As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machining Engineer in the United States is $58,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Machining Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Machining Engineer'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 Machining Engineer'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 Machining Engineer | $47,152 |
| Machining... Level Machining Engineer | $60,128 |
| Machinist... Level Machining Engineer | $67,445 |
| Machinist... Level Machining Engineer | $75,235 |
| Machine S... Level Machining Engineer | $67,379 |
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 Machining Engineers. 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
|
$62,916 |
7%
|
|
Coaching
|
$62,328 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$62,328 |
6%
|
|
Accountability
|
$61,152 |
4%
|
|
Programming
|
$61,152 |
4%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$61,152 |
4%
|
For Machining Engineer 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, Machining Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machining Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $70,560 | $34.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $67,620 | $33.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $67,620 | $33.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $65,856 | $32.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $64,680 | $31.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Machining Engineers 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 Machining Engineer with a No Diploma is between $53,132 and $56,985).
Machining Engineer 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 Machining Engineer'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, 2026Salaries for a Machining Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $43,140 in 2023 to around $43,178 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Machining Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $43,140 |
| 2024 | $43,295 |
| 2025 | $43,178 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Machining Engineer 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.
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