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Machine Technician Salary in the United States

How much does a Machine Technician make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Technician in the United States is $50,576 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, a Machine Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $61,074
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $45,574 to $56,071
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,020
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Machine Technician Salaries

A Machine Technician'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 Machine Technician Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Machine Technician'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $50,203
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $51,150
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $51,970
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $52,216
  • Expert (over 8 years): $52,380
Levels Salary
Entry Level Machine Technician$50,203
Intermediate Level Machine Technician$51,150
Senior Level Machine Technician$51,970
Specialist Level Machine Technician$52,216
Expert Level Machine Technician$52,380
View as Graph

How Do Machine Technicians 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 Machine Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $55,998.
  • California: $55,785.
  • Massachusetts: $55,042.

Top Paying Cities for Machine Technician

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: $63,792
  • San Francisco: $63,093
  • Oakland: $61,763

Machine Technician Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Machine Technician salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $56,617. While startup companies pay approximate $47,897.

Machine Technician Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $47,897
Growth Stage 51~500 $50,656
Established 501~5000 $54,674
Enterprise 5000+ $56,617

Machine Technician Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Machine Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Machine Technician positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Machine Technician

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$60,691$29.020%
Energy & Utilities$58,162$28.015%
Pharmaceuticals$58,162$28.015%
Aerospace & Defense$55,634$27.010%
Chemicals$55,634$27.010%

Machine Technician Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Machine Technician'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, 2026
$45,574
Average $50,576/year
$56,071
$3,798
Average $4,215/month
$4,673
$876
Average $973/week
$1,078
$22
Average $24/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $56,071 $4,673 $1,078 $27
Average $50,576 $4,215 $973 $24
25th Percentile $45,574 $3,798 $876 $22

Machine Technician Salary Growth & Career Path

Machine Technician

Next Role

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Machine Technician, 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
Automated Equipment Technician $70,102 39%
Laser Technician $53,624 6%
Programmable Logic Controller Technician $54,194 7%

Most common benefits for Machine Technician

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

Common company salaries for Machine Technician

Here are companies hiring for Machine Technician and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Machine Technician

1. Where can a Machine Technician earn the most?

A Machine Technician's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Machine Technician earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Machine Technician is $63,792.

2. What is the highest pay for Machine Technician?

The highest pay for Machine Technician is $61,074.

3. What is the lowest pay for Machine Technician?

The lowest pay for Machine Technician is $41,020.

4. What are the responsibilities of Machine Technician?

Performs maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair on industrial machinery to ensure reliable production operations. Sets up, installs, calibrates, and tests production line machinery. Adjusts mechanical and electrical components to maintain equipment performance and reduce downtime. Conducts routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and part replacements as required. Maintains maintenance logs and ensures compliance with safety and operational standards. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Machine Technician?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Machine Technician roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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