Trades & Labor Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Machinist Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median machinist salary in Tacoma, WA is $55,712 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 4.2% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$55,712
vs State Avg
$-2,443
vs National
+$6,842
Cost of Living
110%

Machinist Pay in Tacoma: What to Expect (2026)

Tacoma offers a median machinist salary of $55,712, which is $2,443 below the Washington state average of $58,155. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $36,480 at the 10th percentile to $84,360 at the 90th percentile — a $47,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,760, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,080. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Machinist Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level machinist earns around $38,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,760
+$4,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,000
+$7,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,080
+$10,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $36,480
25th Percentile $44,460
Median (50th) $55,712
75th Percentile $69,540
90th Percentile $84,360

Machinist Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Machinist in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Machinist Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open machinist positions in Tacoma, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Machinist make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median machinist salary in Tacoma, Washington is $55,712 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $36,480 (10th percentile) to $84,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,712, a machinist in Tacoma earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for machinist pay? ▼
Tacoma's median machinist salary of $55,712 is 4.2% below the Washington state average of $58,155. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $55,712 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Tacoma? ▼
Most machinist positions in Tacoma 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.