As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Machinist II in the United States is $58,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a General Machinist II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A General Machinist II'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 II'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 | $45,980 |
| 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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 4.34% |
| Metal Fabrication | 3.52% |
| Food Safety | 1.88% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Food Safety
|
$62,809 |
7%
|
|
Coaching
|
$62,222 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$62,222 |
6%
|
|
Accountability
|
$61,048 |
4%
|
|
Programming
|
$61,048 |
4%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$61,048 |
4%
|
General Machinist II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $65,711. While startup companies pay approximate $55,590.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $55,590 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $58,793 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $63,456 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $65,711 |
For General Machinist II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, General Machinist positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view General Machinist II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $70,440 | $34.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $67,505 | $32.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $67,505 | $32.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $65,744 | $32.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $64,570 | $31.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many General Machinist IIs 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 II with a No Diploma is between $52,161 and $56,003).
General Machinist II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 65.1% |
| High School | 65.1% |
| Associates | 28.6% |
| Bachelors | 4.8% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 1.6% |
Understanding how a General Machinist II'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 II, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator III | $56,700 | -3% |
| Production Machine Operator III | $51,600 | -12% |
| General Machinist III | $65,800 | 12% |
| CNC Laser Machine Operator III | $62,800 | 7% |
Salaries for a General Machinist II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $42,067 in 2023 to around $42,104 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of General Machinist II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,067 |
| 2024 | $42,218 |
| 2025 | $42,104 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for General Machinist II roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
The salary of a General Machinist in Dubai ranges from AED 51,000 to AED 65,200 annually, with a mid-range salary of AED 57,700. This data reflects the compensation for skilled machinists, providing a clear overview of potential earnings in the industry.
The highest paid machinist jobs include positions like Tool Pusher, with salaries ranging from $45,500 to $122,500 per year. Other high-paying roles are Machine Shop Supervisor ($58,000-$90,000), Gear Machinist ($53,000-$90,000), and Precision Machinist. General Machinists can expect salaries between $51,000 and $65,200, with a mid-range of $57,700.
California has the highest number of machinist jobs, with approximately 20,500 positions available. The salary for General Machinists in this state ranges from a minimum of $51,000 to a maximum of $65,200, with a median salary of $57,700. Other states with significant employment include Texas and Illinois.
Yes, machinists are still in demand. Over the next decade, the U.S. is projected to need 12,000 machinists, driven by the addition of 6,300 new positions and the retirement of 5,700 existing workers. With salaries ranging from $51,000 to $65,200, this career offers competitive compensation and strong job prospects.
Machinist I is the entry-level position, earning between $51,000 and $57,700. Machinist II, the first-level supervisory role, typically earns around $57,700, while Machinist III, the second-level supervisory position, can earn up to $65,200. Each level reflects increased responsibility and skill within the machinist series.
A Level 1 machinist operates under direct supervision, loading and unloading parts in 3-5 axis CNC mill or lathe machine cells to produce complex aerospace components. The salary for this position typically ranges from $51,000 to $65,200, with a mid-range salary of approximately $57,700.
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