As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Milling Machinist I in the United States is $44,670 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Milling Machinist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Milling 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Milling 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Milling Machinist I | $44,430 |
| Intermediate Level Milling Machinist I | $45,073 |
| Senior Level Milling Machinist I | $45,649 |
| Specialist Level Milling Machinist I | $45,822 |
| Expert Level Milling Machinist I | $45,937 |
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 Machinist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Milling Machinist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $50,005. While startup companies pay approximate $42,303.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $42,303 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $44,741 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $48,289 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $50,005 |
For Milling Machinist 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 Machinist positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Milling 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 | $67,005 | $32.0 | 50% |
| Biotechnology | $67,005 | $32.0 | 50% |
| Business Services | $67,005 | $32.0 | 50% |
| Chemicals | $67,005 | $32.0 | 50% |
| Construction | $67,005 | $32.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Milling 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 Milling 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 | 22% |
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator II | $48,600 | 9% |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | $45,500 | 2% |
| Milling Machine Technician II | $46,900 | 5% |
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Milling Machinist I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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