As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machinist I in the United States is $45,975 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Machinist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Machinist I | 0-1 years | $45,975 |
| Machinist II | 1-3 years | $58,619 |
| Machinist III | 3-5 years | $65,749 |
| Machinist IV | 5-7 years | $73,351 |
| Machine Shop Production Supervisor I | 7+ years | $65,693 |
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 Machinist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.45% |
| Metal Fabrication | 3.33% |
| HVAC | 1.79% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
SOP
|
$51,492 |
12%
|
|
Time Management
|
$48,734 |
6%
|
|
Consulting
|
$48,274 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$47,814 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$47,814 |
4%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$47,814 |
4%
|
Machinist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $51,423. While startup companies pay approximate $43,488.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $43,488 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $45,996 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $49,658 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $51,423 |
For Machinist I 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 Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Machinist positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 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 | $55,170 | $27.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Machinist Is 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 Machinist I with a No Diploma is between $43,569 and $46,801).
Machinist I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.6% |
| High School | 72.4% |
| Associates | 22.0% |
| Bachelors | 4.1% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a 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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Extrusion Operator, Sr. | $54,584 | 19% |
| Injection Molding Machine Operator II | $48,508 | 6% |
| Machine Operator II | $45,474 | -1% |
| Milling Machine Operator II | $46,865 | 2% |
Salaries for a Machinist I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,256 in 2023 to around $37,727 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Machinist I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $38,256 |
| 2024 | $37,980 |
| 2025 | $37,727 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Machinist I'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 Machinist I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Machinist I is $57,988.
The highest pay for Machinist I is $52,700.
The lowest pay for Machinist I is $38,719.
Assembles, repairs, and fabricates parts or components for tools or machines by operating mechanical equipment. Reads and interprets blueprints and design sketches to determine the precise specifications, dimensions, and tolerance levels of the finished product. Selects and operates the appropriate tools to cut, shape, or finish metal, plastic, or composite material. Sets up, services, and maintains equipment to ensure efficient and safe operation. Utilizes precision measuring instruments to check the accuracy and quality of machined parts. Assembles parts into sub-units or complete units as necessary. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. 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.
The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Machinist I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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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