinist earns around $29,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,920
$-4,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,360
$-8,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $28,160
25th Percentile $34,320
Median (50th) $43,006
75th Percentile $53,680
90th Percentile $65,120

Machinist Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$51,314
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$43,983
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$43,006
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$42,028
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Machinist in Detroit

Education

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

Find Machinist Jobs in Detroit

Browse open machinist positions in Detroit, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Detroit

How much does a Machinist make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median machinist salary in Detroit, Michigan is $43,006 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $28,160 (10th percentile) to $65,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,006, a machinist in Detroit earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for machinist pay? ▼
Detroit's median machinist salary of $43,006 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $43,983. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $43,006 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Detroit? ▼
Most machinist positions in Detroit 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.