Machinist Salary in Memphis, TN: $42,028 (2026)

Machinist Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median machinist salary of $42,028, which is $1,466 below the Tennessee state average of $43,494. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $42,028 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $48,870 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for machinists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for machinists in Memphis spans from $27,520 at the 10th percentile to $63,640 at the 90th percentile — a $36,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,240, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,920. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Machinist Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level machinist earns around $29,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$29,240

$-4,760 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$43,000

$-7,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$61,920

$-10,080 vs national

Percentile	Memphis	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$27,520	$28,480	$32,000
25th Percentile	$33,540	$34,710	$39,000
Median (50th)	$42,028	$43,494	$48,870
75th Percentile	$52,460	$54,290	$61,000
90th Percentile	$63,640	$65,860	$74,000

Percentile

Memphis

10th Percentile

$27,520

25th Percentile

$33,540

Median (50th)

$42,028

75th Percentile

$52,460

90th Percentile

$63,640

How to Become a Machinist in Memphis

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Memphis

How much does a Machinist make in Memphis, TN? ▼

The median machinist salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $42,028 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $27,520 (10th percentile) to $63,640 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $42,028, a machinist in Memphis earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for machinist pay? ▼

Memphis's median machinist salary of $42,028 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $43,494. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼

Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $42,028 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most machinist positions in Memphis 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 Memphis, Tennessee