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How much does a Machinist II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machinist II in the United States is $58,647 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $70,454
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $52,863 to $64,827
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,597

Key Factors That Influence Machinist II Salaries

A Machinist II'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.

How Experience Level Affects Machinist II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Machinist II'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:

  • Machinist I (0-1 years): $45,985
  • Machinist II (1-3 years): $58,647
  • Machinist III (3-5 years): $65,787
  • Machinist IV (5-7 years): $73,377
  • Machine Shop Production Supervisor I (7+ years): $65,714
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Machinist I0-1 years$45,985
Machinist II1-3 years$58,647
Machinist III3-5 years$65,787
Machinist IV5-7 years$73,377
Machine Shop Production Supervisor I7+ years$65,714

Top Paying Cities for Machinist IIs

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: $73,971
  • San Francisco: $73,162
  • Oakland: $71,620

What Skills Can Increase a Machinist II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 4.34% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Metal Fabrication (Mentioned in 3.52% Job Postings): Metal fabrication is defined as creating products or structures by cutting, bending, and/or assembling metal material.
  • Food Safety (Mentioned in 1.88% Job Postings): Applying procedures during food preparation, processing, storage, and distribution to ensure consumers are safe from foodborne illnesses.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 4.34%
Metal Fabrication 3.52%
Food Safety 1.88%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Machinist II's salary.

  • Food Safety: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Coaching: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Food Safety $62,752
7%
Coaching $62,166
6%
Analysis $62,166
6%

Machinist II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Machinist II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $65,540. While startup companies pay approximate $55,441.

Machinist II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $55,441
Growth Stage 51~500 $58,634
Established 501~5000 $63,288
Enterprise 5000+ $65,540

Machinist II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Machinist II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Machinist positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machinist II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Machinist II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$70,376$34.020%
Financial Services$67,444$32.015%
Internet$67,444$32.015%
Aerospace & Defense$65,685$32.012%
Energy & Utilities$64,512$31.010%

How Education impacts a Machinist II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Machinist II enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Machinist II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $54,515 and $58,301.

Machinist II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Machinist II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 65.1%
High School 65.1%
Associates 28.6%
Bachelors 4.8%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 1.6%

Machinist II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Machinist II'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 September 01, 2026
$52,863
Average $58,647/year
$64,827
$4,405
Average $4,887/month
$5,402
$1,017
Average $1,128/week
$1,247
$25
Average $28/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $64,827 $5,402 $1,247 $31
Average $58,647 $4,887 $1,128 $28
25th Percentile $52,863 $4,405 $1,017 $25

Machinist II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Machinist II, 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.

Machinist II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Injection Molding Machine Operator III $56,668 -3%
Machine Operator III $51,603 -12%
Machinist III $65,787 12%
CNC Machine Operator III $62,747 7%

Most common benefits for Machinist II

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

Common company salaries for Machinist II

Here are companies hiring for Machinist II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Machinist II

1. Where can a Machinist II earn the most?

A Machinist II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Machinist II is $73,971.

2. What is the highest pay for Machinist II?

The highest pay for Machinist II is $70,454.

3. What is the lowest pay for Machinist II?

The lowest pay for Machinist II is $47,597.

4. What are the responsibilities of Machinist II?

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 moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Machinist II?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Machinist II 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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