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Expert Machinist Salary in the United States

How much does an Expert Machinist make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Expert Machinist in the United States is $73,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

However, an Expert Machinist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $87,437
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $64,700 to $80,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $56,870
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View as table View as graph 25% $64,700 10% $56,870 90% $87,437 75% $80,700 $73,300 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Expert Machinist Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $80,700 $6,725 $1,552 $39
Average $73,300 $6,108 $1,410 $35
25th Percentile $64,700 $5,392 $1,244 $31
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Key Factors That Influence Expert Machinist Salaries

An Expert 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Expert Machinist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Expert 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:

  • 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
  • Machining Operations Supervisor II (7+ years): $78,325
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
General Machinist II1-3 years$58,535
General Machinist III3-5 years$65,637
Expert Machinist5-7 years$73,274
Machining Operations Supervisor I7+ years$65,630
Machining Operations Supervisor II7+ years$78,325
$58,535 General M...
$65,637 General M...
$73,274 Expert Ma...
$65,630 Machining...
$78,325 Machining...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Expert Machinist Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Expert Machinists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $81,200.
  • California: $80,900.
  • Massachusetts: $79,800.

Top Paying Cities for Expert Machinists

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $92,500
  • San Francisco: $91,600
  • Oakland: $89,500

Expert Machinist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Expert 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, 2026

Expert Machinist Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Expert 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.

Expert Machinist Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Production Machine Operations Supervisor $80,500 10%
Machining Operations Supervisor I $65,700 -10%
Packing Line Operations Supervisor $84,400 15%

Salary Trends for Expert Machinist

Salaries for an Expert Machinist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary from $60,243 in 2023 to around $60,243 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Expert Machinist salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Expert Machinist Over Time

2023
$???
2024
$60,243
2025
$???
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2023
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2024 $60,243
2025
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2026
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2027
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Most common benefits for Expert Machinist

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Expert Machinist

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FAQ about Expert Machinist

1. What is the highest paid Machinist job?

The highest paid Machinist jobs typically include positions like Master Machinist and Precision Machinist. Based on salary data, Expert Machinists earn between $70,400 and $87,100 annually, with a mid-salary of $78,800. These roles often require advanced skills and experience, contributing to their higher pay scale.

2. What is top pay for machinist?

The top pay for an Expert Machinist typically ranges from $70,400 to $87,100 annually, with a mid-salary of $78,800. While specific hourly rates vary by city, the overall salary reflects the expertise and demand for skilled machinists in the industry.

3. How much does a technical expert make in the US?

How much does a Technical Expert make? Based on the salary data for an Expert Machinist, the annual pay ranges from $70,400 to $87,100, with a midpoint of $78,800. This translates to approximately $33.77 to $41.85 per hour, or $1,200 to $1,600 per week.

4. Can you make a living as a machinist?

Yes, you can make a living as a machinist. The salary for expert machinists ranges from a minimum of $70,400 to a maximum of $87,100, with a mid-salary of $78,800. This income is significantly higher than the national average, making it an attractive career choice for those interested in the field.

5. Can mechanics make over 100K a year?

While some mechanics can earn over $100K a year, the salary for an Expert Machinist typically ranges from $70,400 to $87,100, with a mid-salary of $78,800. Experienced technicians may reach higher pay, but it largely depends on their skills and the specific pay structure of their employer.

6. How much do experts get paid?

As of January 9, 2025, Expert Machinists in the United States earn between $70,400 and $87,100 annually, with a median salary of $78,800. This translates to an average hourly rate of approximately $34.06. While some may earn more, the majority fall within this salary range, reflecting their expertise and skills in the field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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