As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Machinist in the United States is $65,640 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Senior Machinist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Senior Machinist'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 Senior Machinist'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 Senior Machinist | $62,886 |
| Intermediate Level Senior Machinist | $63,345 |
| Senior Level Senior Machinist | $64,539 |
| Specialist Level Senior Machinist | $66,413 |
| Expert Level Senior Machinist | $68,953 |
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 Senior Machinists. 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
|
$71,548 |
9%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$70,235 |
7%
|
|
Analysis
|
$70,235 |
7%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$70,235 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$69,578 |
6%
|
|
Lean Manufacturing
|
$68,922 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Senior Machinists 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 Senior Machinist with a No Diploma is between $61,595 and $65,757).
Senior Machinist 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 Senior Machinist'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 January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Senior Machinist, 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 | $65,200 | -1% |
| Expert Machinist | $73,300 | 12% |
| CNC Laser Machine Operator III | $71,300 | 9% |
| Packing Line Operations Supervisor | $84,400 | 29% |
Salaries for a Senior Machinist 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 Senior Machinist 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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In the USA, Senior Machinists earn between $60,750 and $76,370 annually, with a median salary of approximately $68,010. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field. Additional compensation may also be available, depending on the employer and specific job responsibilities.
Military machinists typically earn between $60,750 and $76,370 annually, with a median salary of around $68,010. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and specific roles within the military, providing a competitive compensation package for skilled machinists.
It may surprise you to know that making 6 figures is hardly the norm in the US—even on the lower end of the range. For context, a Senior Machinist earns between $60,750 and $76,370, which is below the 6-figure threshold. According to the US Census, about 16% of American households make between $100,000 and $149,999, with fewer earning more.
Massachusetts offers competitive salaries for machinists, with senior machinists earning between $60,750 and $76,370, with a median salary of $68,010. This is significantly higher than the national average of $42,147. In contrast, South Carolina has lower salaries, highlighting the regional disparities in machinist pay across the U.S.
A Senior Machinist typically earns between $60,750 and $76,370, with a median salary of $68,010. While reaching $100,000 annually is uncommon, it may be possible for those in advanced roles involving setup, programming, or supervisory duties, especially with overtime and benefits. Skills and experience play a crucial role in achieving higher earnings.
The highest-paying machine operator role is the Senior Machinist, with a salary range of $60,750 to $76,370 per year, and a mid-salary of $68,010. Other high-paying positions include CMM Programmer and CNC Machinist, but the Senior Machinist stands out for its competitive compensation.
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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