Machinist Salary in Durham, North Carolina
The median machinist salary in Durham, NC is $46,427 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.
Machinist Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)
Durham offers a median machinist salary of $46,427, which is $1,467 above the North Carolina state average of $44,960. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Durham's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for machinists in Durham spans from $30,400 at the 10th percentile to $70,300 at the 90th percentile — a $39,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,300, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,400. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Machinist Salary in Durham by Experience
In Durham, an entry-level machinist earns around $32,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC
| Percentile | Durham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,050 |
| Median (50th) | $46,427 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,950 |
| 90th Percentile | $70,300 |
Machinist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Machinist in Durham
Education
Most machinist positions require a high school diploma. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, machinist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Machinist Jobs in Durham
Browse open machinist positions in Durham, NC: