As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Machinist in the United States is $46,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, an Entry Machinist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Machinist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Machinist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Machinist | 0-1 years | $45,945 |
| General Machinist II | 1-3 years | $58,535 |
| General Machinist III | 3-5 years | $65,637 |
| Expert Machinist | 5-7 years | $73,274 |
| Machining Operations Supervisor I | 7+ years | $65,630 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Machinists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.45% |
| Metal Fabrication | 3.33% |
| HVAC | 1.79% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
SOP
|
$51,520 |
12%
|
|
Time Management
|
$48,760 |
6%
|
|
Consulting
|
$48,300 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$47,840 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$47,840 |
4%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$47,840 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Machinists enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Machinist with a No Diploma is between $42,700 and $46,022).
Entry Machinist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.6% |
| High School | 72.4% |
| Associates | 22.0% |
| Bachelors | 4.1% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Entry Machinist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Machinist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Extruder Operator II | $54,600 | 19% |
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator II | $48,500 | 5% |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | $45,500 | -1% |
| Milling Machine Technician II | $57,600 | 25% |
Salaries for an Entry Machinist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,256 in 2023 to around $37,727 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Machinist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $38,256 |
| 2024 | $37,980 |
| 2025 | $37,727 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Machinists generally require a high school diploma or equivalent, with tool and die makers possibly needing additional postsecondary courses. Relevant high school subjects include math, blueprint reading, metalworking, and CAD/CAM. Entry-level machinists can expect salaries ranging from $43,900 to $55,900, with a median salary of $49,100.
Yes, you can become a machinist with no experience. Most employers provide on-the-job training, so formal certification isn't always necessary. However, having a trade school diploma or relevant experience can enhance your chances. Entry-level machinists typically earn between $43,900 and $55,900, with a median salary around $49,100.
While entry-level compensation for machinists starts at around $43,900, experienced machinists can earn up to $55,900 annually. In comparison, welders with experience typically earn around $46,000 per year. Thus, experienced machinists generally have higher earning potential than welders.
A Level 2 Machinist operates 3-5 axis CNC machines with minimal assistance. They handle basic machine setup, including preparing fixtures and cutting tools, and loading and adjusting CNC programs and offsets. The salary for an Entry Machinist in this role ranges from $43,900 to $55,900, with a mid-point of $49,100.
Yes, machinists are still in demand. Over the next decade, the U.S. is projected to need 12,000 machinists due to the addition of 6,300 new positions and the retirement of 5,700 existing workers. Entry-level machinists can expect salaries ranging from $43,900 to $55,900, with a mid-salary of $49,100, reflecting the ongoing need for skilled labor in this field.
As of January 2025, Entry Machinists in the U.S. earn between $43,900 and $55,900 annually, with a median salary of $49,100. This reflects a range of approximately $20.91 to $28.61 per hour, depending on experience and location. Overall, machinist wages can vary significantly based on various factors.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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