As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Milling Machine Technician I in South Dakota is $40,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Milling Machine Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Milling Machine Technician 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Milling Machine Technician 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Milling Machine Technician I | $40,406 |
| Intermediate Level Milling Machine Technician I | $40,994 |
| Senior Level Milling Machine Technician I | $41,523 |
| Specialist Level Milling Machine Technician I | $41,681 |
| Expert Level Milling Machine Technician I | $41,787 |
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 Milling Machine Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Milling Machine Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $45,449. While startup companies pay approximate $38,449.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $38,449 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $40,664 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $43,889 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $45,449 |
For Milling Machine Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Milling Machine Technician positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Milling Machine Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $60,900 | $29.0 | 50% |
| Biotechnology | $60,900 | $29.0 | 50% |
| Business Services | $60,900 | $29.0 | 50% |
| Chemicals | $60,900 | $29.0 | 50% |
| Construction | $60,900 | $29.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Milling Machine Technician 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 Milling Machine Technician 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 | $49,700 | 22% |
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator II | $44,100 | 9% |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | $41,400 | 2% |
| Milling Machine Technician II | $42,600 | 5% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Milling Machine Technician I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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