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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machinist Operator in Tennessee is $42,090 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 | $46,357 | $3,863 | $891 | $22 |
| Average | $42,090 | $3,507 | $809 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,528 | $3,127 | $722 | $18 |
Lokar, Inc - Knoxville, TN
Smith+Nephew - Memphis, TN
Wagstaff Inc - FRANCISVILLE, KY
Lusk Quality Machine Products - PALMDALE, CA
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 | $38,728 |
| Machinist... Level Machinist Operator | $43,040 |
| Machine O... Level Machinist Operator | $48,836 |
| Machine O... Level Machinist Operator | $52,477 |
| Machine O... Level Machinist Operator | $76,242 |
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 | $54,717 | $26.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $52,612 | $25.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $50,508 | $24.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $48,403 | $23.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $46,299 | $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 | $46,357 | $3,863 | $891 | $22 |
| Average | $42,090 | $3,507 | $809 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,528 | $3,127 | $722 | $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.
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
1 Month 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
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TSG - The Sheridan Group
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VT
TSG - The Sheridan Group
WEST WOODSTOCK, VT
TSG - The Sheridan Group
HARTFORD, VT
TSG - The Sheridan Group
GRANTHAM, NH
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