CNC Machinist Salaries & Wage Percentiles
Data updated · Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025 · Methodology
Set up and operate computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools to produce precision metal, plastic, or composite components.
National Wage Percentile Spectrum
Empirical distribution from entry-level apprentice (10th percentile) to senior principal / master tier (90th percentile).
Nationwide State Salary Rankings
State-by-state empirical labor compensation benchmarked against local cost of living and purchasing power.
| Rank | State | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | CoL Adjusted Real Wage | Total Employed | Top Metro in State | CoL Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii HI | $84,410 | $40.58/hr | $52,461 | 250 | Urban Honolulu, HI | 160.9 |
| #2 | Alaska AK | $75,040 | $36.08/hr | $62,953 | 50 | Anchorage, AK | 119.2 |
| #3 | District of Columbia DC | $68,850 | $33.10/hr | $43,329 | 620 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 158.9 |
| #4 | Massachusetts MA | $66,190 | $31.82/hr | $50,603 | 6,970 | Barnstable Town, MA | 130.8 |
| #5 | New Jersey NJ | $66,006 | $31.73/hr | $55,890 | 200 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | 118.1 |
| #6 | North Dakota ND | $64,600 | $31.06/hr | $71,698 | 300 | Bismarck, ND | 90.1 |
| #7 | Washington WA | $63,995 | $30.77/hr | $56,135 | 6,120 | Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | 114.0 |
| #8 | Louisiana LA | $63,893 | $30.72/hr | $62,702 | 3,830 | Lake Charles, LA | 101.9 |
Top Metropolitan Areas for Maximum Earnings
High-yield metros commanding premier compensation, rent affordability, and living wage coverage.
Career Ladder & Progression Stages
Typical milestones from entry level to senior roles.
Machine loading, part deburring, basic micrometer inspection
G-code/M-code setups, CNC milling/turning, tooling offset adjustments
Mastercam, multi-axis (5-axis) programming, CAD/CAM surface modeling
Production scheduling, quality auditing, machine fleet maintenance
Skill-Adjacent Career Opportunities
Direct lateral transitions capitalizing on shared occupational competencies and BLS wage differentials.
CNC Machinist: Career Ladder, Industry Hub & Regional Parity
Navigate parent industry benchmarks, lateral career progressions, and cross-pillar living cost calculators.
Industrial Manufacturing Directory
Compare wage percentiles, required certifications, and senior salary caps across all Industrial Manufacturing occupations.
Adjacent Career Paths
Living Cost & Tax Parity
Occupational Labor Economics & Frequently Asked Questions
Explore national wage percentiles (10th to 90th), top-paying metropolitan areas, and career ladder progression for CNC Machinist. Official 2026 economic data for CNC Machinist compiled from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, HUD Fair Market Rents, and statutory tax codes.
Quick answers
National compensation benchmarks for CNC Machinist range across the 10th, 25th, 50th (median), 75th, and 90th percentiles based on BLS OEWS labor market statistics.
CNC Machinist: Where the Pay Is Highest
The national median for CNC Machinist is $58,750 per year ($28.25/hour). BLS OEWS publishes this occupation in 361 metropolitan areas, where median pay ranges from $43,430 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC to $84,410 in Urban Honolulu, HI.
Top-paying metropolitan areas for CNC Machinist
| Metropolitan area | Median annual wage | Vs national |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $84,410 | +43.7% |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $82,690 | +40.7% |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $80,620 | +37.2% |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $77,650 | +32.2% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $75,580 | +28.6% |
| Anchorage, AK | $75,040 | +27.7% |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $74,560 | +26.9% |
| Bismarck, ND | $74,090 | +26.1% |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $72,060 | +22.7% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $71,620 | +21.9% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $71,590 | +21.9% |
| Albany, OR | $71,300 | +21.4% |