As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Shop Assistant in the United States is $40,421 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Machine Shop Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Machine Shop Assistant'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 Machine Shop Assistant'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 S... Level Machine Shop Assistant | $40,191 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Shop Assistant | $44,662 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Shop Assistant | $50,661 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Shop Assistant | $54,478 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Shop Assistant | $79,062 |
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 Machine Shop Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.86% |
| Machine Operation | 3.15% |
| Container | 2.29% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
CNC
|
$43,250 |
7%
|
|
Accountability
|
$42,037 |
4%
|
|
SOP
|
$41,633 |
3%
|
|
Dedication
|
$41,633 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$41,229 |
2%
|
|
ISO
|
$41,229 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Machine Shop Assistants 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 Machine Shop Assistant with a No Diploma is between $37,041 and $39,424).
Machine Shop Assistant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 10.4% |
| High School | 69.8% |
| Associates | 12.5% |
| Bachelors | 7.3% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Machine Shop Assistant'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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a Machine Shop Assistant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $37,575 in 2023 to around $37,055 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Machine Shop Assistant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $37,575 |
| 2024 | $37,304 |
| 2025 | $37,055 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Machine Shop Assistant and their salaries, click below for more details.
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