Tennessee ranks 49th of 51 states and D.C. for machinists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($101,810) by $53,200 — a 109% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $36,050 to $67,780 — a $31,730 spread, 22% tighter than the national $40,660 range.
Machinists are more concentrated in Tennessee than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.22 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.22× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $36,050 | $17.33 |
| 25th percentile | $40,970 | $19.70 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $48,610 | $23.37 |
| 75th percentile | $60,760 | $29.21 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $67,780 | $32.59 |
| Mean (average) | $51,850 | $24.93 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $48,610 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $101,810 | +109% |
| Hawaii | $77,060 | +59% |
| Alaska | $72,710 | +50% |
| Washington | $64,510 | +33% |
| Wyoming | $64,020 | +32% |
| Massachusetts | $62,420 | +28% |
| Oregon | $62,120 | +28% |
| New Jersey | $62,010 | +28% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | $48,710 | 2,210 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $48,760 | 2,130 |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $48,780 | 5,690 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $48,320 | 1,330 |
| Travel Agents | $48,990 | 600 |
| Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents | $49,000 | 1,910 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Machinists salary in Tennessee?
The mean machinists salary in Tennessee is $51,850 per year. The median (middle) salary is $48,610 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Machinists in Tennessee?
Entry-level machinistss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $36,050 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $40,970 per year.
What is the highest Machinists salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $67,780 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $60,760 per year.
How does the Tennessee Machinists salary compare to the national average?
The median machinists salary in Tennessee is $48,610, which is -13% below national average of $56,150.