Machinist Salary Guide 2025: Median $58,750, Outlook & How to Become One
The median machinist salary in the U.S. is $58,750 per year, or about $28 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The typical range runs from $39,200 at the 10th percentile to $80,010 at the 90th. That $58,750 is the midpoint — half of the nation's 287,050 machinists earn more, half less.
How much Machinists earn
The mean annual wage for machinists is $59,320, slightly above the median. Entry-level machinists often start near $39,200, while experienced machinists in top roles can exceed $80,000. Pay varies by industry: aerospace or medical device shops tend to pay higher than general manufacturing.
Overtime is common. Many machinists work more than 40 hours a week, which can push actual earnings well above the base salary figures.
- National median: $58,750
- Mean hourly: $28.00
- 10th percentile: $39,200
- 90th percentile: $80,010
Pay by state
Location matters. Hawaii pays machinists the most of any state, with a mean annual wage of $84,410. Alaska follows at $77,670, then Washington D.C. at $72,900, Massachusetts at $67,270, and Washington at $66,160. On the lower end, South Dakota averages $50,890, Tennessee $49,600, and West Virginia $47,350.
How to become a Machinist
Most machinists enter through a mix of high school classes, vocational training, and on-the-job experience. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum. Many complete a 1-to-2-year certificate or associate degree in machine tool technology or CNC operation from a community college or trade school.
Apprenticeship programs, often sponsored by unions or manufacturers, last 3 to 4 years and combine paid work with classroom instruction. Voluntary certifications, like those from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), can improve job prospects.
Employers typically look for basic math, blueprint reading, and CNC programming skills. Entry-level machinists often start as operators or helpers and move up.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Certificate or associate degree in machining or CNC
- Apprenticeship (3-4 years, paid)
- Optional NIMS certification
Job outlook
Employment of machinists is projected to show little or no change from 2024 to 2034, a slower-than-average growth rate. However, about 29,500 job openings are expected each year over the decade, mainly from workers leaving the field. Automation reduces the need for manual machining but increases demand for CNC programmers and setup workers.
For a stable career, machinists who learn CNC programming, CAD/CAM software, and advanced metrology will have the best odds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest-paying state for machinists?
Hawaii pays machinists the most, with a mean annual wage of $84,410, according to the BLS.
Do you need a degree to become a machinist?
No, only a high school diploma is required. But most employers prefer a certificate or associate degree in machining, and many machinists complete a formal apprenticeship.
Is machining a dying trade?
No. While employment is projected to stay flat (0% growth through 2034), about 29,500 openings per year will arise from retirements, making it a stable field for those with CNC skills.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Machinists data.