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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machinist Operator in Kentucky is $42,383 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Machinist Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Machinist Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $46,680 | $3,890 | $898 | $22 |
| Average | $42,383 | $3,532 | $815 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,789 | $3,149 | $727 | $18 |
White - Hopkinsville, KY
Wagstaff Inc. - Hebron, KY
Wagstaff Inc - Francisville, KY
GE Vernova - Erlanger, KY
A Machinist Operator'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Machinist Operator'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 |
|---|---|
| Machine O... Level Machinist Operator | $38,998 |
| Machinist... Level Machinist Operator | $43,340 |
| Machine O... Level Machinist Operator | $49,175 |
| Machine O... Level Machinist Operator | $52,842 |
| Machine O... Level Machinist Operator | $76,773 |
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 Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Machinist Operator 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 Media and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Machinist Operator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machinist Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | $55,098 | $26.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $52,978 | $25.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $50,859 | $24.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $48,740 | $23.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $46,621 | $22.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Machinist Operator'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $46,680 | $3,890 | $898 | $22 |
| Average | $42,383 | $3,532 | $815 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,789 | $3,149 | $727 | $18 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Machinist Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
GE Vernova
Erlanger, KY
GE Vernova | Erlanger, KY
CNC Machinist - Mill Operator. The Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) Machinist will work at the Erlanger, KY Service Center to service and manufacture l... more
11 Days Ago
Meta Tech Industries
HOUSTON, TX
Meta Tech Industries | HOUSTON, TX
At a Glance Company: Meta Tech Industries Location: Houston, TX (On-site) Job Type: Full-Time Pay Range: $26 – $35 per hour (DOE) Shift: Day Shift Overtime... more
14 Days Ago
Lusk Quality Machine Products
PALMDALE, CA
Lusk Quality Machine Products | PALMDALE, CA
At a Glance Company: Lusk Quality Machine Products Location: Palmdale, CA Job Type: Full-Time Experience: 2 Years Machine Type: CNC Swiss Controls: Fanuc, ... more
12 Days Ago
KMM Group, LTD.
HATBORO, PA
KMM Group, LTD. | HATBORO, PA
At a Glance Company: KMM Group, Ltd. Location: Hatboro, PA (On-site) Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $25–$35/hour (based on experience) Sign-On Bonus: Up to $2,50... more
14 Days Ago
Los Alamos National Laboratory
LOS ALAMOS, NM
Los Alamos National Laboratory | LOS ALAMOS, NM
At a Glance Company: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Location: Los Alamos, NM (On-Site) Job Type: Full-Time Pay Range: $80,400 – $143,000 per year (b... more
9 Days Ago
TECOMET
WINONA LAKE, IN
TECOMET | WINONA LAKE, IN
Tecomet is seeking a skilled CNC Machinist II to produce precision components for life-changing medical and advanced aerospace applications. In this role y... more
8 Days Ago
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