How to Become a Machinists in Washington
Machinists in Washington earn a median salary of $64,510/year, which is 15% above the national average. Washington has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a machinists takes home approximately $3,069/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a machinists can afford in Washington
Becoming a machinists in Washington
Meet education requirements
Machinists positions in Washington typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Washington. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many machinists positions in Washington require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Washington licensure or certification
Washington may require specific licensing or professional certification for machinistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Washington Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Washington
Washington employs 6,980 machinists. The highest concentrations are in Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue.
Machinists salary by metro area in Washington
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | $79K | $37.78/hr | 320 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $74K | $35.48/hr | 4,270 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | $64K | $30.86/hr | 130 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $64K | $30.77/hr | 140 |
| Longview-Kelso | $61K | $29.4/hr | 140 |
| Yakima | $59K | $28.41/hr | 190 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $59K | $28.22/hr | 620 |
| Bellingham | $58K | $27.98/hr | 160 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | $54K | $25.92/hr | 90 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee | $48K | $23.24/hr | 140 |
Machinists salary range in Washington
Machinists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a machinists make in Washington?▼
The median machinists salary in Washington is $64,510 per year ($31.01/hr). This is 15% above the national median of $56,150. Salaries range from $47,450 to $107,240.
What are the requirements to become a machinists in Washington?▼
Machinists positions in Washington typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Washington may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Washington licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a machinists afford to live in Washington?▼
At the median salary of $64,510, a machinists in Washington would take home approximately $4,481/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 31.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for machinists in Washington?▼
The highest paying metro areas for machinists in Washington are Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard ($78,580), Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ($73,790), Mount Vernon-Anacortes ($64,200). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Washington have state income tax for machinists?▼
No, Washington 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.