Machinist salary in Boulder, CO
Machinists in the Boulder, CO metro area earn a median of $63,990 a year ($30.76 an hour), based on BLS data for 240 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,770 for the lowest-paid 10% to $103,170 for the top 10%. That is 9% higher than the national median of $58,750. Pay here is 6% higher than the Colorado statewide median of $60,200. There are 1.2 machinists per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.67). The average (mean) salary is $71,010, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for machinists in Boulder, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,770 | $23.45 |
| 25th percentile | $55,070 | $26.48 |
| Median | $63,990 | $30.76 |
| 75th percentile | $83,500 | $40.14 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $103,170 | $49.60 |
| Average (mean) | $71,010 | $34.14 |
Half of machinists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,332.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,666.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,461.15 |
| Weekly | $1,230.58 |
| Hourly | $30.76 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Machinist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $61,500 | 480 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $60,620 | 1,050 |
| Greeley, CO | $58,340 | 260 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $57,510 | 380 |
| Pueblo, CO | $57,230 | 90 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $49,180 | 100 |
Highest-paying states for machinists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $84,410 |
| Alaska | $77,670 |
| District of Columbia | $72,900 |
| Massachusetts | $67,270 |
| Washington | $66,160 |
| Oregon | $63,820 |
| New Jersey | $63,190 |
| Wyoming | $63,070 |
| Vermont | $62,680 |
| Delaware | $62,650 |
See Machinist pay in every state or the Colorado statewide figures.
Related jobs in Boulder, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $65,040 | $31.27 |
| Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $44,020 | $21.16 |
| Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $51,980 | $24.99 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | $47,610 | $22.89 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $84,880 | $40.81 |
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $60,400 | $29.04 |
| Food Batchmaker | $43,090 | $20.72 |
| Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | $55,220 | $26.55 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $41,820 | $20.11 |
| Baker | $40,660 | $19.55 |
| Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $53,340 | $25.64 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $51,230 | $24.63 |
| Printing Press Operator | $48,910 | $23.51 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $74,270 | $35.71 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-4041. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a machinist make in Boulder, CO?
The median salary for machinists in the Boulder, CO metro area is $63,990 a year, or $30.76 an hour. Pay ranges from $48,770 for the lowest-paid 10% to $103,170 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid machinists make in Boulder, CO?
The top 10% of machinists in the Boulder, CO metro area earn at least $103,170 a year. The top 25% earn $83,500 or more.
What is the starting pay for machinists in Boulder, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,770 a year, and a quarter of machinists earn $55,070 or less.
How many machinists work in Boulder, CO?
About 240 machinists are employed in the Boulder, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.