How to Become a Machinists in Illinois
Machinists in Illinois earn a median salary of $56,700/year, which is 1% above the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~5.0%. After taxes and rent, a machinists takes home approximately $2,321/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a machinists can afford in Illinois
Becoming a machinists in Illinois
Meet education requirements
Machinists positions in Illinois typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many machinists positions in Illinois require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Illinois licensure or certification
Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for machinistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Illinois
Illinois employs 16,100 machinists. The highest concentrations are in Bloomington and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin.
Machinists salary by metro area in Illinois
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | $81K | $39.06/hr | 70 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $57K | $27.63/hr | 10,500 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $57K | $27.26/hr | 130 |
| Decatur | $54K | $25.94/hr | 60 |
| Kankakee | $53K | $25.42/hr | 150 |
| Peoria | $50K | $24.24/hr | 480 |
| Springfield | $50K | $24.13/hr | 50 |
| Rockford | $50K | $24/hr | 1,730 |
Machinists salary range in Illinois
Machinists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a machinists make in Illinois?▼
The median machinists salary in Illinois is $56,700 per year ($27.26/hr). This is 1% above the national median of $56,150. Salaries range from $37,560 to $79,820.
What are the requirements to become a machinists in Illinois?▼
Machinists positions in Illinois typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Illinois may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Illinois licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a machinists afford to live in Illinois?▼
At the median salary of $56,700, a machinists in Illinois would take home approximately $3,733/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 37.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for machinists in Illinois?▼
The highest paying metro areas for machinists in Illinois are Bloomington ($81,240), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($57,470), Champaign-Urbana ($56,690). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Illinois have state income tax for machinists?▼
Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.0%. On a $56,700 salary, this means roughly $2,807/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.