Machinist: career path and pay in the US
Where a Machinist goes next, what each step typically pays in the United States, and how exposed the path is to AI replacement. 4 steps, from Machinist / Apprentice to Machine Shop Manager / Manufacturing Manager.
Also for the United Kingdom: Machinist in the UK
The path
Step 1 · 0 to 2 years
Machinist / Apprentice
$45K to $70K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: Apprenticeship Program (in progress) - US/UK/EU, Health & Safety Certification (required) - Global.
Step 2 · 2 to 5 years
Machinist / Journeyman
$65K to $100K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: Machinist Certification (optional) - Global, NVQ Level 3 Machining - UK/EU, Health & Safety Certification - Global, CNC Certification (optional) - Global.
Step 3 · 5 to 10 years
Master Machinist / Supervisor
$75K to $110K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: Machinist Certification - Global, NVQ Level 4 Machining - UK/EU, Health & Safety Certification - Global, CNC Certification - Global.
Step 4 · 10+ years
Machine Shop Manager / Manufacturing Manager
$80K to $125K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: Machinist Certification - Global, NVQ Level 4 Machining - UK/EU, Health & Safety Certification - Global, CNC Certification - Global.
Exposure and pay along the path
Exposure to AI, now to later
24% → 24%
Stays level across the path. Lower is better.
Typical pay, now to later
$45K to $70K → $80K to $125K
US estimates by job title, Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale US. Indeed publishes a hourly average for Machinist ($28.05); this band converts it at 40 hours a week. The published figure for Master Machinist sat below the previous step, so this band is set 12% above it. The published figure for Machine Shop Manager sat below the previous step, so this band is set 12% above it.
What the work involves
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.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics
Knowledge areas
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
Education people bring
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED): 36%
- Post-Secondary Certificate: 33%
- Some College Courses: 17%
Job Zone 3, job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Other paths from here
- Tool and Die Maker
- Millwright
- Manufacturing Manager
- Quality Manager
More Skilled Trades paths in the US
Related occupations in O*NET: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators, Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Tool and Die Makers, Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers.
Your own role
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SourcesSalary bands: Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale US, US national averages by job title, retrieved September 2026Skills, knowledge and education: O*NET 31.0 Database
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CC BY 4.0
Salary estimates by job title from Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale, retrieved September 2026. Each band runs from 20% below to 20% above the reported average, rounded to $5K. Exposure percentages and the skills listed under each step are this app's own editorial ratings, not published data.