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General Machinist IV Salary in the United States

How much does a General Machinist IV make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Machinist IV in the United States is $73,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $87,432
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $64,880 to $80,740
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $57,132
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence General Machinist IV Salaries

A General Machinist IV'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 General Machinist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a General Machinist IV'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): $58,661
  • General Machinist III (3-5 years): $65,806
  • General Machinist IV (5-7 years): $73,390
  • Machining Operations Supervisor I (7+ years): $65,725
  • Machining Operations Supervisor II (7+ years): $78,441
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
General Machinist II1-3 years$58,661
General Machinist III3-5 years$65,806
General Machinist IV5-7 years$73,390
Machining Operations Supervisor I7+ years$65,725
Machining Operations Supervisor II7+ years$78,441
View as Graph

How Do General Machinist IV 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 General Machinist IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $81,260.
  • California: $80,950.
  • Massachusetts: $79,880.

Top Paying Cities for General Machinist IVs

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: $92,570
  • San Francisco: $91,560
  • Oakland: $89,630

General Machinist IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

General Machinist IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,932. While startup companies pay approximate $69,376.

General Machinist IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $69,376
Growth Stage 51~500 $73,356
Established 501~5000 $79,112
Enterprise 5000+ $81,932

General Machinist IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For General Machinist IV 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 Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, General Machinist positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view General Machinist IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a General Machinist IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$95,407$46.030%
Energy & Utilities$91,738$44.025%
Financial Services$88,068$42.020%
Aerospace & Defense$84,398$41.015%
Chemicals$80,729$39.010%

General Machinist IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a General Machinist IV'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 October 01, 2026
$64,880
Average $73,390/year
$80,740
$5,407
Average $6,116/month
$6,728
$1,248
Average $1,411/week
$1,553
$31
Average $35/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $80,740 $6,728 $1,553 $39
Average $73,390 $6,116 $1,411 $35
25th Percentile $64,880 $5,407 $1,248 $31

General Machinist IV Salary Growth & Career Path

General Machinist IV

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a General Machinist IV, 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
Production Machine Operations Supervisor $80,600 10%
Machining Operations Supervisor I $65,800 -10%
Packing Line Operations Supervisor $84,600 15%

Most common benefits for General Machinist IV

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for General Machinist IV

Here are companies hiring for General Machinist IV and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about General Machinist IV

1. What industry pays the highest salary for General Machinist IV?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for General Machinist IV roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What pays more machinist or welder?

While entry-level compensation for both machinists and welders is similar, experienced machinists tend to earn more. General machinists have a salary range from $70,370 to $87,030, with a mid-salary of $78,720. In comparison, experienced welders typically earn around $46,000, making machinists the higher-paid option overall.

3. Is a machinist a skilled trade?

A machinist is indeed a skilled trade worker who operates various tools to produce metal parts. They require a blend of technical knowledge and soft skills to ensure accuracy and quality in their work. In terms of compensation, machinists can expect salaries ranging from $70,370 to $87,030, with a median salary of $78,720, reflecting their expertise and the demand for their skills.

4. Are machinists still in demand?

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 $70,370 to $87,030, this career offers competitive compensation and strong job prospects.

5. What is the salary of CNC machinist in Dubai?

The salary of a General Machinist in Dubai ranges from AED 70,370 to AED 87,030 annually, with a mid-range salary of AED 78,720. This reflects the compensation for skilled professionals in the field, varying based on experience and specific job responsibilities.

6. What is a level 1 machinist?

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 $70,370 to $87,030, with a mid-range salary of $78,720, reflecting the skill and precision required in this role.

7. What is the highest salary of cnc?

The highest salary for a General Machinist is approximately $87,030 per year. Salary ranges typically start from a minimum of $70,370, with a mid-level salary around $78,720. These figures reflect the earnings potential for skilled machinists in the industry.

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.)

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