As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machinist (CNC and Lathe) in the United States is $45,410 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Machinist (CNC and Lathe)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Machinist (CNC and Lathe)'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 (CNC and Lathe)'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 Machinist (CNC and Lathe) | $45,152 |
| Machinist... Level Machinist (CNC and Lathe) | $57,578 |
| Machinist... Level Machinist (CNC and Lathe) | $64,584 |
| Machinist... Level Machinist (CNC and Lathe) | $72,043 |
| Machine S... Level Machinist (CNC and Lathe) | $64,521 |
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 (CNC and Lathe)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.45% |
| Metal Fabrication | 3.33% |
| HVAC | 1.79% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
SOP
|
$50,860 |
12%
|
|
Time Management
|
$48,135 |
6%
|
|
Consulting
|
$47,681 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$47,227 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$47,227 |
4%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$47,227 |
4%
|
For Machinist (CNC and Lathe) roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Machinist (CNC and Lathe) positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machinist (CNC and Lathe) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $54,492 | $26.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Machinist (CNC and Lathe)s 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 (CNC and Lathe) with a No Diploma is between $43,569 and $46,801).
Machinist (CNC and Lathe) Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.6% |
| High School | 72.4% |
| Associates | 22.0% |
| Bachelors | 4.1% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Machinist (CNC and Lathe)'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 Machinist (CNC and Lathe) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $37,568 in 2023 to around $37,048 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Machinist (CNC and Lathe) salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $37,568 |
| 2024 | $37,297 |
| 2025 | $37,048 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Machinist (CNC and Lathe) 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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