Average Machinists Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Machinists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $74,780, significantly surpassing the national average of $57,000. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the region's robust industrial sector, demand for specialized manufacturing skills, and the higher cost of doing business in a major West Coast hub.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $74,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $107,240.
- Outlook: The local job market for Machinists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, appears stable and moderately concentrated. With a total workforce of 4,270 individuals in this role, and a Location Quotient of 1.06, the area shows a slightly higher concentration of Machinists than the national average, suggesting consistent demand and a healthy employment landscape for skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Machinists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+31.2%above the national average.
$36
$1,438
$6,232
Machinists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Machinists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for precision manufacturing, and the need for specialized skills likely contribute to an upward trajectory in average earnings for this profession.
Machinists Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
The career path for Machinists typically involves significant salary progression based on experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in advanced machining techniques, CNC programming, or specific industries can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $48,630 | $23.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $56,085 | $27 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $73,790 | $35.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $93,475 | $44.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $107,240 | $51.6 |
Detailed Machinists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$74,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$74,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
For Machinists considering a move to Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, the average salary of $74,780 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making the higher wages effectively offset by the cost of living in the region.
Job Market Context
4,270
Total Jobs
2.052
Per 1K Jobs
1.06
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.06, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Machinists roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.06 for Machinists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, indicates a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these skilled professionals, as the area employs a marginally higher proportion of Machinists relative to its overall workforce compared to the rest of the country, implying a competitive but accessible market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Machinists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Machinists Salary | $74,560↓ 0% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Machinists Salary | $60,530↓ 19% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Machinists Salary | $58,950↓ 21% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Machinists Salary | $56,630↓ 24% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Machinists Salary | $64,430↓ 14% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Machinistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Machinists make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Machinists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $74,780. This typically ranges from $48,630 for entry-level positions to $107,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 31.2% higher than the national median of $57,000.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Machinists?
Yes, it is a lucrative location for Machinists.Machinists in this area earn significantly more than the national average, and their salary is well-balanced with the local cost of living.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Machinists?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($74,560) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Machinist salary in Seattle compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Machinists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $74,780, which is substantially higher than the national average of $57,000.
What is the concentration of Machinists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.06, indicating a slightly higher presence of Machinists in this metropolitan area compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the Machinist salary in Seattle?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher salary effectively maintains purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
How many Machinists are employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area?
There are approximately 4,270 Machinists employed within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,270 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 2.052 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Machinists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- All Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Management Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Browse All Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Machinists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA