How to Become a Machinist
Machinists earn a median salary of $58,750/year in the United States. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, Alaska, District of Columbia.
Where Machinists have the most money left over after rent
Median pay minus estimated federal + state + FICA taxes, minus 12 months of rent at HUD's 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent. Darker green means more money left over each year. Hover any state for the breakdown.
View map data as a table
| State | Median (nominal) | Rent/mo (2BR) | Left after rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $78K | $1,643 | $43K |
| Wyoming | $63K | $1,008 | $41K |
| North Dakota | $62K | $1,034 | $38K |
| Hawaii | $84K | $2,240 | $35K |
| Louisiana | $61K | $1,191 | $35K |
| Montana | $61K | $1,129 | $35K |
| Kentucky | $59K | $1,110 | $34K |
| Missouri | $59K | $1,097 | $34K |
| New Mexico | $59K | $1,119 | $34K |
| Idaho | $59K | $1,136 | $33K |
| Indiana | $58K | $1,144 | $33K |
| Iowa | $58K | $1,064 | $33K |
| New Hampshire | $62K | $1,528 | $33K |
| Ohio | $58K | $1,188 | $33K |
| Texas | $59K | $1,415 | $33K |
| Vermont | $63K | $1,498 | $33K |
| Washington | $66K | $1,830 | $33K |
| Wisconsin | $59K | $1,202 | $33K |
| Delaware | $63K | $1,448 | $32K |
| Minnesota | $61K | $1,384 | $32K |
| Utah | $61K | $1,350 | $32K |
| Arizona | $61K | $1,437 | $32K |
| District of Columbia | $73K | $2,146 | $31K |
| Maine | $59K | $1,281 | $31K |
| Mississippi | $56K | $1,077 | $31K |
| Nebraska | $56K | $1,113 | $31K |
| Pennsylvania | $58K | $1,351 | $31K |
| South Carolina | $58K | $1,263 | $31K |
| South Dakota | $51K | $1,017 | $31K |
| Alabama | $56K | $1,085 | $31K |
| Oregon | $64K | $1,555 | $30K |
| Illinois | $59K | $1,407 | $29K |
| North Carolina | $55K | $1,284 | $29K |
| Virginia | $61K | $1,646 | $29K |
| Connecticut | $62K | $1,679 | $29K |
| Arkansas | $51K | $1,021 | $29K |
| Florida | $57K | $1,658 | $28K |
| Kansas | $51K | $1,066 | $28K |
| Oklahoma | $51K | $1,081 | $28K |
| Rhode Island | $58K | $1,544 | $28K |
| Michigan | $52K | $1,272 | $27K |
| Nevada | $53K | $1,501 | $27K |
| Tennessee | $50K | $1,215 | $27K |
| Maryland | $60K | $1,795 | $26K |
| New Jersey | $63K | $2,067 | $26K |
| West Virginia | $47K | $1,008 | $26K |
| Colorado | $60K | $1,832 | $26K |
| Georgia | $53K | $1,434 | $25K |
| New York | $61K | $1,917 | $25K |
| Massachusetts | $67K | $2,347 | $24K |
| California | $57K | $2,471 | $17K |
Education and training
Machinists train through apprenticeships (4 years), community college programs (1-2 years for certificate or associate degree in machining or manufacturing technology), or on-the-job training starting as machine operators. Programs cover blueprint reading, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), metrology (precision measurement), CNC programming, manual machining (lathe, mill, grinder), metallurgy, and shop mathematics.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) programming is the skill that separates modern machinists from operators. A machinist who can program CNC machines (writing G-code or using CAM software like Mastercam, Fusion 360, or GibbsCAM) commands significantly higher pay than one who only operates pre-programmed machines.
Licensing and certification
Machinists are not state-licensed. Industry credentials through NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) cover CNC milling, CNC turning, grinding, EDM, and measurement. NIMS certifications validate competency at specific skill levels and are recognized across the manufacturing industry. Many employers use NIMS as a benchmark for hiring and pay decisions.
