Machinist
Machinists
SOC 51-4041
How Much Does a Machinist Make?
The national median salary for a Machinist is $49,910 per year ($24.00/hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data).
That's 24% below the national median salary of $65,470 for all occupations.
How to Become a Machinist
NIMS certification valued
Machinist Job Outlook
Slower than avg — the BLS projects 1% growth from 2024 to 2034.
That's roughly in line with the average across all occupations.
About 23,700 positions are expected to open annually, from both new roles and replacement needs.
Precision manufacturing; aerospace parts; CNC automation
What It's Like to Work as a Machinist
Expect a mix of desk work and some physical activity.
This role typically requires in-person work at a specific location.
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Skilled TradesFrequently Asked Questions
Career data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024-34 projections (released August 2025). Salary data: BLS OEWS May 2024.
View on BLS.gov