Trades & Labor Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Machinist Salary in Houston, Texas

The median machinist salary in Houston, TX is $48,870 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 4.2% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$48,870
vs State Avg
+$1,955
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
96%

Machinist Pay in Houston: What to Expect (2026)

Houston offers a median machinist salary of $48,870, which is $1,955 above the Texas state average of $46,915. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Houston pays above average for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $32,000 at the 10th percentile to $74,000 at the 90th percentile — a $42,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,000, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,000. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Machinist Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level machinist earns around $34,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $32,000
25th Percentile $39,000
Median (50th) $48,870
75th Percentile $61,000
90th Percentile $74,000

Machinist Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Machinist in Houston

Education

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

Find Machinist Jobs in Houston

Browse open machinist positions in Houston, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Houston

How much does a Machinist make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median machinist salary in Houston, Texas is $48,870 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $32,000 (10th percentile) to $74,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,870, a machinist in Houston earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for machinist pay? ▼
Houston's median machinist salary of $48,870 is 4.2% above the Texas state average of $46,915. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $48,870 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Houston? ▼
Most machinist positions in Houston 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.