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Average Machinists Salary in Decatur, AL

Machinists in Decatur, AL, command an impressive average annual salary of $59,800, surpassing the national average of $57,000. This elevated pay is often a reflection of the specialized skills required and the specific industrial demands within the Decatur region, contributing to a higher compensation benchmark for these critical roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $59,800 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $86,200.
  • Outlook: Decatur, AL, presents a robust employment landscape for machinists, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 300 individuals. The location quotient of 2.58 strongly indicates a significantly higher concentration of machinists compared to the national average, suggesting robust and sustained demand for their expertise within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$59,800

The average Machinists in Decatur, AL earns+4.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.8

Weekly

$1,150

Monthly

$4,983

Machinists Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL

The career path for machinists in Decatur, AL, typically shows a clear salary progression. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced machinists with specialized certifications or advanced skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one gains experience and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$35,300$17
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$44,850$21.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$57,480$27.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$74,750$35.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$86,200$41.4

Detailed Machinists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$59,800

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$59,800

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $59,800 and a cost of living index precisely at the national average of 100, Decatur, AL, offers a stable financial environment for machinists. The nominal salary directly translates to purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, meaning your earnings will comfortably cover typical expenses without the added burden of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

300

Total Jobs

4.998

Per 1K Jobs

2.58

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Decatur, AL has 2.6x the national concentration of Machinists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The location quotient of 2.58 for machinists in Decatur, AL, signifies a market where this profession is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive job market, where employers actively seek out and value skilled machinists, potentially leading to better job security and negotiation power for qualified candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Machinists

CitySalaryDist.
Huntsville, AL Machinists Salary$62,560↑ 5%22 mi
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Machinists Salary$71,960↑ 20%42 mi
Gadsden, AL Machinists Salary$51,130↓ 14%68 mi
Birmingham, AL Machinists Salary$54,230↓ 9%73 mi
East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Machinists Salary$50,470↓ 16%83 mi

Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL

Hiring Machinistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Machinists make in Decatur, AL?

The median annual salary for a Machinists in Decatur, AL is $59,800. This typically ranges from $35,300 for entry-level positions to $86,200 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 4.9% higher than the national median of $57,000.

Is Decatur, AL a lucrative place for Machinists?

Yes, Decatur, AL is a lucrative place for Machinists.Machinists in Decatur earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.

Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Machinists?

The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($62,560) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.

How does the number of local machinists compare nationally?

With 300 local machinists and a location quotient of 2.58, Decatur has a significantly higher concentration of this profession compared to the national average.

What does a location quotient of 2.58 mean for machinists in Decatur?

A location quotient of 2.58 indicates that Decatur has 2.58 times the number of machinists per worker than the national average, suggesting strong local demand.

How does the cost of living in Decatur affect a machinist's salary?

The cost of living index is 100, meaning it's the national average. Therefore, the $59,800 salary in Decatur has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

Are there many job opportunities for machinists in Decatur?

The high location quotient and substantial local workforce suggest a healthy and active job market for machinists in Decatur, AL.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 4.998 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Machinists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Decatur, AL