Machinists Salary in Tennessee
The median pay for a machinists in Tennessee is $48,610/year ($23.37/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $68K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Tennessee. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $49K get you in Tennessee?
About machinists
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Tennessee
Entry-level machinists (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $49K. Top earners bring in $68K or more, a $32K spread from bottom to top.
Machinists salary by metro in Tennessee
10 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | $58K | +20% | 1,450 |
| Clarksville | $57K | +18% | 220 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $56K | +14% | 370 |
| Chattanooga | $51K | +4% | 660 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $49K | +1% | 1,640 |
| Knoxville | $48K | -2% | 1,210 |
| Johnson City | $47K | -3% | 220 |
| Jackson | $47K | -4% | 240 |
| Cleveland | $46K | -6% | 80 |
| Morristown | $40K | -18% | 290 |
Compare to other states
Track machinists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Tennessee numbers change.
Related careers in Production & Manufacturing
Frequently asked questions
How much do machinists make in Tennessee?
The median is $48,610 a year, that works out to about $23 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,050, and experienced machinists can clear $67,780. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $49K enough to live in Tennessee?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,425/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,215/month, which eats 35.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a machinists salary go in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median machinists salary is worth about $54,143 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do machinists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.