How Much Does a Machine Tech make?

Machine Tech made a median salary around $60,621 in January, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $72,211 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $52,209. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Best-Paying Cities for Machine Tech

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Machine Tech profession are Bellaire , Houston , Galena Park , Alief , South Houston .
Bellaire, TX $62,107
Houston, TX $62,107
Galena Park, TX $62,045
Alief, TX $62,045
South Houston, TX $61,983

Best-Paying States for Machine Tech

The states and districts that pay Machine Tech the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $68,918) , California (around $68,299) , New Jersey (around $67,865) , Alaska (around $67,432) , and Massachusetts (around $67,370) .
District of Columbia $68,918
California $68,299
New Jersey $67,865
Alaska $67,432
Massachusetts $67,370

What is the Career Path of Machine Tech?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Machine Tech, the upper level is Mechanical Engineering Technician III , and then progresses to Mechanical Engineering Technician IV

Frequently Asked Questions for Machine Tech

Q: What is the salary range of Machine Tech in Texas?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Machine Tech in Texas earned an average annual salary of $52,209 , while the highest-paid made $72,211.
Q: What is the salary for a Machine Tech in California?
A: Machine Tech employed in California earned an average salary of $68,299 in 2025.

Average Machine Tech Pay vs. Other Jobs

Machine Tech earned an average salary of $60,621 in 2025. Other jobs related to Machine Tech earned the following average salary in January, 2025. Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator I made $33,288 , Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II made $41,755 , Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III and Or Tech made $46,274 and $55,794 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Machine Tech

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator I - Average Salary $33,288
Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator I is responsible for both automated and manual surface mount manufacturing. Responsible for set-up, operation, and adjustment of SMT equipment. Being a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator I monitors and maintains equipment to meet company standards. May be responsible for quality assurance and documentation. Additionally, Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator I requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator I may require 0-1 year of general work experience. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area.
Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II - Average Salary $41,755
Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II is responsible for both automated and manual surface mount manufacturing. Responsible for set-up, operation, and adjustment of SMT equipment. Being a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II monitors and maintains equipment to meet company standards. Responsible for quality assurance and documentation. Additionally, Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II may be responsible for occasional SMT repair. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III - Average Salary $46,274
Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III is responsible for both automated and manual surface mount manufacturing. Responsible for set-up, operation, and adjustment of SMT equipment. Being a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III monitors and maintains equipment to meet company standards. Responsible for quality assurance and documentation. Additionally, Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III may require a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. To be a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
Or Tech - Average Salary $55,794
There is currently no job description for Or Tech, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Or Tech.
Tire Machine Operator - Average Salary $33,011
Tire Machine Operator sets-up and operates machine to re-groove tread surface of pneumatic tires. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0-2 years of experience. Being a Tire Machine Operator has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Additionally, Tire Machine Operator works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.