Specialty certifications: AWS welding certifications (if the role involves welding), ASME Section IX for pressure vessel work, and NDT (non-destructive testing) certifications for inspection roles.
What the day-to-day looks like
Machinists produce precision metal parts by operating manual and CNC machine tools, lathes, mills, grinders, EDM machines, and multi-axis machining centers. The work requires interpreting engineering drawings, selecting tooling and materials, setting up machines, running production, and inspecting finished parts to tolerances measured in thousandths of an inch.
Precision is the defining characteristic. You're making parts where 0.001 inch matters, aerospace components, medical implants, automotive tooling, mold cavities. The satisfaction comes from producing something physical and exact. The pressure comes from scrap cost: a mistake on an expensive material (titanium, Inconel) can waste thousands of dollars in seconds.
Career progression
Machine operator → machinist → CNC programmer → lead machinist → shop supervisor → manufacturing engineer → shop owner. The CNC programmer role is the key inflection point, it shifts the work from physical operation to digital planning and often adds $5,000-$15,000/year.
Tool and die makers are the elite specialty within machining: they build the molds, dies, and fixtures that other machinists use. Tool and die positions pay $65,000-$90,000 and require years of accumulated precision skills.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $84K | 260 |
| Alaska | $78K | 120 |
| District of Columbia | $73K | 160 |
| Massachusetts | $67K | 7,080 |
| Washington | $66K | 6,880 |
| Oregon | $64K | 2,760 |
| New Jersey | $63K | 3,210 |
| Wyoming | $63K | 290 |
| Vermont | $63K | 220 |
| Delaware | $63K | 310 |
Where the jobs are
The highest-paying state for machinistss is Hawaii at $84,410/year, that's $25,660 above the national median. But higher pay often comes with higher costs. Before assuming the top-paying state is the best financial move, check the full affordability breakdown for Hawaii.
The pay gap between the highest and lowest-paying states is $37,060. That spread sounds dramatic, but cost-of-living differences offset much of it. A machinists making $47,350 in West Virginia may have more purchasing power than one making $84,410 in Hawaii if rent and local prices differ enough.
By employment volume, the states with the most machinists jobs are Texas (21,700 workers), Michigan (20,350 workers), California (18,950 workers). High employment numbers mean more job openings, more employer competition for talent, and usually more leverage when negotiating salary. States with fewer workers in the field may pay less but also have less competition for positions.
For the full state-by-state comparison with salary percentiles, cost-of-living adjustment, and rent affordability for machinistss, see the complete salary data page.
Salary negotiation
5-axis CNC programming is the highest-demand, highest-paid machining skill. Machinists who can program and set up 5-axis machines earn $30-$45/hour in most markets. Other premium skills: Swiss-type lathe operation (for medical and watch components), EDM (electrical discharge machining), and prototype/R&D machining (making one-off parts to tight tolerances from drawings, as opposed to production runs).
Aerospace shops pay the highest rates because the precision requirements, material costs, and quality documentation standards are the most demanding in manufacturing.
What the data doesn't tell you
Machining faces the same demographic cliff as other trades: the average machinist is over 50, and shops nationwide report difficulty finding qualified replacements. A young, skilled CNC machinist-programmer has exceptional job security and geographic flexibility. The career is also less vulnerable to automation than many assume, while CNC machines automate the cutting, setup, programming, and quality inspection still require human expertise, especially for complex parts and small production runs.
See the full salary picture
Percentile breakdown, cost of living, rent burden, and purchasing power for machinistss in every metro.
View Machinists salaries →Frequently asked questions
How much does a machinists make?▼
The median machinists salary in the United States is $58,750 per year ($28/hour). Entry-level positions start around $39,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,010.
What education do you need to become a machinist?▼
Most machinists positions require High school diploma or equivalent. Requirements vary by state and employer. Check with your state's licensing board for specific requirements.
What is the job outlook for machinists?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for machinists.
What are the highest paying states for machinists?▼
The highest paying states for machinists are Hawaii ($84,410), Alaska ($77,670), District of Columbia ($72,900), Massachusetts ($67,270), Washington ($66,160). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.