How to Become a Machinists in Tennessee
Machinists in Tennessee earn a median salary of $48,610/year, which is 13% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a machinists takes home approximately $2,013/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a machinists can afford in Tennessee
Becoming a machinists in Tennessee
Meet education requirements
Machinists positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Tennessee. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many machinists positions in Tennessee require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification
Tennessee may require specific licensing or professional certification for machinistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Tennessee Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Tennessee
Tennessee employs 7,730 machinists. The highest concentrations are in Memphis and Clarksville.
Machinists salary by metro area in Tennessee
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | $58K | $27.96/hr | 1,450 |
| Clarksville | $57K | $27.54/hr | 220 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $56K | $26.74/hr | 370 |
| Chattanooga | $51K | $24.39/hr | 660 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $49K | $23.69/hr | 1,640 |
| Knoxville | $48K | $23/hr | 1,210 |
| Johnson City | $47K | $22.68/hr | 220 |
| Jackson | $47K | $22.36/hr | 240 |
| Cleveland | $46K | $21.97/hr | 80 |
| Morristown | $40K | $19.06/hr | 290 |
Machinists salary range in Tennessee
Machinists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a machinists make in Tennessee?▼
The median machinists salary in Tennessee is $48,610 per year ($23.37/hr). This is 13% below the national median of $56,150. Salaries range from $36,050 to $67,780.
What are the requirements to become a machinists in Tennessee?▼
Machinists positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Tennessee may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Tennessee licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a machinists afford to live in Tennessee?▼
At the median salary of $48,610, a machinists in Tennessee would take home approximately $3,425/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 41.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for machinists in Tennessee?▼
The highest paying metro areas for machinists in Tennessee are Memphis ($58,150), Clarksville ($57,270), Kingsport-Bristol ($55,610). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Tennessee have state income tax for machinists?▼
No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means machinists keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.