As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machinist III in the United States is $65,711 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Machinist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
Recruit with AI
Smart Recruiting
A Machinist III'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 III'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 | $45,965 |
| Machinist II | 1-3 years | $58,591 |
| Machinist III | 3-5 years | $65,711 |
| Machinist IV | 5-7 years | $73,325 |
| Machine Shop Production Supervisor I | 7+ years | $65,672 |
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 IIIs. 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
|
$71,625 |
9%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$70,311 |
7%
|
|
Analysis
|
$70,311 |
7%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$70,311 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$69,654 |
6%
|
|
Lean Manufacturing
|
$68,997 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Machinist IIIs 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 III with a No Diploma is between $63,085 and $67,276).
Machinist III 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 Machinist III'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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Machinist III, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Operator IV | $55,461 | -16% |
| Machinist IV | $73,325 | 12% |
| CNC Machine Operator III | $71,297 | 9% |
| Packaging Supervisor | $84,460 | 29% |
Salaries for a Machinist III 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 Machinist III 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 Machinist III and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Machinist III 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.
A Machinist III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Machinist III is $82,881.
The highest pay for Machinist III is $80,374.
The lowest pay for Machinist III is $53,845.
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 independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
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:
