Machinist Salary in 2026
Set up and operate machine tools to produce precision metal parts and instruments.
Median Salary
$58,750
$4,896/mo
Entry Level
$39,500
starting pay
Senior Level
$81,300
experienced
Job Growth
+2%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Machinists (SOC 51-4041) at a national median of $58,750 per year (mean $59,320), or $28.24 per hour, with 287,050 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Machinist Overview
Set up and operate machine tools to produce precision metal parts and instruments.
Education
Certificate/Associate's
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Trades
Total Jobs (US)
287K
5-Year Growth
+3%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$28.24/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,896
Machinist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Machinist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Machinist Salary
$67,000
$5,583/month · $2,577/biweekly · $32.21/hr
Machinist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Machinist field.
Entry-level Machinists earn around $39,500, while the top 10% earn $90,350 or more.
Top Paying States for Machinists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $69,000 | +$10,250 |
| Texas | $58,000 | $-750 |
| Michigan | $56,000 | $-2,750 |
| Ohio | $56,000 | $-2,750 |
| Wisconsin | $56,000 | $-2,750 |
Top Paying Cities for Machinists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $66,000 | +$7,250 |
| Houston | $58,000 | $-750 |
| Detroit | $56,000 | $-2,750 |
| Milwaukee | $56,000 | $-2,750 |
| Cleveland | $55,000 | $-3,750 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Machinist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Machinist from entry level to expert.
$39,500
0-2 years
$60,000
3-7 years
$81,300
8-14 years
$99,400
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Machinist Salary FAQ
How much does a Machinist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Machinist in the United States is $58,750 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Machinists (SOC 51-4041); the mean is $59,320. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $39,500, senior professionals around $81,300, and top earners at $99,400 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Machinist?
A Machinist typically requires a Certificate/Associate's with 2-4 years of experience. Key skills include CNC Programming, Blueprint Reading, Precision Measurement. Relevant certifications such as NIMS Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Machinists?
The job market for Machinists is projected to grow by 2% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 287K Machinist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 3%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Machinists the most?
The highest-paying states for Machinists include California, Michigan, Ohio. In California, the median salary is approximately $69,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Machinist salary?
To increase your Machinist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like CNC Programming and Blueprint Reading. Pursue certifications such as NIMS Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 2-4 years of experience, you can progress from $39,500 to $81,300 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Machinist Salary
How we calculate Machinist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Machinists (SOC 51-4041), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $58,750, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Machinists; BLS mean $59,320; BLS hourly median $28.24.
- Entry-level ($39,500) and senior-level ($81,300) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +2% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 287,050 Machinists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 3% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Trades sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Certificate/Associate's, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $58,750; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Machinist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Machinist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Trades
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Machinist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (CNC Programming, Blueprint Reading, Precision Measurement), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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