As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Machinist I in the United States is $45,980 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a General Machinist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A General Machinist I'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 a General Machinist I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| General Machinist I | 0-1 years | $45,980 |
| General Machinist II | 1-3 years | $58,633 |
| General Machinist III | 3-5 years | $65,768 |
| Expert Machinist | 5-7 years | $73,364 |
| Machining Operations Supervisor I | 7+ years | $65,704 |
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 General Machinist Is. 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
|
$51,498 |
12%
|
|
Time Management
|
$48,739 |
6%
|
|
Consulting
|
$48,279 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$47,819 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$47,819 |
4%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$47,819 |
4%
|
General Machinist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $51,472. While startup companies pay approximate $43,544.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $43,544 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $46,053 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $49,705 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $51,472 |
For General Machinist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, General Machinist positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view General Machinist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $55,176 | $27.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many General Machinist Is 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 a General Machinist I with a No Diploma is between $42,650 and $45,979).
General Machinist I 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 a General Machinist I'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a General Machinist I, 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 | $48,600 | 6% |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | $45,500 | -1% |
| Milling Machine Technician II | $46,900 | 2% |
Salaries for a General Machinist I 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 General Machinist I 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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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for General Machinist I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
The highest salary for a General Machinist is approximately ?55,820. Salaries typically range from a minimum of ?43,900 to a mid-level of ?49,100, reflecting experience and skill levels in the industry.
While entry-level compensation for both machinists and welders is similar, experienced machinists tend to earn more. General machinists have a salary range from $43,900 to $55,820, with a mid-salary of $49,100. In comparison, experienced welders average around $46,000 annually. Thus, machinists generally have higher earning potential.
CNC machinists in America typically earn between $43,900 and $55,820 annually. The average salary is around $49,100, which translates to approximately $4,091 per month. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field.
The highest paying machine operator job is typically the CMM Programmer, with salaries ranging from $55,000 to $76,000 per year. Other notable positions include the CNC Machinist, earning between $43,900 and $55,820 annually, and the CMM Technician, with salaries from $43,500 to $63,500. These roles offer competitive compensation in the machining field.
As of January 2025, the salary for a CNC machinist in Florida typically ranges from $43,900 to $55,820 annually, with a mid-salary of $49,100. This aligns with the broader market, where salaries can vary based on experience and location.
Yes, a machinist is considered a high-growth career. With a growing demand for skilled workers, especially as many current machinists retire, there are ample job opportunities. The salary range for general machinists is competitive, with a minimum of $43,900, a mid-range of $49,100, and a maximum of $55,820, ensuring good pay and job security.
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