Machinists Salary in Seattle, WA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Median annual salary $73,790 +31.4% vs national
Median hourly $35.48
10th percentile $48,630
90th percentile $107,240
Employed locally 4,270
National median $56,150

Compare Machinists salary & buying power

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Machinists
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    In Seattle, WA, machinists earn a median annual salary of $73,790, which is significantly higher than the national median of $56,150 for this occupation. This local figure translates to a median hourly wage of $35.48. When compared to the area's median household income of $112,594, machinists' earnings represent approximately 65% of the typical household income in Seattle. This comparison indicates that while machinists earn above-average salaries within their field on a national scale, they still fall below the local median household income, reflecting broader economic conditions and living costs in the region.

    Salaries for machinists in Seattle vary widely depending on experience levels. Entry-level machinists typically earn around $48,630 annually, which is close to the 10th percentile of earnings. In contrast, those at the 25th percentile make approximately $61,120 per year. Experienced workers can see significantly higher compensation, with salaries reaching up to $87,530 at the 75th percentile and as much as $107,240 at the 90th percentile. The difference in earnings is primarily driven by factors such as experience, skill specialization, productivity, and the complexity of tasks handled. Additionally, the demand for skilled machinists due to Seattle's robust manufacturing sector may contribute to these salary variations, rewarding those with higher levels of expertise and efficiency.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $48,630
    25th
    $61,120
    50th (median)
    $73,790
    75th
    $87,530
    90th
    $107,240

    Seattle economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $112,594 2023 • Census ACS
    Machinists salary vs area income 66% Median Machinists salary is 34% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Machinists make per hour in Seattle?

    The median hourly wage for Machinists in Seattle, WA is $35.48, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $53.27 or more per hour.

    Is Seattle above or below average for Machinists salaries?

    The median Machinists salary in Seattle, WA is 31.4% above the national median of $56,150. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Machinists in Seattle?

    Entry-level Machinists (10th percentile) earn around $48,630 per year in Seattle, WA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $61,120.