Trades & Labor Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Machinist Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median machinist salary in Milwaukee, WI is $44,960 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$44,960
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-3,910
Cost of Living
92%

Machinist Pay in Milwaukee: What to Expect (2026)

Milwaukee offers a median machinist salary of $44,960, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $44,960. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee's cost of living is 92% 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 Milwaukee spans from $29,440 at the 10th percentile to $68,080 at the 90th percentile — a $38,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,280, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,240. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Machinist Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level machinist earns around $31,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,240 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

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

Machinist Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

How to Become a Machinist in Milwaukee

Education

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

Find Machinist Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open machinist positions in Milwaukee, WI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Machinist make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median machinist salary in Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,960, a machinist in Milwaukee earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for machinist pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median machinist salary of $44,960 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $44,960. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $44,960 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Milwaukee? ▼
Most machinist positions in Milwaukee 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.