Trades & Labor Washington (WA) Rank #6 of 50

Machinist Salary in Washington

The median machinist salary in Washington is $58,155 per year, which is 19.0% above the national median of $48,870.

Median Salary
$58,155
vs National
+$9,285
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Machinist Salary Overview in Washington (2026)

Washington ranks #6 out of 50 states for machinist compensation. This places Washington in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for machinists seeking high pay. At $58,155 per year, machinists in Washington earn $9,285 more than the national median of $48,870.

It's worth noting that Washington's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $58,155 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $50,570.

The salary spread in Washington is significant: machinists at the 10th percentile earn $38,080, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $88,060 — a $49,980 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Washington for this role is Bellevue, where the median reaches $76,237.

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 Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level machinist earns around $40,460, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,680 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,460
+$6,460 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,500
+$9,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,680
+$13,680 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $38,080
25th Percentile $46,410
Median (50th) $58,155
75th Percentile $72,590
90th Percentile $88,060

Machinist Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for machinists in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Machinist in Washington

Education

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

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook in Washington

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Washington

How much does a Machinist make in Washington? ▼
The median machinist salary in Washington is $58,155 per year, which is 19.0% above the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $38,080 (10th percentile) to $88,060 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,155, a machinist in Washington earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for machinists? ▼
Washington ranks #6 out of 50 states for machinist pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level machinists earn $40,460, while senior professionals earn $85,680.
How does Washington compare to other states for machinist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for machinists is Hawaii at $86,989. Washington's median of $58,155 ranks #6 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alaska ($65,486) and New York ($59,621).
What is the entry-level machinist salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level machinist in Washington earns approximately $40,460 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $59,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $85,680.
What city in Washington pays machinists the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for machinists, with a median salary of $76,237. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.