Trades & Labor New Jersey (NJ) Rank #7 of 50

Machinist Salary in New Jersey

The median machinist salary in New Jersey is $56,200 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $48,870.

Median Salary
$56,200
vs National
+$7,330
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Machinist Salary Overview in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey ranks #7 out of 50 states for machinist compensation. This places New Jersey in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for machinists seeking high pay. At $56,200 per year, machinists in New Jersey earn $7,330 more than the national median of $48,870.

It's worth noting that New Jersey's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $56,200 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $48,870.

The salary spread in New Jersey is significant: machinists at the 10th percentile earn $36,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $85,100 — a $48,300 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Jersey for this role is Jersey City, where the median reaches $62,554.

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 New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level machinist earns around $39,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,800 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,100
+$5,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,500
+$7,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,800
+$10,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $36,800
25th Percentile $44,850
Median (50th) $56,200
75th Percentile $70,150
90th Percentile $85,100

Machinist Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for machinists in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Machinist in New Jersey

Education

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

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook in New Jersey

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Machinist make in New Jersey? ▼
The median machinist salary in New Jersey is $56,200 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $36,800 (10th percentile) to $85,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,200, a machinist in New Jersey earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for machinists? ▼
New Jersey ranks #7 out of 50 states for machinist pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level machinists earn $39,100, while senior professionals earn $82,800.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for machinist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for machinists is Hawaii at $86,989. New Jersey's median of $56,200 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($59,621) and Washington ($58,155).
What is the entry-level machinist salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level machinist in New Jersey earns approximately $39,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $57,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $82,800.
What city in New Jersey pays machinists the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for machinists, with a median salary of $62,554. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.