As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Machinist III in the United States is $65,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a General Machinist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A General Machinist III'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 III'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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.39% |
| Machine Controls | 2.07% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.55% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Process Improvement
|
$71,722 |
9%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$70,406 |
7%
|
|
Analysis
|
$70,406 |
7%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$70,406 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$69,748 |
6%
|
|
Lean Manufacturing
|
$69,090 |
5%
|
General Machinist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $73,659. While startup companies pay approximate $62,314.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $62,314 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $65,904 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $71,131 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $73,659 |
For General Machinist III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 92% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 44% 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 III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $94,752 | $46.0 | 44% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $85,540 | $41.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $80,276 | $39.0 | 22% |
| Healthcare | $80,276 | $39.0 | 22% |
| Energy & Utilities | $75,012 | $36.0 | 14% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many General Machinist IIIs 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 III with a No Diploma is between $61,655 and $65,788).
General Machinist III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 70.4% |
| Associates | 21.6% |
| Bachelors | 6.4% |
| Masters | 0.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a General Machinist III'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 III, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Machine Operator IV | $55,500 | -16% |
| Expert Machinist | $73,400 | 12% |
| CNC Laser Machine Operator IV | $71,400 | 9% |
| Packing Line Operations Supervisor | $84,600 | 29% |
Salaries for a General Machinist III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $47,491 in 2023 to around $47,039 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of General Machinist III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $47,491 |
| 2024 | $47,355 |
| 2025 | $47,039 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for General Machinist III roles, with salaries approximately 44% above the market median.
Yes, you can make a living as a machinist. The salary range for general machinists is quite competitive, with a minimum salary of $60,800, a mid-range salary of $68,100, and a maximum salary of $76,400. This income is appealing for those interested in the field, providing a solid foundation for a stable career.
A Level 3 technician provides advanced technical support, addressing complex issues related to programming or manufacturing. This role typically involves engineers and technical experts who have a deep understanding of the company's products. In terms of compensation, General Machinists in this field can expect salaries ranging from $60,800 to $76,400, with a median salary of $68,100.
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. With salaries ranging from $60,800 to $76,400, this profession offers competitive compensation for skilled individuals entering the field.
Yes, you can make good money in CNC machining. General Machinists typically earn between $60,800 and $76,400 annually, with a median salary of $68,100. Offering custom furniture and cabinetry services using CNC machines can be a highly profitable venture, allowing you to leverage your skills for substantial earnings.
Military machinists typically earn between $60,800 and $76,400 annually, with a median salary of around $68,100. This is significantly higher than the average U.S. Army machinist pay of approximately $51,294, which is 19% below the national average.
The highest paid CNC machinists can earn between $60,800 and $76,400 annually, with a median salary of $68,100. Cities like Minneapolis, MN, and Racine, WI, offer competitive hourly rates, but overall salaries for CNC machinists vary significantly based on location and experience.
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