What Machinists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Machinists this way: "Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders"; "Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers"; "Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines"; "Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process"; "Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is long-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Machinists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 288,300 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 291,200 in 2035, an increase of 2,900 jobs (+1%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 26,100 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 9.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $58,750, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Machinists earn the most
Across the 5 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $56,983 in Indiana to $61,231 in Minnesota, a gap of $4,248 (1.07 times). 2 of those 5 states average above the BLS national median of $58,750 and 3 average at or below it.
Indiana employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 28,150, which is 26.4% of the 106,560 counted across them. Illinois follows with 22,310.
Highest-paying states
Minnesota ($61,231), Wisconsin ($60,216) and Illinois ($58,246) lead the ranking, while Indiana ($56,983) and Texas ($57,926) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Machinists: pay against the cost of living
We compare 5 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Harris County, TX (Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX) at $29,168. The smallest margin is $18,771 in Cook County, IL.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 5 of the 5 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 29.3% and 45.3% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Machinists
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (51-4000) include Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers and Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
Frequently asked questions about Machinists
How much do Machinists earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $58,750. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $56,983 to $61,231.
Which state pays Machinists the most?
Minnesota, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $61,231. Wisconsin is next at $60,216.
Is Machinists a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 1% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 26,100 openings a year.
What education do Machinists need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and long-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Machinists afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Harris County, TX leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $29,168 on a median wage of $61,280.