Machinist Salary in Independence, MO: $41,540 (2026)

Machinist Pay in Independence: What to Expect (2026)

Independence offers a median machinist salary of $41,540, which is $1,466 below the Missouri state average of $43,006. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $41,540 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $48,871 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for machinists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for machinists in Independence spans from $27,200 at the 10th percentile to $62,900 at the 90th percentile — a $35,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,900, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,200. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Machinist Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level machinist earns around $28,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,900

$-5,100 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$42,500

$-7,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$61,200

$-10,800 vs national

Percentile	Independence	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$27,200	$28,160	$32,000
25th Percentile	$33,150	$34,320	$39,000
Median (50th)	$41,540	$43,006	$48,870
75th Percentile	$51,850	$53,680	$61,000
90th Percentile	$62,900	$65,120	$74,000

Percentile

Independence

10th Percentile

$27,200

25th Percentile

$33,150

Median (50th)

$41,540

75th Percentile

$51,850

90th Percentile

$62,900

How to Become a Machinist in Independence

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Independence

How much does a Machinist make in Independence, MO? ▼

The median machinist salary in Independence, Missouri is $41,540 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $27,200 (10th percentile) to $62,900 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $41,540, a machinist in Independence earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for machinist pay? ▼

Independence's median machinist salary of $41,540 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $43,006. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼

Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $41,540 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most machinist positions in Independence 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 Independence, Missouri