As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Machinist in the United States is $65,770 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:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
Recruit with AI
AI-Powered Talent
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Machinist | 0-1 years | $45,980 |
| General Machinist II | 1-3 years | $58,633 |
| Senior Machinist | 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 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
|
$71,689 |
9%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$70,374 |
7%
|
|
Analysis
|
$70,374 |
7%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$70,374 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$69,716 |
6%
|
|
Lean Manufacturing
|
$69,059 |
5%
|
Senior Machinist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $73,626. While startup companies pay approximate $62,286.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $62,286 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $65,874 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $71,099 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $73,626 |
For Senior Machinist 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, Senior Machinist positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Senior Machinist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $94,709 | $46.0 | 44% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $85,501 | $41.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $80,239 | $39.0 | 22% |
| Healthcare | $80,239 | $39.0 | 22% |
| Energy & Utilities | $74,978 | $36.0 | 14% |
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 August 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 | $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 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
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Senior Machinist and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Senior Machinist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Senior Machinist roles, with salaries approximately 44% above the market median.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
