As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Programmer in the United States is $57,009 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Machine Programmer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Machine Programmer'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 Machine Programmer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Machinist... Level Machine Programmer | $45,722 |
| Machine P... Level Machine Programmer | $58,297 |
| Machinist... Level Machine Programmer | $65,387 |
| Machinist... Level Machine Programmer | $72,948 |
| Machine S... Level Machine Programmer | $65,332 |
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 Machine Programmers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 4.34% |
| Metal Fabrication | 3.52% |
| Food Safety | 1.88% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Food Safety
|
$60,999 |
7%
|
|
Coaching
|
$60,429 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$60,429 |
6%
|
|
Accountability
|
$59,289 |
4%
|
|
Programming
|
$59,289 |
4%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$59,289 |
4%
|
For Machine Programmer 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, Machine Programmer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Programmer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $68,410 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $65,560 | $32.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $65,560 | $32.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $63,850 | $31.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $62,709 | $30.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Machine Programmers 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 Machine Programmer with a No Diploma is between $53,132 and $56,985).
Machine Programmer Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a Machine Programmer'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, 2026Salaries for a Machine Programmer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $41,836 in 2023 to around $41,872 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Machine Programmer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $41,836 |
| 2024 | $41,986 |
| 2025 | $41,872 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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