Machinist Salary in 2026
Set up and operate machine tools to produce precision metal parts and instruments.
Median Salary
$52,000
$4,333/mo
Entry Level
$35,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$72,000
experienced
Job Growth
+2%
10-yr outlook
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)
310K
5-Year Growth
+3%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$25.00/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,333
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
$59,000
$4,917/month · $2,269/biweekly · $28.37/hr
Machinist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Machinist field.
Entry-level Machinists earn around $35,000, while the top 10% earn $80,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Machinists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $61,000 | +$9,000 |
| Texas | $51,000 | $-1,000 |
| Michigan | $49,000 | $-3,000 |
| Ohio | $49,000 | $-3,000 |
| Wisconsin | $49,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Machinists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $58,000 | +$6,000 |
| Houston | $51,000 | $-1,000 |
| Milwaukee | $50,000 | $-2,000 |
| Detroit | $49,000 | $-3,000 |
| Cleveland | $48,000 | $-4,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Machinist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Machinist from entry level to expert.
$35,000
0-2 years
$54,000
3-7 years
$72,000
8-14 years
$88,000
15+ years
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Machinist Salary FAQ
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