As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machinist Set Up in the United States is $45,496 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Machinist Set Up's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Machinist Set Up'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 Set Up'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Machinist Set Up | $44,959 |
| Intermediate Level Machinist Set Up | $45,341 |
| Senior Level Machinist Set Up | $46,116 |
| Specialist Level Machinist Set Up | $46,271 |
| Expert Level Machinist Set Up | $46,375 |
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 Set Ups. 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
|
$50,955 |
12%
|
|
Time Management
|
$48,226 |
6%
|
|
Consulting
|
$47,771 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$47,316 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$47,316 |
4%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$47,316 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Machinist Set Ups 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 Set Up with a No Diploma is between $43,569 and $46,801).
Machinist Set Up 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 Set Up'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Machinist Set Up can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $37,667 in 2023 to around $37,146 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Machinist Set Up salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $37,667 |
| 2024 | $37,395 |
| 2025 | $37,146 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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