As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Shop Lead in the United States is $79,412 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Machine Shop Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Machine Shop Lead'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.
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 Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 9.94% |
| 5S | 2.2% |
| Sustainability | 1.85% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
SOP
|
$83,383 |
5%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$83,383 |
5%
|
|
Lean
|
$83,383 |
5%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$83,383 |
5%
|
|
Collaborating with Others
|
$82,589 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$82,589 |
4%
|
For Machine Shop Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, Machine Shop Lead positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Shop Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $96,883 | $47.0 | 22% |
| Biotechnology | $95,295 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $93,707 | $45.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $91,324 | $44.0 | 15% |
| Chemicals | $87,354 | $42.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Machine Shop Leads 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 Lead with a No Diploma is between $82,992 and $88,260).
Machine Shop Lead Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 16.7% |
| High School | 66.7% |
| Associates | 16.7% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Machine Shop Lead'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Machine Shop Lead can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $66,317 in 2023 to around $66,475 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Machine Shop Lead salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $66,317 |
| 2024 | $66,796 |
| 2025 | $66,475 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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