Trades & Labor Wisconsin (WI) Rank #35 of 50

Machinist Salary in Wisconsin

The median machinist salary in Wisconsin is $44,960 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $48,870.

Median Salary
$44,960
vs National
$-3,910
State Rank
#35 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Machinist Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #35 out of 50 states for machinist compensation. Machinist salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $44,960 per year, machinists in Wisconsin earn $3,910 less than the national median of $48,870.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $44,960 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $48,870 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: machinists at the 10th percentile earn $29,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $68,080 — a $38,640 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $48,870.

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 Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level machinist earns around $31,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,240 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,280
$-2,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,240
$-5,760 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $29,440
25th Percentile $35,880
Median (50th) $44,960
75th Percentile $56,120
90th Percentile $68,080

Machinist Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for machinists in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Machinist in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Machinist make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median machinist salary in Wisconsin is $44,960 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $29,440 (10th percentile) to $68,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,960, a machinist in Wisconsin earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for machinists? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #35 out of 50 states for machinist pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level machinists earn $31,280, while senior professionals earn $66,240.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for machinist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for machinists is Hawaii at $86,989. Wisconsin's median of $44,960 ranks #35 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($44,960) and North Carolina ($44,960).
What is the entry-level machinist salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level machinist in Wisconsin earns approximately $31,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $46,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $66,240.
What city in Wisconsin pays machinists the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for machinists, with a median salary of $48,870. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.