Kentucky ranks 34th of 51 states and D.C. for machinists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($101,810) by $48,180 — a 90% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $38,200 to $73,000 — a $34,800 spread, 14% tighter than the national $40,660 range.
Kentucky employs roughly 1.4% of all machinists in the country (4,150 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $38,200 | $18.36 |
| 25th percentile | $45,230 | $21.75 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $53,630 | $25.79 |
| 75th percentile | $63,590 | $30.57 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $73,000 | $35.10 |
| Mean (average) | $55,210 | $26.55 |
How Kentucky Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (current) | $53,630 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $101,810 | +90% |
| Hawaii | $77,060 | +44% |
| Alaska | $72,710 | +36% |
| Washington | $64,510 | +20% |
| Wyoming | $64,020 | +19% |
| Massachusetts | $62,420 | +16% |
| Oregon | $62,120 | +16% |
| New Jersey | $62,010 | +16% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Kentucky
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $53,650 | 2,310 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $53,450 | 2,250 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $53,820 | 570 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | $53,030 | 3,920 |
| Teachers and Instructors, All Other | $54,230 | 2,740 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $54,260 | 1,220 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Machinists salary in Kentucky?
The mean machinists salary in Kentucky is $55,210 per year. The median (middle) salary is $53,630 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Machinists in Kentucky?
Entry-level machinistss (10th percentile) in Kentucky typically earn around $38,200 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $45,230 per year.
What is the highest Machinists salary in Kentucky?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Kentucky make approximately $73,000 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $63,590 per year.
How does the Kentucky Machinists salary compare to the national average?
The median machinists salary in Kentucky is $53,630, which is -4% below national average of $56,150.