Trades & Labor North Dakota (ND) Rank #29 of 50

Machinist Salary in North Dakota

The median machinist salary in North Dakota is $46,427 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $48,870.

Median Salary
$46,427
vs National
$-2,443
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Machinist Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #29 out of 50 states for machinist compensation. Machinist salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $46,427 per year, machinists in North Dakota earn $2,443 less than the national median of $48,870.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $46,427 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $51,586 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: machinists at the 10th percentile earn $30,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $70,300 — a $39,900 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $48,381.

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 North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level machinist earns around $32,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,400 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,300
$-1,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,500
$-2,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,400
$-3,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $30,400
25th Percentile $37,050
Median (50th) $46,427
75th Percentile $57,950
90th Percentile $70,300

Machinist Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for machinists in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Machinist in North Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook in North Dakota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Machinist make in North Dakota? ▼
The median machinist salary in North Dakota is $46,427 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $30,400 (10th percentile) to $70,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,427, a machinist in North Dakota earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for machinists? ▼
North Dakota ranks #29 out of 50 states for machinist pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level machinists earn $32,300, while senior professionals earn $68,400.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for machinist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for machinists is Hawaii at $86,989. North Dakota's median of $46,427 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($46,915) and Illinois ($46,427).
What is the entry-level machinist salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level machinist in North Dakota earns approximately $32,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $47,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $68,400.
What city in North Dakota pays machinists the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for machinists, with a median salary of $48,381. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.